Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/Bentley University/NAS 348 Global Climate Change (Spring 2024)

The course examines the basic concepts of climate science and climate change including distinguishing climate from weather, Earth system science, Earth’s energy balance, the greenhouse effect, the water and carbon cycles, and atmospheric circulation. It will explore natural climate changes such as latitudinal and seasonal changes, as well as those in the distant past such as the ice ages. It will include an examination of recent changes in the climate system and their causes, such as changes in atmospheric temperature, sea level, sea ice extent, and extreme events; and contrast those changes with natural variations. The course will examine projections for future climate change and the potential of those changes to impact communities, businesses, and civil society and the inequities of those impacts. The course will also explore the complexity of international negotiations to collectively address climate change, examine the extent to which various solutions can mitigate climate change, and the need to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. Course Goals The overall goal of this course is to provide students the background that will enable them to consider aspects of climate change in the decisions they will make in their future for their businesses and organizations, communities and personally. Specifically, this course will provide them with an understanding of the science behind climate change, both naturally occurring and influenced by human activities; an understanding that the Earth is a complex system in which each component impacts and is impacted by the others; and that the Earth and human systems, including individuals, communities, businesses and organizations are inextricably linked. Student Learning Goals (stated very briefly) include 1) Earth's Energy Balance; 2) the Greenhouse Effect; 3) Earth System Science; 4) Human Impacts on Earth's Climate; 5) Develop Data Analysis Skills; 6) the Business Case for Understading Global Climate Change (Bentley University is a business school); and 7) Effective Communication of Science.