Video/ Microlecture: Climate Change: The Physics Connection

  • A series of three lecture videos by Nadir Jeevanjee, Princeton University on the Physics of Climate Change. In these videos presented as blackboard lectures, Jeevanjee presents simple climate models and the underlying physics. These lectures include discussions on the following topics:
    • Introduction
    • The atmosphere in radiative-convective equilibrium
      1. Heuristics of RCE 
      2. A simple RCE climate model 
    • A two-box model for transient and equilibrium climate sensitivities 
    •  The water vapor feedback 
      1. Emission from unit optical depth 
      2. Ts-invariance of water vapor emission temperatures 
      3. Simpson’s Paradox And The Water Vapor Feedback 
    • Why does mean precipitation increase with warming?
      1. The Radiative Constraint On Precipitation
      2. Flux Divergence And Mission To Space 
      3. Ts-invariance and the deepening troposphere
    • On constant relative humidity
      1. Boundary Layer Relative Humidity
      2. Free Tropospheric Relative Humidity

Students will understand the connections between physics and Earth’s climate. They will also be able to derive simple models through the use of basic physics laws and theorems such as Thermodynamic laws, Radiative-convective Equilibrium, Feedback Cycles, Radiative constraint and Relative Humidity.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  ‌

  1. What is the role of physics in understanding climate change?
  2. How can simple physical models be used to predict climate change?

About‌ ‌the‌ ‌tool‌ ‌

Tool‌ ‌Name‌ ‌The Physics of Climate Change: Three Blackboard Lectures on Simple Models in Climate Science
Discipline‌ ‌Physics
Topic(s)‌ ‌in‌ ‌Discipline‌ ‌Climate Change Overview, Climate Physics, Climate Models
Climate‌ ‌Topic‌ ‌ ‌Climate Literacy; Planetary Climate; Planetary Energy Balance
Type‌ ‌of‌ ‌tool‌ ‌ ‌Video/ Microlectures (70 mins)
Grade‌ ‌Level‌ ‌Undergraduate; Graduate
Location‌ ‌Global‌ ‌
Language‌ ‌English‌ ‌ ‌
Translation‌ ‌
Developed‌ ‌by‌ ‌Nadir Jeevanjee
Hosted‌ ‌at‌ ‌High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University Website
Link‌ ‌Link
Access‌ ‌Online‌ ‌
Computer‌ ‌Skills‌ ‌Basic‌ ‌

Video/Microlecture: Teaching Climate Change in the Humanities and History Classrooms

A panel discussion titled ‘Teaching Climate Change: Perspectives from History and the Humanities’ hosted by the Not Even Past platform of the Department of History at the University of Texas at Austin. The roundtable features Stephanie LeMenager,  University of Oregon, Carlos E. Ramos Scharron, University of Texas at Austin, and Emily Wakild, Boise State University. Panel discussants include Erika M. Bsumek, University of Texas at Austin and Megan Raby, University of Texas at Austin. This video includes presentations and discussions by 

  1. Stephanie LeMenager “Climate Change Has No Discipline”
  2. Carlos E. Ramos Scharron “Cambio Climático: Covering Climate Change as a Topic in a Latin American Studies Program”
  3. Emily Wakild “Why Teaching Climate History is a Spiritual and Moral Imperative”

LeMenager discusses her co-edited book, ‘Teaching Climate Change in the Humanities’, with Drs. Stephen Siperstein and Shane Hall and ways to integrate climate science and climate change in the Humanities classrooms.

Ramos-Scharrón discusses some courses he teaches in Latin American Studies courses and how climate change is critical in understanding environmental challenges in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Wakild discusses how climate change can be integrated with syllabi in History courses. She specifically discusses examples that history teachers can use in their classrooms and how the moral and cultural dimensions of climate change may be a natural area of discussion for the Humanities and History.

Students will understand the importance of the Humanities in understanding climate change. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. How can the Humanities contribute towards our understanding of climate change?
  2. What are the moral and cultural dimensions of climate change that the Humanities can help in our understanding of the climate crisis?
  3. Discuss ways in which climate change education can be integrated with the curriculum in the Humanities and History. 

