Have you ever wondered how to respond to misinformation around climate change? Do you want to learn more about the science behind climate change? If so, then you might want to take this free online course offered by edX.
In public discussions, climate change is a highly controversial topic. However, in the scientific community, there is little controversy with 97% of climate scientists concluding humans are causing global warming.
This course examines the science of climate science denial. Why is there such a gap between many in the public and scientists? What are the psychological and social drivers behind the denial of climate change?
You will look at the most common climate myths from “global warming stopped in 1998” to “global warming is caused by the sun” to “climate impacts are nothing to worry about.”
You’ll find out what lessons are to be learnt from past climate change as well come to a better understanding of how climate models predict future climate impacts. You’ll learn both the science of climate change and the techniques used to distort the science.
With every myth that is debunked, you’ll learn the critical thinking needed to identify the fallacies associated with the myth. Finally, armed with all this knowledge, you’ll learn the psychology of misinformation. This will equip you to effectively respond to climate misinformation and debunk myths.
Course length: 7 weeks
Time involved: 2 – 4 hours/week
Price: Free, with a Verified Certificate available for $49
Institution: University of Queensland, Australia
Instructors: A baker’s dozen from the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia
Registration is available online here.