The Challenge of Human Induced Climate Change: Transitioning to a Post Fossil Fuel Future

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$ 1880

Brief Introduction

Human induced climate change has the potential to alter the function of natural ecosystems and the lives of people on a global scale

Course Summary

This course discusses the challenge of human-induced climate change and how we can transition to a post-fossil fuel future. It explores the science, policy, and economic aspects of climate change and provides solutions for a sustainable future.

Key Learning Points

  • Understand the science of climate change and its effects on the environment and society
  • Analyze the economic and policy implications of transitioning to a post-fossil fuel future
  • Identify sustainable strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the science of climate change and its effects on the environment and society
  • Analyze the economic and policy implications of transitioning to a post-fossil fuel future
  • Develop sustainable strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic knowledge of environmental science and economics
  • Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • Climate Change and Health
  • Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainable Cities

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Greta Thunberg
  • Katharine Hayhoe
  • Bill McKibben

Related Books

Description

Course description

Human induced climate change has the potential to alter the function of natural ecosystems and the lives of people on a global scale. The prospect lies not in the distant future but is imminent. Our choice is either to act immediately to change the nature of our global energy system (abandon our dependence on fossil fuels) or accept the consequences (included among which are increased incidence of violent storms, fires, floods and droughts, changes in the spatial distribution and properties of critical ecosystems, and rising sea levels). The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of relevant physical, technical and social factors including a historical perspective. In the latter half of the course, we engage students in an interactive dialogue on possible responses recognizing explicitly differences in motivations for different constituencies—for developed as distinct from developing economies, for example. We plan to explore options for a zero carbon future energy system including the challenges involved in implementing the necessary transition. If we fail to abandon our dependence on fossil fuels—and the time scale over which we must do so to realize even the minimal objectives outlined in the recent Paris climate accord is as brief as a couple of decades or even less—might we need to explore possibilities for geoengineering, for purposeful intervention in the global climate system? Arguments for and against such options are discussed and debated. We expect students to be actively involved in exploring, researching and debating responses to any and all of these interrelated issues.

Summary of User Reviews

The course on transitioning to a post-fossil fuel future and tackling human-induced climate change at Harvard Online Learning has garnered positive reviews from users. Many users found the course informative and engaging, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The overall rating of the course is high, indicating the quality of education offered by Harvard Online Learning.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course content was found to be very informative and engaging by many users.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Comprehensive coverage of the topic.
  • Engaging and interactive course content.
  • Expert instructors with a deep understanding of the subject matter.
  • High-quality educational resources and materials.
  • Timely and relevant course content.

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course to be too challenging.
  • The course may not be suitable for beginners with little to no knowledge of the subject matter.
  • Some users felt that more practical examples could be included in the course content.
  • The course may require a significant time commitment.
  • The course may be relatively expensive for some users.
$ 1880
English
25th Jan, 2020
15th May, 2021
Michael B. McElroy, Shaojie Song
Harvard University, Harvard Extension School
Harvard University

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