What will I learn?
The online Arctic climate course (in its free or paid mode), Climate Change in Arctic Environments, offers an exploration of the Arctic’s climate system and its rapid transformation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental dynamics shaping the Arctic region and the impacts of climate change on its delicate ecosystems. It offers valuable insights into the latest research and provides tools for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by a warming Arctic.
It’s ideal for those concerned about global warming and its polar effects. High school science and math skills are necessary for learners to understand the concepts contained within this course. The course has a rigorous and didactic approach, which combines clear and simple explanations with examples and activities that will help you consolidate your learning. The course also offers you additional resources, such as readings, videos and links of interest, that you can consult to expand your knowledge and deepen the topics that interest you the most.
This course is available on the edX platform, one of the world’s most prestigious online education platforms, founded by MIT and Harvard University. It can be taken completely free of charge or for a small fee.
Contents of the online Arctic climate course, Climate Change in Arctic Environments
These are the contents of the course:
- Arctic Weather Patterns: Delve into the distinctive meteorological conditions of the Arctic, where extreme weather events and atmospheric phenomena play a crucial role in global weather systems. This section will cover the science behind polar vortexes, auroras, and the unique challenges of forecasting in the Arctic environment.
- Ice and Ecosystems: Explore the critical relationship between the Arctic’s ice cover and its ecosystems. Learn about the dependence of marine and terrestrial species on sea ice and permafrost, and how the reduction of ice impacts biodiversity and traditional ways of life.
- Human and Environmental Impact: Investigate the effects of climate change and human activities on the Arctic’s natural resources and indigenous populations. This part of the course will discuss the balance between resource exploitation and conservation, and the socio-economic consequences of environmental changes.
- Policy and Future Outlook: Examine the international policies and agreements aimed at protecting the Arctic region. Understand the challenges and opportunities in formulating effective strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Arctic, and the role of scientific research in shaping these policies.
Paid or free Arctic climate course
The course has two modalities: free and paid. The free Arctic climate course, allows you to access all the content of the course, including the videos, the readings, the exercises and the discussion forums.
The paid modality also offers you the possibility of obtaining a verified certificate from edX, which accredits your participation and approval of the course. This certificate can be of great value for your curriculum vitae, as it demonstrates your interest and competence in Arctic climate. In addition, by paying for the course, you will be contributing to University of Alaska Fairbanks and edX being able to continue offering quality and accessible courses for everyone. If you want to know more about the cost and benefits of this modality, I invite you to visit the course page on edX, where you will find all the information you need.
In conclusion, the online Arctic climate course (in its free or paid mode), Climate Change in Arctic Environments provides critical insights into one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth. By enrolling, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Arctic’s significance in the global climate narrative and the tools to contribute to meaningful change. Embark on this educational journey to become a part of the solution in addressing the challenges posed by a warming world.
