Global Warming and Climate Change

At the end of this course students will be able to: 1. explain the concept of global warming; 2. explain Causes and effects of global warming; 3. suggest possible societal responses to global warming; 4. explain the relationship between global warning and climate change; 5. explain the concepts of Climate variability and external forcing mechanisms; and 6. discuss solutions to negative impacts of climate change

Meaning of Global Warming: the long – term rise in the average temperature of the earth’s climate system as a major aspect of current climate change. Causes and effects of global warming. Possible societal responses to global warming. Regional trends. Greenhouse gasses. Relationship between global warning and climate change. Climate change: definition and meaning: climate change occurs when changes in the patterns that remains in place for an extended period of time. Causes and effects/impacts of climate. Earth’s energy budget and climate system. Climate variability. External forcing mechanisms: Greenhouse gasses; orbital variations; solar output; volcanism; plate tectonics; and cosmic rays. 200 Level