Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces. He then discusses the Earth's Energy Imbalance (EEI), which has been rapidly increasing in recent years due to human activities. Kevin goes on to present a wealth of scientific evidence that supports the existence of climate change and its link to human activity. Finally, he examines the impact that climate change has had on the hydrological cycle.
Watch all the videos and pass the test to obtain a certificate showing your completion of this Pathway. Certificates can be shared directly to your LinkedIn profile and social media accounts.
5 video modules • 1 hour 28 minutes
The climate is a deciding factor in where to holiday, what food we eat and how we live. It guides animals in when to hibernate and when to mate. But what are the building blocks of our climate system and how does it work? Join pre-eminent climate scientist Kevin Trenberth as he guides us through the basics of the climate system.
Kevin Trenberth • 17:02
In this video, Kevin introduces Earth’s Energy Budget and the Complexity of the Climate System. He also talks about the increasing pace of the earth's energy imbalance, which is responsible for extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires, heat waves, and storms occurring more frequently than ever.
Kevin Trenberth • 18:38
In the previous video, Kevin Trenberth explained the Earth’s Energy Imbalance (EEI). In this video, Kevin explains how human activities have contributed to this increasing EEI. He also explains some important terms we should all be aware of with regards to the climate crisis, such as aerosols, feedbacks. Finally he introduces climate models and their significance.
Kevin Trenberth • 14:14
In this video, Kevin explains how global warming has been observed and measured from a scientific perspective. He looks at rising global temperatures caused by increased CO2 levels and how Earth’s energy imbalance has risen over time. He then explains how global warming has been observed through rising ocean temperatures and sea levels, as well as through changes in the land and the ice.
Kevin Trenberth • 21:53
Water is irreplaceable, non-substitutable and absolutely essential for life. The global water cycle is also changing. Join Kevin Trenberth in this video where he outlines what precipitation is, the hydrological cycle and how this is changing due to the climate crisis.
Kevin Trenberth • 16:33