About the Tool 

Tool NameRoundtable: “Teaching Climate Change: Perspectives from History and the Humanities”
DisciplineHumanities, History
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Climate and Society
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (1 hr 36 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byNot Even Past platform of Department of History at the University of Texas at Austin
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Microlecture: The Role of the Social Sciences

A video microlecture titled ‘Social Sciences Perspectives of the Earth System’ by Raghu Murtugudde of the Murtugudde Climate Academy. This microlecture is a part of a larger series of climate change videos by Murtugudde and discusses the role of Social Sciences in understanding the Earth System. It includes discussions on societal forces, pressures, changes in the environment, impacts on society, environmental degradation and human well-being through the DPSIR framework. The video also discusses concepts like ‘The Resilience Cycle’ and ‘The Panarchy Model’ to explain the relation between society and the environment. 

Students will understand the role of the Social Sciences in understanding the Earth System. They will also learn about the link between socio-ecological systems when addressing climate change. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the link between society and the environment?
  2. Discuss the DPSIR framework.
  3. How does the Panarchy Model explain the link between society, the environment and climate change?

About the Tool 

Tool Name6 Social Science Perspective of the Earth System
DisciplineSocial Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Climate and Society
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (8 mins)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byMurtugudde Climate Academy
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: An Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics

A video lecture titled, ‘Atmospheric Thermodynamics – Introduction’ from the e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Atmospheric Science’ developed by C Balaji, IIT Madras, for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), India. This video lecture discusses the laws of thermodynamics, the gas laws, Boyle’s Law, Hooke’s law, and Dalton’s Law.

Students will learn about the basics of thermodynamics and its importance in atmospheric physics. They will learn about the role of pressure, partial pressure, temperature, and molecular behaviour in thermodynamic calculations. Additionally, students will also learn about the role of thermodynamic laws and calculations in various fields of studies.

A transcript of the lecture is also provided.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What are the laws of thermodynamics?
  2. How do changes in temperature and pressure impact thermodynamic calculations?
  3. How are thermodynamic calculations used to predict climate and weather patterns?

About the tool

Tool NameLecture-10: Atmospheric Thermodynamics- Introduction
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineThermodynamics, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, Atmospheric Sciences, First law of Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Earth system, Boyle’s Law, Hooke’s law, Dalton’s Law
Climate TopicClimate and the Atmosphere
Type of toolVideo Lecture (51 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byC Balaji, IIT Madras
Hosted atNPTEL (https://nptel.ac.in/courses/119/106/119106008/)
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: Quantum Mechanics and Climate Change

A lecture that describes how quantum mechanics plays a role in understanding Earth’s climate systems and climate change. This lecture by Brad Marston, Brown University, uses Richard Feynman’s double slit experiment to explain how changing concentrations of greenhouse gases could potentially affect Earth’s climate.

Students will be provided an overview of several key concepts in physics, such as the photoelectric effect, and some of the important equations used. They will further be introduced to the changing levels of CO2, atmospheric dynamics, how temperatures are measured, and how melting sea ice is affecting the circulation of wind, among other things.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. State the Photoelectric Effect along with its equation.
  2. Discuss the equation used to measure temperatures on different planets. 
  3. Discuss how the melting of ice affects the circulation of winds?

About the tool

Tool NameHow Quantum Physics Can Help Us Fight Climate Change
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineQuantum Physics, Photoelectric Effect, Photons, Quantum Mechanics, Atmospheric Dynamics, Planck’s Constant, Richard Feynman Experiment 
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Video Lecture (1h 17mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byBrad Marston, Brown University
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video: Ethics, Philosophy and Value Theory

A video by John Broome, University of Oxford, on how ethics and philosophy impacts climate change policies. This video discusses the influence of philosophy on decision making and how it can specifically bring a paradigm shift in climate-related policy making.

Students will be introduced to philosophical concepts such as moral philosophy, value theory, decision theory, and intuition of neutrality. They will also learn how to use these theories in climate change decision making related to economic policies. Additionally, students will also learn how incorrect interpretation of certain philosophical thought leads to errors in value judgements.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. How does philosophy influence climate change decision making?
  2. What is value theory? How can it be used to understand the value of climate related human deaths?
  3. How does ‘intuition of neutrality’ lead to amoral policy making? 

