Climate change impacts us all in a myriad of ways: Record-breaking heat waves raise electric bills and threaten those with insufficient housing. Increasing extreme weather events interrupt travel plans and cause extensive property damage. Rising sea levels erode shores and sink homes.

But talking about and taking action on climate change can be daunting, especially when faced with misinformation about the science. Climate Science for Everyone, a new course from Duke Nicholas School of the Environment and the Duke Climate Commitment, will equip you with the foundational knowledge necessary for taking action in your community and enhancing your career. No matter your age, job, goals, or interests, this course will enable you to meaningfully engage with one of the defining challenges facing humanity today – no science background needed! 

This course, taught by the Nicholas School’s Senior Associate Dean of Research and Doctoral Programs Prasad Kasibhatla, will answer the following questions:

• What is the evidence for climate change?
• What key concepts describe the physical science of climate change? 
• Are there ways to predict how the climate could change in the future? 

As you learn the answers, you will also have opportunities to consider how to apply this knowledge in your own life or career. 

“A foundational understanding of the science of climate is critical to have informed discussions and make informed decisions on climate change, irrespective of the particular aspect of climate change one is interested in or is working on,” said Kasibhatla. “In this context, this short introductory course is designed to give learners a fundamental understanding of climate change science.”

Climate Science for Everyone is hosted on Coursera so that anyone may audit it for free. The course consists of four self-directed modules and should take approximately seven hours to complete. 

Enroll today and take the first step in your journey to becoming a more engaged global citizen.