The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization (344-0-01)

Instructors

Bradley B Sageman
847/467-2257

Andrew Jacobson
847/491-3132
Tech F396/F398

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F285: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization will address the fundamental scientific understanding of how biogeochemical cycles moderate greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and marine realm, how changes in these gases control Earth climate on short and long timescales, and how human activities have rapidly altered the geologic balance of the carbon cycle. This knowledge base provides the foundation to understand decarbonization. Because most decarbonization strategies target different aspects of the carbon cycle, the core content of the course will review the geochemistry of carbon on land, in the lithosphere, and in the atmosphere, oceans, and other waters. This background will prepare students for a series of guest lectures from alumni of the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (currently employed in decarbonization start-ups and government agencies) that will present the most recent advances in decarbonization being investigated and/or implemented in the U.S. and abroad.

Class Materials (Required)

No textbook is required for this course.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for Environmental Sciences, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Environmental Policy and Culture majors and minors.