About the Tool

Tool NameJohn Broome | Climate change ethics: Life and death
DisciplineHumanities
Topic(s) in DisciplinePhilosophy, Moral Philosophy, Ethics, Public Policy, Value Theory, Decision Theory
Climate TopicClimate and Society
Type of toolVideo (59 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byJohn Broome, University of Oxford
Hosted atStanford ENERGY channel on YouTube
Linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJlkXzYkT3g
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video: Permafrost and Climate Change

A video that introduces permafrost and its distribution on Earth. The video also describes the changing nature of permafrost across several regions due to higher surface temperatures and the possible impact of permafrost thawing on Earth’s climate.

Video/Microlecture: Societal Impacts of Climate Change

A video/microlecture by The Knowledge Exchange that discusses the impacts of climate change on society. This video was excerpted from an edX course, “Making Sense of Climate Change Denial” available at https://www.edx.org/course/making-sense-of-climate-science-denial. It includes discussions by various experts on direct and immediate societal impacts of climate change and on development, production, consumption and biodiversity. The video also talks about the difference in climate change impacts for developed and developing nations. 

Students will understand the effect of climate change on present day society. They will also learn how climate change affects developing communities and nations. They will further discuss how climate change is no longer a problem for the future but one that must be dealt with immediately. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. How does climate change impact society?
  2. How does climate change impact developing and developed nations differently?
  3. What are some of the current climate change issues?

About the Tool 

Tool NameSocietal Impacts of Climate Change 
DisciplineSocial Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Climate and Society
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (9 mins)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byThe Knowledge Exchange
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/ Microlecture: Climate Change in the Environmental Sciences Classroom

A video lecture by Rahul Chopra, TROP ICSU and IISER Pune on climate change educational resources that Environmental Sciences teachers can use in their classrooms. These educational resources integrate climate change understanding with the core curriculum in Environmental Sciences. This video lecture is part of an online e-learning course (MOOC) titled ‘Climate Change: A Guide For Teachers Of All Disciplines’ developed  by the National Resource Centre (NRC) on Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune as part of the Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India.

This video lecture presents several lesson plans and teaching tools that Environmental Sciences teachers can use to teach topics in their discipline using climate related activities, case studies and examples. It also includes discussions on the use of digital pedagogy for effective classroom instruction. This lecture presents how Environmental Sciences teachers can teach topics such as Water Security, Human Health and Disease, Climate Justice, Agro-ecosystems, Food Production and Crop Yields, Climate Resilient Agriculture, Energy, among others.

About the Tool 

Tool NameClimate Change in the Environmental Sciences Classroom
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy
Type of tool Video/ Microlecture (52  mins)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byRahul Chopra, TROP ICSU and IISER Pune
Hosted at​YouTube Channel of IISER Pune
LinkClimate Change in the Environmental Sciences Classroom:- Link
Climate Change: A Guide For Teachers Of All Disciplines:- Link
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Microlecture: Teaching Climate Change in the Sociology Classroom

A video lecture by Andrew Szasz, University of California, Santa Cruz titled ‘A Sociology of Climate Change’ that discusses how climate change can be taught in the Sociology classroom.  This video lecture includes discussions on the following:

  1. Societal causes of climate change
    1. Causes identified in the “green” updating of Classical Theory 
    2. Causes identified in the contemporary Environmental Sociology
  2. Climate impact on society 
    1. Extreme weather events
    2. Food
    3. Water
    4. Health and Illness
    5. Economic impacts, at the level of the nation (U.S)
    6. Political impacts
    7. Unequal impacts, globally, among nations
    8. Unequal impacts, in the U.S., by State and by region
    9. Unequal impacts, in the U.S., by race and class
    10.  The potential for catastrophic impacts
  3. Societal responses to climate change
    1. The science; discovery; communicating; activism
    2. Climate activism, the social movements
    3. Climate denial, the counter-movement
    4. Private sector actors, pro and con
    5. Non-environmental “civil society” actors, pro and con
    6. Traditional media-print (newspapers), network television
    7. Online media- websites, blogs, social media
    8. Public opinion
    9. Policy- international; other nations
    10. Policy- federal (US)
    11. Policy- State, local (US)
    12. Technological innovation (clean, renewable energy); green cities
    13. “Plan B”: geoengineering

Students will understand the importance of the Social Sciences and the discipline of Sociology in understanding climate change. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. How does society contribute to climate change?
  2. What are some of the impacts climate change has and may have on society?
  3. How has society responded to the threat of climate change?

