This course examines global warming as both a geophysical and social issue. We will introduce the physical science that explains the problem, from the basic concepts of climate (carbon cycle, greenhouse effect, climate feedbacks) through to the models that project future climate changes and their impacts. Social scientific perspectives will cover the history of climate science, the geographical and political-economic implications of fossil fuels for industrial production, and the regulatory and ethical challenges posed by the current and prospective impacts of global warming. We will provide students with a solid understanding & information base with which to analyze and evaluate ongoing developments and debates surrounding climate change.

This lower-division course introduces global warming as both a scientific and social issue. We will introduce the physical science that sets the stage for the problem, from the basic concepts of climate (carbon cycle, greenhouse effect, climate feedbacks) through to the climate model projections of future climate changes and their impacts. Social scientific perspectives will be integrated throughout, including the history of climate science, the geographical and political-economic implications of fossil fuels and industrial production, and the challenges posed to existing regulatory and governance systems by the current and prospective impacts of global warming. Several guest lecturers will give in-depth reviews of specific topical issues. We aim to provide students with a solid understanding and information base with which to analyze and evaluate ongoing developments and (often heated) debates surrounding global climate change.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills