OSHER 445 - Energy and Its Implications for Climate Change

Have you always wondered about the science and technology driving climate change? We will begin by addressing the scientific measurements establishing anthropomorphic global climate change. We will then consider the definitions of energy, work, heat, power, and related terms, as well as extensive discussions of them, and the correlation between the scientific definitions and their uses in the vernacular. We will explore energy generation, transportation, and consumption: solar, wind, chemical (fossil fueled), hydro, nuclear, and electrical. There will also be a discussion of how equipment relevant to our investigation works: generators, motors, turbines, and engines. Finally, we will analyze how the aforementioned concepts establish the validity of climate change models. The course will be based on the (optional) book "Energy, Environment and Climate" by Richard Wolfson.