Our Earth's Future

  • 4.7
Approx. 8 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course explores the science behind climate change and its impact on the Earth's systems. Students will learn about the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as potential solutions.

Key Learning Points

  • Understand the science behind climate change
  • Evaluate the impact of climate change on Earth's systems
  • Explore potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the basic science behind climate change
  • Identify the impact of climate change on Earth's systems
  • Evaluate potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic understanding of science
  • Interest in climate change and its impact on the Earth

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced
  • Video Lectures

Similar Courses

  • Climate Change and Health
  • Climate Adaptation
  • Climate Science and Policy

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Greta Thunberg
  • Bill McKibben
  • Katharine Hayhoe

Related Books

Description

Our Earth’s Future is about the science of climate change and how to talk about it. You will learn from scientists in the fields of climatology, oceanography, Earth science, and anthropology who study how climate change is affecting people, populations, and ways of life. Explore the multiple lines of evidence for the human-induced climate change that is happening today, and consider what that means for the future of our planet. At the end of this course you will be able to understand key scientific principles, identify and address misconceptions, and contribute confidently to conversations about climate change.

Outline

  • Climate Change Is Happening: See It
  • Welcome to Our Earth's Future
  • What is science? What is climate?
  • Communicating Climate Change
  • Scientists at Work: Greenland Ice Core
  • Syllabus
  • Resources
  • Educator Resources
  • Energy Balance and the Greenhouse Effect
  • Week One: Check Your Climate Knowledge
  • It All Comes Down to the Ocean
  • Welcome to Week Two
  • Melting Ice, Rising Seas
  • Oceanography 101
  • Arctic Sea Ice: The New Normal
  • The Role of the Ocean in Climate Change
  • Week Two: Check Your Climate Knowledge
  • Climate Change is Happening: Model It
  • Welcome to Week Three
  • Climate Change: Understanding the Forecast
  • What are Feedback and Forcings?
  • Connecting Drought in Africa's Sahel to Climate Change
  • Climate Models
  • Week Three: Check Your Climate Knowledge
  • Living with Climate Change
  • Welcome to Week Four
  • Patterns
  • Climate Change: A View from the Pacific
  • Declining Sea Ice Affects Caribou
  • Protecting Wildlife in a Changing Climate
  • The Impact of Climate Change on Pacific Island Peoples
  • Consequences of Climate Change
  • Week Four: Check Your Climate Knowledge
  • Mitigate, Adapt, or Suffer?
  • Welcome to Week Five
  • Climate Change Risk in and Unknowable Future
  • Hurricane Sandy in NYC
  • Risk, Uncertainty, and the Future
  • Resources
  • Educator Resources
  • Opportunities for Educators
  • Support AMNH
  • Video Credits
  • Week Five: Check Your Climate Knowledge

Summary of User Reviews

The Earth's Climate Change course on Coursera received positive reviews from students. The course covers a range of topics related to climate change and is taught by knowledgeable instructors. Many users found the course to be engaging and informative.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Covers a range of topics related to climate change
  • Provides a good overview of the science behind climate change
  • Easy to follow lectures and materials
  • Engaging and knowledgeable instructors
  • Offers practical solutions to mitigate climate change

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the quizzes to be too difficult
  • The course can be overwhelming for beginners
  • Some users felt that the course lacked depth in certain areas
  • Some of the readings and materials were outdated
  • The course may not be suitable for those looking for a technical or advanced level course
English
Available now
Approx. 8 hours to complete
Debra Tillinger, Ph.D.
American Museum of Natural History
Coursera

Instructor

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