Climate change and renewable energy

Human-induced climate change and resulting extreme weather events are an increasing and serious threat to the Earth’s ecosystems.

This free course describes the basic science of the greenhouse effect and how it has been modified by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. It describes the large cuts in greenhouse gas emissions that will be required to stabilise the global climate, the role of international climate change negotiations and the need for an energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• explain the basic principles of the atmospheric greenhouse effect and the term 'Net Zero'
• understand the human influences causing the anthropogenic or enhanced greenhouse effect
• understand the reasons for, and the consequences of, climate change
• explain the role of international climate negotiations
• understand the need for large and immediate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
• understand the key technologies and other actions, which will include behavioural change, needed to stabilise the global climate.
  

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