University of California, Davis
Dept. of Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology
and
Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute
(Bodega Marine Laboratory)
Archived Course:
CLIMATE CHANGE
Science, Impacts, Politics, Solutions
Sept 8 - Dec 8, 2018
A RENAISSANCE SOCIETY SEMINAR COURSE
at
California State University at Sacramento
Tom Suchanek & Dana Nuccitelli
- with videographic filming and production assistance from - Kit Tyler
This course addresses the scientific basis behind climate change, including detection, risks and impacts of and potential solutions to climate change that occur locally, nationally and globally. We review the history of climate science to show how basic climate processes were discovered, and discuss how Earth’s climate has changed over the span of centuries to millions of years. We address topics such as: How does our climate system work and how is it affecting the earth and its physical, chemical and biological components? How “is” and “will” ongoing climate change affect extreme and unpredictable events including, among others: temperature, rainfall, tornadoes, hurricanes, frequency and intensity of fires, sea level rise, El Niño events, and ocean acidification. In addition, it discusses the Paris Climate Agreement, the status and future options for alternative energy sources, geo-engineering and how each of us can make a difference.
Click on the Lecture you wish to view.
Syllabus:
1) Sept 8: Introduction: Overview of Climate Change
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2) Sept 15: How Does the Climate System Work?
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3) Sept 22: History of Climate Change
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4) Sept 29: Climate Model Accuracy & Future Projections
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5) Oct 6: Common Climate Change Myths
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6) Oct 13: The 97% Expert Climate Consensus
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7) Oct 20: Climate Change Impacts
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8) Oct 27: Biodiversity & Climate Change in Antarctica
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9) Nov 10: U.S. Military's Interface with Climate Change
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10) Dec 1: Economic/Policy Solutions and China's Influence
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11) Dec 8: Alternative Energy Sources & Geo-engineering Solutions
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"50 THINGS" YOU CAN DO PERSONALLY
TO HELP SOLVE THE CLIMATE CRISIS...
Energy / Product Consumption:
• If possible, power your home with alternative (non-fossil fuel) energy sources: solar, wind, hydro-electric, etc. {A}
• Use energy efficient (e.g., “Energy Star”) appliances {A}
• Swap your gas stove for an electric stove {A}
• Turn off all unused lights {A}
• Transition to LED or other energy efficient lights {A}
• Keep thermostats as low as possible (in winter) and as high as possible
(in summer) {A}
• Use a programmable thermostat {A}
• Clean or replace HVAC filters every 3 months {A}
• Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle… EVERYTHING!…(Especially plastics) {B}
• Eliminate single-use items {B}
• Use your own re-usable grocery bags {B}
• Use less fossil fuel based products, including plastics {B}
• Eliminate electric “vampire power” drains {A}
• Remove fully-charged devices from their charging stations {A}
• Remove all non-active devices from their power sources {A}
• Wash clothes in cool or cold water {A}
• Opt for paperless billing and/or pay bills electronically {B}
• Unsubscribe or cancel all junk mail {B}
• Do a home energy audit {A}
• Weatherize/Reinsulate your home: walls, attics, floors, etc {A}
• Use double or triple-pane windows {A}
• Calculate your own household Carbon Footprint (click below)
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/household-carbon-footprint-calculator
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Water / Vegetation:
• Plant more trees {C}
• Conserve all water {D}
• Don’t overwater your lawns {D}
• Convert lawns into gardens {D}
• Turn the water off while brushing teeth or washing dishes {D}
• Use a dishwasher and washing machine only when there’s a full load {D}
• Use commercial car washes {D}
Transportation:
• Fly less {A}
• Carpool/RideShare {A}
• Take Public Transportation {A}
• Drive an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle {A}
• Don’t let your gasoline car idle when not in use {B}
• Keep your tires properly inflated {E}
• Walk or ride your bike when feasible {E}
Foods:
• In general, consume less animal protein (ex: adopt a Meat-less Monday strategy) {F}
• Eat chicken or fish in place of beef {F}
• Don't waste food {G}
• Grow your own food {G}
• Try the new “Beyond Meat” or other alternative non-meat products {F}
• Try eating insects! (lower on the food chain)... (Ha Ha, you never know, you might like them!) {G}
• Buy your foods from local growers/producers {G}
Personal Responsibility:
• "Unplug" at least once per day: enjoy nature and the environment around you {H}
• Educate Your Friends, Enemies, and Acquaintances About Climate Change {I}
• Buy Carbon Offsets {B}
• Donate to your favorite environmental and/or political cause {J}
• Join an activist group to MAKE A DIFFERENCE out there... {I & J}
And... MOST Importantly...
#50 --> VOTE !
In all Local, State and Federal Elections…
--> To support those individuals that will
fight to solve this Climate Crisis!
And... Keep in mind… An Old Native American Proverb…
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children…“
* WHY SHOULD WE BE TAKING THESE ACTIONS?
Accompanying letters {in brackets} provide
Explanations /Justifications that can be found below.
WHY SHOULD WE BE FOLLOWING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?
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{A} Saves energy, and thus lowers CO2 emissions
{B} Saves energy, or lowers production (fossil fuel usage), and thus
lowers CO2 emissions
{C} Increases CO2uptake, thus lowers atmospheric CO2
{D} Reduces energy to process and deliver water, thus lowers
CO2 emissions
{E} Decreases fuel usage, thus lowers CO2 emissions
{F} Reduces energy to process foods higher on the food web, or
eliminates destruction of forests to grow beef or other large meat
animal products
{G} Reduces fuel/energy costs associated with
transportation/refrigeration, etc., thus lowers CO2emissions.
{H} Helps maintain a healthy body and mental state as we struggle to
solve this problem
{I} Increases the chances that others will understand the Climate
Crisis and contribute to solving it
{J} Increase the support and momentum to solve this Crisis