About the Tool 

Tool NameA Sociology of Climate Change
DisciplineSocial Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Climate and Society
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (51 mins)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAndrew Szasz
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Microlecture: The Way We Eat

A video microlecture by Raghu Murtugudde, University of Maryland, titled ‘Plant Rich Diet’. This video lecture is part of a video series titled ‘Climate Solutions: Drawdown, Designing Solution, Avoiding Disaster, Green Economy, Adaptation’ available at the Murtugudde Climate Academy channel on YouTube. This video lecture, which discusses climate solutions from the drawdown of the food sector. It discusses the amount of reduction of CO2 for a plant based diet (66 gigatons). The video discusses the CO2 emissions from Agriculture, Forestry and Landuse including livestock and manure, agricultural soils, rice cultivation, crop burning, and deforestation, among others. It also discusses the emissions of staple crops, legumes, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables and animal products. It further lists the global CO2 eq emissions of cattle, pigs, buffaloes, chicken among others.  

Students will learn about the contribution of  agriculture and livestock to the global carbon emissions. They will also learn about the reduction of CO2 with a plant based diet.   

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  

  1. Discuss climate change and the role of food choices.
  2. What is the carbon footprint of a meat based diet? A plant based diet?

About the Tool 

Tool NamePlant Rich Diet
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food System, Meat Based Diet, Plant Based Diet 
Climate Topic Climate and Agriculture, Climate Change and Food Security
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (14 min 53 secs)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byRaghu Murtugudde
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Microlecture: Climate Change and the Lithosphere

A video microlecture by Raghu Murtugudde, University of Maryland, titled “Plate Movements Mountains and Climate Change”. This video lecture is part 4 of this 46-part video series titled ‘Oceanography- Chapter 16: Oceans and Climate’ available at the Murtugudde Climate Academy channel on YouTube. This video lecture, which discusses the link between tectonic plate movements and climate change, can be used as an introduction to teach about climate change and the lithosphere. It discusses how past and present plate movements contribute to the current changing climate. 

Students will learn about the lithosphere and the link between tectonic plate movement and climate change. They will also learn about the tectonic plate movements on a geological timescale and their role in creating the current global climate system.   

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss climate change and the role of the lithosphere
  2. How do tectonic plate movements contribute to climate change?
  3. Create a timeline for plate movements and climate change.

About the Tool 

Tool NamePlate Movements Mountains and Climate Change
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Tectonics, Tectonic Plates
Climate Topic Climate and the Lithosphere
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (7 min 14 secs)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byRaghu Murtugudde
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Microlecture: Climate Adaptation: An Introduction

A video microlecture by Raghu Murtugudde, University of Maryland, titled ‘Adapt Now’. This video lecture is part of a video series titled ‘Climate Solutions: Drawdown, Designing Solution, Avoiding Disaster, Green Economy, Adaptation’ available at the Murtugudde Climate Academy channel on YouTube.This overview video microlecture can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about Climate Adaptation. This microlecture provides an introduction to climate adaptation as a climate solution. It focuses on adaptation strategies relevant to the global south. The video refers to the Adapt Now report by the Global Commission and the Paris agreement and its three dividends on adaptation: 

  1. Avoided losses
  2. Economic benefits 
  3. Social and Environmental Benefits 

Students will learn about climate adaptation. They will also learn about adaptation and mitigation synergies and different climate adaptation strategies for the planet and the global south.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is climate adaptation?
  2. Discuss the synergies between climate adaptation and mitigation.
  3. Discuss climate adaptation strategies for the global south.

