Natural Sciences 191CNS30 - FYS - Extreme Earth

There is extreme controversy surrounding the subject of climate change. The topic is presented in the media as either a 'hoax' or as the most important issue humanity will face in the coming years. This course will explore aspects of past, present, and future climate change across a range of timescales. First, we will discuss Earth's climate as an interconnected system. We will examine how the climate has responded to natural variability in the past and delve into some of the most extreme climate fluctuations in Earth's history. We will also learn about some of the tools scientists use to investigate these past variations in the climate system. Then, we will discuss how Earth's climate has transformed due to human activities, and analyze how the system may respond in the future. This will enable students to make their own informed decisions about this contentious issue.

Open to Natural Sciences Freshman with a declared major or on the Natural Sciences Exploratory Track.