METEO 469
From Meteorology to Mitigation: Understanding Global Warming

Introduction

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About Lesson 7

With plausible greenhouse gas emissions scenarios now in hand, we are ready to begin looking at future climate change projections. We will start out by looking at the basic attributes of the projections—changes in surface temperature, atmospheric and oceanic circulation changes, patterns of rainfall and drought, and the climate mechanisms that may influence climate changes at regional spatial scales.

What will we learn in Lesson 7?

By the end of Lesson 7, you should be able to:

  • Assess the impact of hypothetical pathways of future greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures in the context of the estimated uncertainties; and
  • Assess potential impacts of projected climate changes on patterns of rainfall and drought patterns, ocean and atmospheric circulation, and modes of climate variability.

What will be due for Lesson 7?

Please refer to the Syllabus for specific time frames and due dates.

The following is an overview of the required activities for Lesson 7. Detailed directions and submission instructions are located within this lesson.

  • Take Quiz #2.
  • Read:
    • IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group 1 --  Summary for Policy Makers (link is external)
      • Possible Climate Futures: p. 12-23 (same as Lessons 5 & 6, but specifically review information about the atmosphere, including temperature, water cycle, and air quality)
    • IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group 1 -- Chapter 1
      • p. 98-107 - This section covers Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, the type of scenario that is focused on in the Sixth Assessment Report.  The chapters of Working Group 1 have not been finalized as of the time of course preparation (November 2021), and information from this reading will be incorporated directly into the course materials at a later date. 
  • Dire Predictions, v.2: p. 98-103

Questions?

If you have any questions, please post them to our Questions? discussion forum (not e-mail) located under Home tab in Canvas. The instructor will check that discussion forum daily to respond. Also, please feel free to post your own responses if you can help with any of the posted questions.