About the Tool 

Tool NameAdapt Now
DisciplineEarth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Adaptation, Mitigation, Extreme Weather Events
Climate Topic Climate Mitigation and Adaptation 
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (11 mins 35 secs)
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byRaghu Murtugudde
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video: Climate Change and the Food We Eat

A‌ video by Sarah Bridle that introduces her book, ‘ ‘Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air. Change your diet: the easiest way to help save the planet’ as well as the website and game built around it. This video highlights how food production contributes to a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases and why there is a need for a shift in diet and nutrition practices. 

Students‌ ‌will‌ be introduced to the contents as well as motivations behind Birdle’s book. They will further learn about the variations in greenhouse gas emissions caused by producing different foods and how this information could potentially be used to shift diet and farming practices. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  ‌

  1. Discuss how food production contributes to climate change?
  2. Discuss why animal-based products generally have higher greenhouse gas emissions. 
  3. Use the polls in the video comparing foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner  in the classroom (optional).

About‌ ‌the‌ ‌tool‌ ‌

Tool‌ ‌Name‌ ‌‘Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air’ Launch
Discipline‌ ‌Environmental Sciences ‌
Topic(s)‌ ‌in‌ ‌Discipline‌ ‌Climate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food Security
Climate‌ ‌Topic‌ ‌ ‌Climate and Agriculture; Climate and Food Security
Type‌ ‌of‌ ‌tool‌ ‌ ‌Video
Grade‌ ‌Level‌ ‌Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
Location‌ ‌Global‌ ‌
Language‌ ‌English‌ ‌ ‌
Translation‌ ‌
Developed‌ ‌by‌ ‌  UIT Cambridge
Hosted‌ ‌at‌ ‌  YouTube
Link‌ ‌Link
Access‌ ‌Online‌ ‌
Computer‌ ‌Skills‌ ‌Basic‌ ‌

Video/Microlecture: Climate Change: The Math Connection

A video lecture by Chris Budd, University of Bath titled ‘The Mathematics of Climate Change’ that discusses how mathematics helps in understanding the Earth’s climate, climate change and in predicting future climate change. This video focuses on how climate models are derived from the fields of Mathematics and Physics. It includes further discussions on how climate models work, their assumptions, and their reliability. 

Students will understand the link between Climate Change and Mathematics. They will learn how Mathematics contributes in understanding the Earth’s climate system and climate change. They will further understand how climate predictions are based in Mathematics and Physics. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the role of mathematics in understanding climate change?
  2. How can mathematical models be used for climate prediction?

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Mathematics of Climate Change
DisciplineMathematics and Statistics
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Mathematical Modelling
Climate Topic Climate Literacy
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (1 hr) 
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byChris Budd 
Hosted atGresham College
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: First Law of Thermodynamics

A video lecture titled, ‘Basic Thermodynamics’ from the e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Atmospheric Science’ developed by C Balaji, IIT Madras, for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), India. This video lecture explains and details the first law of thermodynamics (Q – W = Delta E) in the context of atmospheric science.

Students will be introduced to the first law of thermodynamics. They will further be introduced to terms such as adiabatic and isothermal processes and related equations and methods of calculating geo-potential thickness using Radiosonde data. 

A transcript of the lecture is also provided.

  1. State the first law of thermodynamics with the equation. 
  2. State the relationship between pressure and volume. 
  3. Discuss the first law of thermodynamics with respect to Earth’s atmospheric system. 

About the tool

Tool NameBasic Thermodynamics
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineThermodynamics, First Law of Thermodynamics, Adiabatic Process, Isothermal Process, Energy, Atmospheric Sciences, Earth system, Atmosphere
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Video Lecture (49 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byC Balaji, IIT Madras
Hosted atNPTEL
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: Claussius Clayperon and the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Two video lectures titled, ‘The Second Law of Thermodynamics – Clausius Clapeyron Relation’ and ‘Clausius Clapeyron Relation (Contd.)’ from the e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Atmospheric Science’ developed by C Balaji, IIT Madras, for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), India. These video lectures provide details about the second law of thermodynamics, Clausius Clapeyron equation, Carnot cycle, and entropy,. It also discusses radiation laws, radiative transfer, Prevost’s theory, wave theory, particle theory, and black body behaviour. 

