Climate Change: The Science (FutureLearn)

Offered by University of Exeter,
Climate Change: The Science (FutureLearn)

Learn about the science of climate change, the risks it poses and how human activity is changing our world. Climate Change poses an increasing threat to the stability of Earth’s systems. If we want to protect our planet from dangerous and unprecedented change, first we must understand the science behind climate change.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

On this course you will explore this science, looking back across 4 billion years of Earth’s history to help you learn the difference between ‘natural’ from ‘human’ induced change; looking to the present to see how the impacts of climate change are already being felt; and finally looking to the future to see what it might hold for our planet.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Climate Science
Week 2: Evidence for Climate Change
Week 3: Impacts of Climate Change
Week 4: Looking ahead...

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Describe the key principles of climate change
  • Explore past climate change
  • Identify signs of climate change
  • Explain impacts on land and ocean systems
  • Discuss future projections and modelling future scenarios
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Science Communication and Public Engagement (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Universidad Autonoma de Madrid,EIT Food,EIT,University of Turin

Science Communication and Public Engagement (FutureLearn)

Discover the importance of public engagement in science, and learn techniques to share and raise awareness of your research. Define your message and share your findings through social and traditional media. Good science communication ensures the public engage with and understand relevant scientific research. On this course, you will learn how best to share your science findings with your intended audience.

Jan 2nd 2023
3 Weeks
Sustainable Cities: Governing Urban Adaptation Under Climate Change (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Groningen,Global Center on Adaptation

Sustainable Cities: Governing Urban Adaptation Under Climate Change (FutureLearn)

Discover expert governance strategies for preparing urban areas to face the challenges posed by climate change. Learn how cities can successfully adapt to environmental change. In this course, you will investigate how governance strategies and policies for making cities more sustainable and resilient in the face of increasing climate risks can be financed and implemented.

Dec 6th 2021
3 Weeks
The Science Behind Forensic Science (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
King's College London

The Science Behind Forensic Science (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to the science of forensic science and discover how it's applied in the real world. Discover the biology and chemistry behind forensic science. How does forensic science really work? How are scientific principles applied in crime scenes? Answer these questions and more with this course from the team who teach the longest-running forensic science programme of its type in England.

Jun 24th 2024
4 Weeks
Understanding Climate Change using Satellite Data (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Twente

Understanding Climate Change using Satellite Data (FutureLearn)

Explore cutting-edge technology and learn how to analyse satellite climate data to help measure and mitigate climate change. Explore the tools that can help with climate change solutions. To accurately study climate change, assess its risks, and mitigate the impact, we need systematic observations of the climate.

Nov 29th 2021
3 Weeks
Using Systems Thinking to Tackle the Climate and Biodiversity Crisis (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Reading

Using Systems Thinking to Tackle the Climate and Biodiversity Crisis (FutureLearn)

Discover how switching to a systems mindset could help overcome the global environmental challenges we face today. Take a big picture approach to the climate and biodiversity crisis. With crises as vast, complex, and interconnected as climate change and biodiversity loss, focusing on one aspect of the problem will never be enough. Systems thinking offers a new way of seeing and understanding environmental issues, which could radically change how we go about tackling them. On this two-week course from the University of Reading, you’ll learn what systems thinking is and how it could transform your approach to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Feb 27th 2023
2 Weeks
Planet Partners: Tackling the Climate Crisis Together (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Reading

Planet Partners: Tackling the Climate Crisis Together (FutureLearn)

Investigate the impact of climate change, the research being done to tackle it, and what you can do to take meaningful action. Explore the different areas affected by climate change. The impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide and across many areas of life. This includes our food, our physical and mental health, where and how we live, wildlife and environmental systems, and political direction.

Sep 13th 2021
2 Weeks
The Challenge of Global Water Security (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Cardiff University

The Challenge of Global Water Security (FutureLearn)

An introduction to the challenges of water security on a local and global scale. How do we achieve water security for everyone? Over the next 30 years it is estimated that 80% of the world’s population will live in areas with high levels of water scarcity. How do we manage this so that we can ensure global water security for both people and ecosystems?

Jun 6th 2022
4 Weeks
Environmental Justice (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of East Anglia

Environmental Justice (FutureLearn)

Understand how climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation affect people, exploring justice in environment management. The world faces challenging environmental problems. They are challenging because different people typically contribute differently to environmental change, and because its effects will be felt differently by different people in different places.

Oct 11th 2021
5-12 Weeks
Making Climate Adaptation Happen: Governing Transformation Strategies for Climate Change (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Groningen,Global Center on Adaptation

Making Climate Adaptation Happen: Governing Transformation Strategies for Climate Change (FutureLearn)

Explore how adaptive governance could help policymakers plan for and manage sudden environmental changes. Learn the governance tools to respond to climate change. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing governing bodies across the globe. On this course, you will be introduced to climate science, the societal effects of climate change, and the responses already available in the form of climate adaptation.

Mar 7th 2022
4 Weeks
Taking on the Climate Crisis with Social Change (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Stockholm University

Taking on the Climate Crisis with Social Change (FutureLearn)

Explore the reasons and solutions for the climate crisis, equipping you to create a better today and tomorrow. Discover how social transformation can help us tackle the climate crisis The harsh realities of global warming and climate change often make people feel helpless, but there is a lot that can be done. This three-week course will open your eyes to the actions you can take.

Feb 13th 2023
3 Weeks
Exploring Our Oceans (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Southampton

Exploring Our Oceans (FutureLearn)

Explore the half of our world covered by deep ocean, and how our lives affect the hidden face of our planet. Discover how you can play a part in the safe keeping of the future of our ocean. What lies in the half of our world covered by water more than two miles deep? How are our everyday lives connected to the ocean depths, and what challenges and opportunities does this previously hidden realm hold for our future?

Nov 21st 2022
4 Weeks