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Course Description: Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that humanity faces this century. This course provides students with the critical scientific grounding to understand the dynamics of the climate system, the causes of climate change, the impact of climate change on society, and the challenges of mitigation and adaptation. The first half of the semester is devoted to the science of the climate system. This includes how the sun and planetary motion affects the Earth's energy budget, atmospheric composition and radiative forcing, the carbon cycle, global atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and modes of climate variability. The second half of the semester is devoted to the interactions between human activity and the climate. We begin by examining how climate has varied in the past and the effect on the development of human society. Then we discuss the current and predicted impacts of climate change on environment and society, the communications challenge, and the politics and economics of controlling greenhouse gas emissions. Prerequisites: Third-year standing and at least one of GEOG 102, GEOG 200, GEOG 204, ATSC 201, EOSC 112. Learning Objectives: At the end of the semester, a student that does the readings, reviews the course material, participates in the classroom and devotes time to the assignments and group project should:
Course evaluation, policies and expectations Grades will be calculated as follows: Mid-term quiz 1 (Feb 9) – 25% There is no final exam.
Assignments The assignments must be handed in either at the beginning of the lecture on the date indicated OR by 4 pm in the Geography Main Office (Room GEOG 217). No late assignments will be accepted.
Participation Students are expected to follow the news relating to climate change science, policy, politics and solutions throughout the semester. A selection of trusted news sources is provided on the course website. The first five minutes of every class will be spent discussing recent news items. Therefore, students should come to each class prepared to mention a relevant news item. Students are also expected to come to class prepared to discuss the daily readings and participate in the classroom activities. As part of the class participation, each student will also be expected to respond to a news item with a letter to the editor. This assignment will be explained in class. Group Project Students will work in assigned groups of three of four on a project and presentation related to climate change “solutions” (e.g. alternative energy, adaptation measures, education, etc.) in selected regions of the world. The projects will be presented during a “Solutions Summit” at the end of the semester. The details of the group project and the Solutions Summit will be discussed the third week of the semester. No late group projects will be accepted.
Readings There is no required textbook for this course. The course web-site lists the required discussion readings for each class and also the background readings for those students who would benefit from further background material. Students are expected to do the readings and come to class prepared to participate in group discussions. The following textbooks which provide helpful background are on hold in the Geography Information Centre, Room 112. Archer, D (2007) Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 194 pp. Bridgman, HA, Oliver JE (2006) The Global Climate System: Patterns, Processes and Teleconnections. Cambridge University Press, New York, 330 p. O’Hare G, Sweeney, J and Wilby, R. (2005) Weather, Climate and Climate Change: Human Perspectives. Pearson Press, Toronto, 420 p. Taylor, FW (2005). Elementary Climate Physics. Oxford Univ. Press, Toronto, 212 p. |
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