Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/climate-change-nj
Introduction
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and understanding its implications is crucial for everyone, especially those living in affected areas like New Jersey. The course ‘Climate and Climate Change in New Jersey’ offered by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) provides a comprehensive primer on this topic. In this blog post, I will detail my experience with the course, review its content, and recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about climate change.
Course Overview
This course is structured into four parts, designed to be completed sequentially or at your own pace. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and offers 2.5 professional development hours along with a Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion. The course is anchored around the phenomenon of ‘sunny-day flooding,’ which is increasingly relevant to coastal communities in New Jersey.
Part One: Introduction to Climate Systems
The first part of the course introduces the global climate system and New Jersey’s specific climate conditions. Dr. David Robinson, a Professor of Geography at Rutgers University, provides an engaging overview of what to expect from the course. This section sets a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of climate systems.
Part Two: Understanding Climate Change
In the second part, Dr. Debra Tillinger, an oceanographer, explains the mechanisms behind climate change and the evidence supporting its occurrence in New Jersey. This section is particularly enlightening as it connects the dots between global warming and local impacts, such as sunny-day flooding.
Part Three: Monitoring Climate and Predicting Future Changes
The third part delves into the feedbacks and forcings that disrupt climate stability. Dr. Tillinger’s explanation of these concepts is clear and informative, helping learners grasp the challenges of climate modeling. Dr. Robinson also discusses how New Jersey monitors its climate, including projections for sea level rise and flooding.
Part Four: Impacts and Solutions
The final part of the course focuses on the impacts of climate change in New Jersey and potential solutions. Dr. Robinson wraps up the course by summarizing the current understanding of sunny-day flooding and offering insights into how communities can address these challenges.
Conclusion
Overall, ‘Climate and Climate Change in New Jersey’ is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of climate change, especially in the context of New Jersey. The course is well-structured, informative, and engaging, making it suitable for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge of the subject. I highly recommend this course to educators, students, and anyone interested in environmental science.
Final Thoughts
As climate change continues to affect our world, it is essential to educate ourselves and seek viable solutions. This course is a step in the right direction, providing valuable insights and knowledge that can empower individuals and communities to take action.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/climate-change-nj