Introduction to Climate Systems and Change

Learning Objectives

This chapter has several goals and objectives:

  • Explain the controlling factors of global climates.
  • Describe the various global climates and biomes classified using the Koppen Classification System.
  • Analyze Earth’s climatic past and how scientists measure and collect climate data.
  • Describe the causes of short-term and long-term climate change.
  • Determine why the overwhelming majority of scientists believe the current warming of the planet is because of
  • human activity.

Essential Questions

  • In what ways does climate influence regional culture?
  • What impacts could a changing climate have on local, regional, and international social, economic, and geopolitical stability?
  • Should global environmental issues like climate change be resolved by individuals, nations, or international institutions like the United Nations?
  • What is your worldview on global environmental issues and how they should be addressed?