Location: Lectures KNE 210 Schedule: TTh 10:30-12:20 Alternative
Schedule: Various quiz sections Department: Atmospheric Sciences
Human-induced climate change - popularly known as "global
warming" - has emerged as one of humanity's great challenges in
the 21st century. Ignoring this problem could impose severe
environmental consequences on for future generations. But to
prevent these consequences, the current generation would have to
rapidly and dramatically transform the energy basis of the
global economy. At stake are deeply felt values as well as
entrenched economic interests. This course will examine the
science behind the controversy. The text and lectures will
provide a critical analysis of the current scientific consensus.
We will also examine stronger claims made by advocates on both
sides - "skeptics" and "alarmists," as they are sometimes
called. Through in-class activities and weekly discussion
sessions, students will develop their understanding of these
ideas and express their reactions to them.