Instructor: Don Falk
Thurs | 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Our society is full of urgent, dire warnings about the potential ecological, social, and economic consequences of climate change. These consequences are real, supported by extensive scientific evidence, and will affect every student at the University for the rest of their lives and professional careers. However, once we have accepted the reality of climate change, it is equally important to tackle solving this global crisis. In fact, there are an increasing number of creative, effective, and readily available ways to address the climate crisis. These generally take two forms: first, we need to find ways to reduce our impact on the climate system, primarily by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and sequestering carbon in the biosphere. Second, we have to be ready to adapt to the change that is already inevitable because of elevated GHGs already present in the atmosphere. Over the semester, we will examine a wide range of solutions to the climate crisis in both categories, assessing their readiness to be implemented at scale, and the potential benefits to be realized. Students will play a key role in the course by conducting independent research of various climate solutions. No GE.