Content
Topic Introduction
Global climate change is an increasing concern. A basic understanding of the science underpinning climate change is important. In this lecture, we will introduce students the concepts of weather, climate, climate variability, climate extremes, and climate change. We will also explain the major causes of climate change, and model projections of future climates based on various greenhouse-gas-emission scenarios. Options and challenges to fight against climate change will also be covered in this lecture.
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Explain the difference between weather and climate, and between climate variability and climate change
- Describe the relationship between the mean and the extremes of a climate variable.
- Identify the major causes of climate change.
- Recognize the seriousness of climate change and its impact.
- Describe the options and challenges in fighting against climate change.
- Recognize the seriousness of climate change and its impact.
Topic Readings
Required Readings
Optional Readings
Self Check Quiz (For certificate Learning only)
After reading for this topic, take 5 minutes to take an online self-check quiz for the topic. The main purpose of the quiz is for you to self-check how well you grasp the contents for this topic. It will cover contents of the lecture(s) for the topic. Five attempts are allowed and highest mark will be saved to show your achievement.
When you are ready, click the link Self-check Quiz 1.1 or go to left menu > Quizzes > Self-check Quiz 1.1 to start taking the quiz.
Activities & Assignments (For certificate Learning only)
Online Discussions
Online discussions are much like face-to-face discussions. Good preparation and active participation are required from students in order to achieve the learning objectives. The online discussion will be asynchronous (i.e., students can participate at different times) and will be closed at the end of the week. This discussion accounts for 15 marks to be graded based on relevance, quality, quantity, contribution to learning and on-time posting. Your performance will be graded by 3 peers first, then reviewed by Instructor, and the final grade will be assigned by Instructor. Regarding specific directions, requirements, and grading criteria for the online discussion, you may check them out on the 'Online Discussions' page under 'Modules' > 'Graded Assignments'.
Discussion Topics:
- Climate variability and climate change
- Options for fighting against climate change
To participate in the discussion, please go to Online Discussion 1.1 class forum.
Graded Assignments
No assignment for this week.
Topic Summary
In this topic, we covered the concepts of weather, climate, climate variability and climate change. We also explained the major cause of the contemporary climate changes – anthropogenic greenhouse emissions, and demonstrated climate projections for future periods. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are the two options to fight against climate change, but facing tremendous challenges ahead.
Topic Self-review (For self learning)
Please use the reflection questions below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic:
- What are the difference between climate and weather?
- What are the differences between climate variability and climate change?
- What are the main features of observed climate change in term of the mean and variation of temperatures?
- What are the main causes of the contemporary climate change?
- What are the two kinds of measures to fight against climate change?
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