GEY 401 - Climate Change Past and Present

Earth’s future climate is one of the most pressing scientific, political, and socio-economic issues of our time. Forecasts of the future are only as certain as our understanding of the present climate system. The class is divided into three parts: 1) components and interactions of the climate system, 2) evidence of past climate change, and 3) predictions of future change. The first part of the class will focus on the components (nuts and bolts) of the present climate system and how these components interact on various time scales. The second part of the course will focus on records of past climate change. How do these records form? How are they interpreted? During the final part of the course we will examine the integration of climate change science into public policy. Course Typically Offered: Odd spring.

Prerequisite(s): GEY 141

Credits: 3