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Science & nature · Climate & environment

Climate Change: Evidence and Choices – A Practical Guide for Adults

Explore the scientific evidence for climate change, understand its impacts on our world, and examine the real choices we can make as individuals and communities. This course cuts through the noise to give you clear, balanced knowledge for informed decisions.

360 min8 modulesBeginner friendly
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Free to take. This course does not use any Learning Credits.

What you’ll be able to do

By the end of this course, you will be able to explain the key evidence for climate change, identify its main causes and effects, and evaluate personal and societal responses with confidence.

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

  1. 01

    Module 1: What Is Climate Change?

    • Weather, climate, and the greenhouse effect – the basics
    • How scientists measure climate over time
    • Natural vs. human-caused climate change
    • Key terms: global warming, carbon cycle, and feedback loops
  2. 02

    Module 2: The Evidence – What the Data Shows

    • Rising global temperatures – what the thermometers say
    • Melting ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice
    • Sea level rise and ocean acidification
    • Extreme weather events – patterns and trends
  3. 03

    Module 3: Causes – Where Do Emissions Come From?

    • Fossil fuels: coal, oil, and gas in our daily lives
    • Agriculture, deforestation, and land use
    • Transport, industry, and buildings
    • Comparing national and global emission sources
  4. 04

    Module 4: Impacts – How Climate Change Affects Us

    • Effects on UK weather, farming, and coastlines
    • Global impacts: food, water, and displacement
    • Biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption
    • Health risks and economic costs
  5. 05

    Module 5: Choices – What Can We Do as Individuals?

    • Energy use at home: heating, electricity, and insulation
    • Travel choices: cars, flights, and public transport
    • Food, shopping, and waste reduction
    • Making informed choices without guilt or overwhelm
  6. 06

    Module 6: Choices – What Can Communities and Businesses Do?

    • Community energy projects and local food schemes
    • Workplace carbon reduction and green commuting
    • Council policies: planning, recycling, and green spaces
    • Case studies of successful local initiatives
  7. 07

    Module 7: Choices – National and Global Responses

    • The UK Climate Change Act and net zero target
    • International agreements: Paris, COP, and beyond
    • Carbon pricing, subsidies, and regulation
    • Debates: growth, technology, and fairness
  8. 08

    Module 8: Moving Forward – Hope, Resilience, and Action

    • Separating hope from hype – realistic optimism
    • Building resilience in your home and community
    • Staying informed: trusted sources and avoiding misinformation
    • Creating your own climate action plan