PHY2222

Human-induced climate change is the defining issue of our time, and how we act over the next 10-15 years will determine humanity's future over the next millennium. Global temperature has already risen 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. We are already seeing many of the environmental and socio-economic consequences of climate change today. Climate change leads to rising seas, flooding, fires and drought. As a result, millions of people worldwide are being displaced, driven to poverty and hunger, denied access to health and education. Climate change is expanding inequalities, stifling economic growth and causing conflict.

This purpose-driven Physics module will give you an understanding of the physics underlying climate and climate change and empower you to take action. We will examine anthropogenic climate change in context of planetary climates and build our own toy models of climate. We will look at evidence for, and future predictions of climate change; and consider scenarios for mitigation and adaption.

During the course, you will actively engage with the lecturer(s), guest lecturers and your peers. You will work together to apply your understanding of the physics concepts at play. Throughout the module, you will be expected to develop your own critical, evidence-based positions on contemporary news and reports about climate change impacts and predictions.

1. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the climate system, the causes and mechanisms of anthropogenic climate change;
2. Place anthropogenic climate change within the context of natural variability;
3. Describe experiments, observations and how they evidence climate change, and be familiar with current predictions of future climate change
4. Discuss what controls the response time of the climate to anthropogenic activity and natural variability ;
5. Demonstrate understanding of the greenhouse effect using simple energy-balance models, radiative forcing and feedback, and how they relate to anthropogenic climate change;
6. Apply simple models of climate to Earth and other planets;
7. Describe the carbon and water cycles and explain their climate feedbacks;
8. Explain the Gaia hypothesis, describe life's influence on climate and discuss implications for Earth's habitability;
9. Have an appreciation of the non-linearity of the climate and Earth systems; demonstrate understanding of the concept of tipping points, explain the main tipping points in the climate system, provide examples of tipping points in both physical and social systems, and discuss them critically;
10. Critically assess the main scenarios for climate change mitigation and adaptation, within the context of predictions of future climate change;
11. Explain and discuss how environmental monitoring and modelling influence legislation and policy.

12. Demonstrate a good understanding of atmospheric physics;
13. Describe the main events in the early history of Earth and its climate;
14. View climate and anthropogenic activities as part of a complex system wherein all agents are intrinsically connected via stabilising or self-reinforcing feedbacks that can result in tipping points;

15. Critically access, analyse and synthesize information about climate and climate change from a wide range of sources;
16. Provide context to what is read or seen in all forms of media about climate and climate change;
17. Process, interpret and present data using appropriate techniques and tools;
18. Communicate ideas and information confidently, effectively and critically;
19. Work efficiently as part of a group as well as individually;
20. Prepare and present information via a range of media;
21. Have a professional, yet also personal position on ideas and actions regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation.

• Not applicable

• Not applicable

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2222