Climate Change: From Science to Action

Some scientists and politicians have identified climate change as the single greatest issue that humans will grapple with in our lifetimes. We’ll study scientific principles that govern our earth’s atmosphere, see how humans are affecting earth’s energy balance, and explore how human-caused changes will likely affect earth systems in the future. In addition to thoroughly studying the science behind climate change, we will look at an how economists respond to global warming and offer strategies to address climate change. Similarly, we’ll examine political proposals to address climate change, on a local, national, and global level. We will interview people in the governmental, energy, and non-profit world to see how the approach the problem from different perspectives.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of one full year of introductory chemistry.

This is a Trimester-Length Concentrated Course: Tuesday 8/29 – Monday 11/20/2017 (12 weeks)

Geoff Ruth – The Urban School
Geoff has taught high school science for 16 years at three different schools, and has spent the last 9 years at the Urban School. Geoff earned a geology degree from Carleton College, but mostly teaches chemistry and environmental science. He has been department chair at two schools, and starting next year will be Academic Dean at Urban. Before becoming a classroom teacher, he wrote chemistry curriculum at Lawrence Hall of Science, taught at environmental education centers, and worked on a couple farms.