Third edition · the current course

Recorded lectures

Video recordings of Prof. Dessler's online class, based on the third edition of the book. Many are the same as the second-edition videos, but a significant number have been updated for this edition.

Third edition Second edition Fall 2012

CH 01An Introduction to the Climate Problem

climate vs. weather how science works scientific assessments IPCC vs. NIPCC COVID as a science question

CH 02Is the Climate Changing?

temperature anomalies the surface thermometer record how much warming confirming the warming “global warming has stopped” paleoclimate data summary

CH 03Radiation and Energy Balance

energy and power temperature electromagnetic radiation blackbody radiation I blackbody radiation II energy balance energy balance example calculator tips algebra tips

CH 04A Simple Climate Model

energy in energy out one-layer atmosphere two-layer atmosphere example problem other planets

CH 05The Carbon Cycle

atmospheric composition atmosphere–land interaction atmosphere–land–ocean interaction interactions with rocks human impact on the carbon cycle carbon cycle myths

CH 06Forcing, Feedbacks, and Climate Sensitivity

transient warming radiative forcing historical radiative forcing climate sensitivity I climate sensitivity II

CH 07Why is the Climate Changing?

introduction continental drift and the Sun orbital variations & unforced variability greenhouse gases summary statement

CH 08Predictions of Future Climate Change

IPAT historical emissions future warming long-term climate change predictability of future change

CH 09Impacts of Climate Change

introduction how people experience climate change temperature precipitation sea level rise ocean acidification & abrupt changes summary

CH 10Exponential Growth

exponential growth limits to exponential growth discounting social cost of carbon

CH 11Fundamentals of Climate Change Policy

adaptation mitigation I mitigation II solar radiation management carbon dioxide removal summary

CH 12Mitigation Policy

the free market carbon tax I carbon tax II cap and trade more policy details conventional regulations & summary

CH 13A Brief History of Climate Science and Politics

the 19th century first half of 20th century the tobacco playbook ozone depletion IPCC & FCCC Kyoto Protocol Paris Agreement

CH 14Putting It All Together: A Long-term Policy to Address Climate Change

introduction decisions under uncertainty carbon budgets 1.5- and 2-degree limits how fast emissions must come down policies