Foundations of Climate Science and Global Warming

Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, demanding a clear, scientific understanding of the fundamental Earth systems that govern it. This course provides a rigorous, text-based foundation in the physical and atmospheric sciences that control global climate, enabling you to interpret current data and scientific projections with confidence. This training will equip you with a robust, evidence-based framework for understanding the mechanisms of global warming, moving beyond surface-level discussions to grasp the core physics involved. What you'll learn: * Understand the fundamental energy balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared energy that drives Earth's temperature. * Analyze the role of key greenhouse gases and aerosols in atmospheric chemistry and the resulting radiative forcing effects. * Learn how physical processes like oceanic circulation, atmospheric convection, and orbital mechanics shape regional and global climates. * Interpret modern and historical climate data, including temperature anomalies, ice core records, and sea-level trends. * Examine critical climate feedback mechanisms, such as the ice-albedo effect and water vapor feedback, that accelerate warming. * Grasp the core principles and inherent limitations of complex climate models used for making future projections. We begin by establishing core terminology and the physics of radiation before moving into complex atmospheric and oceanic dynamics. The course concludes by exploring how scientific findings are translated into climate models and data interpretations. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in climate science. No prior scientific background is required—just a willingness to read and engage with detailed concepts. Start building your scientific literacy in climate systems today.