In this specialization, learners will gain familiarity with the key information sources that constitute the scientific consensus on the human causes of climate change and its associated impacts. We will explore the options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for impacts, drawing heavily from the Fourth US National Climate Assessment. The ultimate goal of the specialization is to empower learners to formulate their own plans for reducing emissions and adapting to future impacts, appropriate for their respective households, communities, and workplaces.
Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization
Discover new skills with $120 off courses from industry experts. Save now.
Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization
Understand the Issue, Deepen your Engagement. Build climate literacy and apply it to your household, community, or workplace.
Instructor: Joseph Casola
4,465 already enrolled
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.8
(114 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.8
(114 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Identify, discuss, and critique the merits and shortcomings of climate policies
Recognize activities that emit or capture greenhouse gases, and opportunities to reduce emissions/enhance sinks.
Identify climate risks where you live, and opportunities to manage risks.
Serve as a resource for others on climate issues in their community or at their workplace.
Define key terms associated with climate science, climate impacts, and climate policy
Accurately interpret climate information contained in data visualizations (e.g., charts, graphs, maps)
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Community Development
- Environmental Science
- Energy and Utilities
- Mitigation
- Environmental Policy
- Scientific Methods
- Political Sciences
- Environmental Issue
- Corporate Sustainability
- Water Resources
- Risk Mitigation
- Policy Analysis
- Risk Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Business Risk Management
- Environment
- Vulnerability
- Persuasive Communication
- Environmental Resource Management
- Civil Engineering
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
10 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from University of Colorado Boulder
Specialization - 3 course series
What you'll learn
Identify the major components of the climate system
Explain the role of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions as the drivers of global climate change
Identify the primary physical and ecological impacts of climate change
Explain the unique process by which scientific information is produced
Skills you'll gain
Category: Environmental Science
Category: Scientific Methods
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Environment
Category: Persuasive Communication
Category: Natural Resource Management
Category: Water Resources
Category: Energy and Utilities
Category: Civil Engineering
Category: Political Sciences
Category: Community Development
What you'll learn
Explain the overall goals of mitigation and adaptation policies
Describe the primary sources of and recent trends in greenhouse gas emissions in the United States
Explain the concept of climate risk, and describe its components
Provide examples of mitigation policies and adaptation efforts
Skills you'll gain
Category: Mitigation
Category: Risk Mitigation
Category: Environmental Policy
Category: Risk Management
Category: Policy Analysis
Category: Environmental Resource Management
Category: Natural Resource Management
Category: Community Development
Category: Corporate Sustainability
Category: Economics
Category: Energy and Utilities
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Business Risk Management
Category: Vulnerability
What you'll learn
Navigate the National Climate Assessment as a resource for information about impacts and adaptation
Describe how place and context relate to climate risk and potential mitigation and adaptation choices
Identify opportunities for communities, governments, and businesses to manage climate risks
Explain the challenges and competing interests that make climate change a difficult issue for communities, governments, and businesses to address
Skills you'll gain
Category: Risk Analysis
Category: Environmental Science
Category: Environment
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Risk Management
Category: Energy and Utilities
Category: Water Resources
Category: Estimation
Category: Environmental Policy
Category: Vulnerability
Category: Corporate Sustainability
Category: Community Development
Category: Natural Resource Management
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
More questions
Financial aid available,