2-9: Trends in Climate Variables, Global Warming Update

Importance of this Unit to the Course

Two key questions relating to climate change, as discussed in Unit 2-1, were what climate variables are changing and how fast are they changing. In this unit we address these questions by looking at several climate change indicators.

Objectives

To review the trends in the historical record of measured climate variables.
To explore the methods of extracting trends of human causes of climate change from natural variability.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information. (Print text for offline review; images only.)

Take the Quiz

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

What specific scientific observations, in your view, are the most compelling evidence that global warming is occurring? What scientific evidence most supports the assertion that humans are responsible for at least part of this warming?
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current online discussion

Additional Reading