Through lectures from local climate change scientists we will examine the tools and methods used to support global climate change and its correlation to human activities. Without “dumbing down the science” we will explain what the various scenarios constructed from climate change models mean in ways that are tangible to non-scientists.

A local earth economist will help us take a closer look at the “ecosystem services” we take for granted which are provided via the natural processes of our environment. We will see how these services can be measured and how these measurements may be used for decision making.

A local city planning consultant will inform us about the newest innovations in green building and alternative energy solutions in the building sector and ways in which local municipalities are leading by example in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

We will discuss the socioeconomic pressures brought on by climate change and learn what we can do in our day-to-day lives to address climate change. Finally we will hear from seasoned political activists on how to best motivate elected officials and government agencies to take action on climate change on our behalf.

The dates and topics are as follows:

Jan. 12, Session 1: Climate: the Greenhouse Gas Effect and Human Influences
Dr. Sonya Remington - University of Washington Program on the Environment.
Website
We will learn the concept of uncertainty in science and why this means that scientists can never be 100% certain that current climate change is human-caused. We will discuss climate as average weather, natural variations and climate changes throughout earth history, greenhouse gases and the GHG Effect. We will examine present evidence which strongly supports that current changes in climate are human-caused. We will also discuss how climate change may impact parts of the world differently—cooling in some areas, warming in others.

Jan. 26, Session 2: Precipitation, Snowpack and Extreme Weather in PNW
Laura Whitely Binder - Climate Impacts Group.
Website
We will discuss changes in precipitation and snowpack specific to the Pacific Northwest. We will discuss the impact on glaciers, fish, forests and drinking water supply as predicted by different models.

Feb. 9, Session 3: Future Climate Prospects and Models
Dr. Richard Gammon - University of Washington Chemistry and Oceanography
Website
We will discuss climate models, how they are used to make predictions and what these predictions mean. We will discuss “tipping points” in the climate system, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and proposed "geo-engineering solutions" to global climate change. We will examine the different "future climate scenarios" of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and discuss the implications of these scenarios and what part we play in them.

Feb. 23, Session 4: Socioeconomic Impacts of Climate Change
David Batker - Earth Economics
Website
We will discuss the concept of "ecosystem services," valuable benefits nature provides for free such as clean air and water, flood protection, salmon habit and food and materials production and a place for recreation. We will learn how ecological economists are measuring these ecosystem services in dollars and cents and how ecosystem services are changing as a result of climate change in discussing ecological and social impacts at home and abroad.

March 9, Session 5: Green building and Alternative Energies
Brad Liljequest - zHome City of Issaquah
Website
We will examine an intentionally designed “green development” and discuss recent innovations in green building technology which allow zero net energy use, use 60% less water, emit net zero carbon emissions, have clean indoor air and use only low-toxicity materials and which are possible and scalable to mainstream home production.

March 16, Session 6: What You Can Do
Dr. Sonya Remington - University of Washington Program on the Environment
Website
We will end the class on an empowering note. We will discuss specific actions we can take as individuals to address climate change in our own lives. Local activists will guide us through the ins and outs of engaging our local and national elected officials as well as government agencies on climate change.

Course fee: $50 for the general public, $45 for Mountaineers members.
Independent study credit is available through the University of Washington, Antioch University, Seattle University and South Seattle Community College. Contact Leesa Wright, Public Policy Associate for The Mountainers, for details on how to apply for credit.

Register for this course online using a credit card. To register by mail, download a course registration form.