ENV 312 Energy and Climate Change
This course on energy and climate science is suitable for non-science majors and may be applied toward fulfillment of requirements within the Environmental Studies program. The primary course objectives are to 1) examine the relationship between human energy consumption and global environmental systems; and 2) explore the scientific, political, social, and economic issues surrounding the debate on global climate change. To achieve these objectives, the course will be divided into two modules, the first on energy and the second on climate. The first half of the semester will entail in-depth analyses of the environmental impacts of different energy sources. Students will calculate their individual energy consumption and gain insight regarding energy efficiency and conservation. In the second half of the term, analysis of the major findings in climate and atmospheric science, such as average annual temperature records, will deepen students’ understanding of the roles of natural phenomena and human activities in global climate change. This sound scientific basis will ultimately inform a series of debates on various aspects of climate policy.
Prerequisite
WRIT 102 or
WRIT 201 MATH 113 or higher, and one lower level BIOL, CHEM, or ENV course; or permission from the department