ATOC听1060 (3) Our Changing Environment: El Nino, Ozone, and Climate
Carl Hager, PhD.
Introduction
The time has never been better to embark on an introductory survey of climate science. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere recently surpassed 420 parts per million, a milestone not seen in millions of years. The seriousness of the problem and complexities of the challenge cannot be overstated. Even if CO2 were to stabilize at current levels, the planet may warm by 5掳C over the next few millennia as a result of the effects of CO2 on glaciers and ecosystems. A doubling of CO2 since the Industrial Revolution (~422 ppm), which could occur within decades unless emissions are curbed, could boost global average temperatures by 9掳C. No matter your philosophy or politics, wherever life takes you after graduating from CU鈥撀槎褂霸�, you are taking your next step toward global citizenship and stewardship by contemplating the science of planet Earth.
Welcome to the Class.听听I鈥檓 stoked to have you enter the discussion!
Key Questions for the Course
- How and why has climate changed in the past?
- How and why will climate change in the future?
- How do we know what we know about climate and climate change?
- Why should you care about climate change?
- How can we deal with climate change?
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