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Climate Change: Science, Policies, Impacts [S-13-12]

NOTE:  The first two sessions of this course are held in the computer lab - CAMP 163; the last two session of this course are held in the classrom - CAMP 175

LINK to the course web site created by our presenters at Clarkson University for "Climate Change: Science, Policies, Impacts."

Susan Powers, Coordinator

For these four sessions we will draw on the experience and expertise of some of our local research scientists so that we may better understand what is happening in the realm of climate change.

The four CU and SLU faculty members comprising this interdisciplinary team have all conducted research and taught college classes on various aspects of climate change.

Their presentations are, in this order:

1) Suresh Dhaniyala – “The Science behind Solar Radiation, Greenhouse Gases, and Greenhouse Effect.” If you have heard about climate change, you have probably heard about greenhouse gases. Did you know that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are what make life comfortable on Earth? What are greenhouse gases and how are they important from a global climate point of view. This workshop will introduce attendees to basic atmospheric science governing Earth’s Climate and its relation to the gases in the atmosphere. We will use simple, interactive computer-animations to study and understand these critical climate science topics. Computers will be provided. (NOTE: computers are provided, bringing your own laptop is optional.) (Camp 163)

LINKS:

• http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/blackbody-spectrum  Click on "run spectrum"
• http://phet.colorado.edu/en/search?q=green+house+gas Click on "Green House Gasses"

2) Susan Powers – “Sources of Greenhouse Gases and Your Own Carbon Footprint.” Did you know that the average US citizen is responsible for approximately 20 metric tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) each year, whereas the world average is only 4? Join us to learn more about sources of greenhouse gases and carbon footprint calculators, calculate your own footprint, and work with experts to help you learn how to interpret the results to most effectively reduce your carbon footprint. NOTE: To make the most of this workshop, bring your 2012 year-end electricity and home heating bills and estimate the number of miles you drive each year. Computers will be available for your use. (Camp 163)

LINKS:

• Watch Your Step! Calculate Your Carbon Footprint - .pdf file
  WEBSITE LINKS:
• http://Co2now.org - "Earth's CO2 Home Page" from CO2Now.org
• http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html - How clean is the electricity I Use? - Power Profiler from U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• http://www.earthday.org/footprint-calculator - Ecological Footpront Quiz from Earth Day Network. 
• http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx - Carbon footprint Calculator from Carbon Footprint.
• http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/ind-calculator.html Household Carbon Footprint Caldulator from the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency.
• http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator "What's My Carbon Footprint? from the Nature Conservancy site.

3) Jon Rosales – “On the Front Lines.” Climate change is more pronounced and disruptive in the Arctic than anywhere else on the planet. It is especially obvious and disruptive to native people who live off the land. This class focuses on impacts of climate change with special attention given to coastal villages in Alaska. For the past four years, Dr. Rosales has been studying the biophysical and social impacts of climate change in two indigenous villages in Alaska on the front lines of climate change. This class summarizes what has been learned with his Alaskans Sharing Indigenous Knowledge (AKSIK) project and considers how the villages can receive aid in adapting to climate change. (Camp 175)

View the links section of Jon's SOAR spring 2012 presentation "Climate Change, Science and Policy"

4) Stephen Bird – “Integrating Science into the Policy Process.” How does public policy – which integrates politics, regulation, and science – work effectively for the public interest? This lecture examines the policy process and scientific uncertainty, and considers how the development of public policy should integrate science. A discussion of interests, consensus, certainty, and meta-analysis informs this discussion. *Presenter’s Background (Camp 175)

NOTE: The above are the full presentation descriptions from the presenters.

Cap: 35