CCS 02 — Rising Tides, Shifting Landscapes: The Science of Climate Change
Quarter: Summer
Instructor(s): Zachary Kaufman
Date(s): Jun 29—Aug 3
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Tuition: $415
Refund Deadline: Jul 1
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 50
Status: Registration opens May 18, 8:30 am (PT)
The relationship between global warming and fossil fuel emissions is well known, but the complexities of Earth’s climate system can make it difficult to grasp the full scope of its impacts. How do we predict future changes? What will the planet look like in 50 or 100 years—and why? Which regions are most vulnerable to rising sea levels? We will explore the Earth’s climate system to better understand global climate change and how it will shape the future of our planet.
Students will adopt the mindset of a climate scientist through interactive sessions that draw on real-world observations, computer simulations, and predictions from advanced Earth system models. Topics include the Earth’s greenhouse effect; natural climate fluctuations, such as the ice ages; and more recent changes, including the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice. With instructor support, students will apply their learning to weekly exercises and a final project on a climate change topic of their choice.
Students will adopt the mindset of a climate scientist through interactive sessions that draw on real-world observations, computer simulations, and predictions from advanced Earth system models. Topics include the Earth’s greenhouse effect; natural climate fluctuations, such as the ice ages; and more recent changes, including the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice. With instructor support, students will apply their learning to weekly exercises and a final project on a climate change topic of their choice.
No math or science expertise is required. However, this course will use some basic algebra and equations and will explore concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics.
ZACHARY KAUFMAN
Postdoctoral Scholar, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Temple University
Zachary (Zack) Kaufman’s research focuses on climate change mechanisms in the polar regions, and his research has been published in the Journal of Climate and Geophysical Research Letters, among other journals. As a climate scientist, Kaufman is broadly interested in how Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets interact to shape the spatial pattern of climate change. Beyond research, Kaufman also has a passion for science communication, translating geophysical research knowledge for nonacademic audiences from diverse backgrounds. Textbooks for this course:
(Optional) R. Saravanan, The Climate Demon: Past, Present, and Future of Climate Prediction (ISBN 978-1009018043)
(Optional) David Archer, Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast, 2nd Edition (ISBN 978- 0470943410)
(Optional) David Archer, Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast, 2nd Edition (ISBN 978- 0470943410)