Students will learn about the Clausius Clapeyron equation, how saturated vapour pressure changes with temperature, and the impact of temperature and pressure changes on water vapour and earth’s climate. They will also learn how to calculate the reversible and adiabatic process called the isentropic process and quasistatic processes.

A transcript of the lecture is also provided.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. Define the following:
  1. the Second Law of Thermodynamics 
  2. the Clausius Clapeyron equation
  3. Entropy
  4. Radiative transfer
  5. Adiabatic Process
  6. Prevost’s theory
  1. How does height, pressure and water vapour percentage impact the atmospheric temperature?
  2. How can mechanical engineers contribute to reduce global warming using the second law of thermodynamics?

About the tool

Tool NameLecture – 29: The Second Law of Thermodynamics – Clausius Clapeyron Relation and Lecture – 30: Clausius Clapeyron Relation (Contd.)
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, Atmospheric Physics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Thermodynamics, Clausius Clapeyron equation, Radiative Transfer, Prevost’s Theory
Climate TopicClimate and the Atmosphere
Type of toolVideo Lecture (42 mins and 45 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byC Balaji, IIT Madras
Hosted atNPTEL (https://nptel.ac.in/courses/119/106/119106008/)
LinkLink 1, Link 2
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Micro Lecture: Amitav Ghosh on History and Climate Change

A video lecture by Amitav Ghosh, author of ‘The Great Derangement: Fiction, History, and Politics in the Age of Global Warming’ as part of a 4 part lecture series delivered at the University of Chicago’s Randy L. & Melvin R. Berlin Family Lectures. In this video lecture, Ghosh discusses the link between history and climate change. The video also discusses impacts of climate change on historical narratives of capitalism and imperialism in Asia. 

Students will understand the role of climate change in shaping history. They will further understand how global warming has contributed to shaping societies in the Asian continent.   

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss the link between climate change and history. 
  2. Discuss how climate change influenced the history of South Asia.

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Great Derangement: Literature, History, and Politics in the Age of Global Warming
DisciplineHumanities
Topic(s) in DisciplineHistory, Political History, Imperialism, Colonialism,  Non-fiction, Literature, Climate Fiction
Climate Topic Climate and Society
Type of tool Video/ Micro Lecture (1 hr 13 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate 
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAmitav Ghosh at the Berlin Family Lectures, The University of Chicago 
Hosted atYouTube
Linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlKJ0r_2__Y&list=PLWEhymgNyZb8tuULW2lwe9AD5F8fOPKIV&index=20 
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Videos: Earth’s Climate, the Biosphere, and Geological Evolution

A series of micro-lectures (videos) for an overview of the relationships between the Earth’s climate, the biosphere, and the lithosphere.

Climate Science Education Series

A collection of micro-lectures  by Raghu Murtugudde, Professor, University of Maryland, USA.

Developed by Science Media Center, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India

This Series consists of the following video lecture:

  1. Structure of the Earth
  2. Introduction to the Geo-Biosphere
  3. Plate Tectonics, Plate Movement and Plate Reconstruction
  4. Movement of the Indian Plate, Climate Change and Biological Response
  5. Geologic Timescales
  6. Tree of Life
  7. Allometric and Isometric Scaling
  8. Effect of Climate on Biology: Allopatric Speciation
  9. Evolution of Plants, Flowers and Seeds
  10. Life and the Evolution of Earth’s Atmosphere
  11. Climate Impacts on Leaf Morphology
  12. Plant Response to Climate Change
  13. Environmental Variability and Biodiversity
  14. Environmental Variability and Distribution of Species
  15. Climate, The Earth’s Atmosphere & The Biosphere
  16. Human Origins, Human Evolution and Climate
  17. Human Migration and Species Extinction
  18. Human Induced Change and Effect on Species
  19. Climate and Sex Selection

Students will learn about topics such as plate tectonics, formation of mountains, climate and biological evolution. They will also be introduced to how plant responses to changes in atmospheric CO2, what determines the distribution of species on planet Earth, and how humans are affecting climate, and how climate influences human evolution.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. Are humans changing climate to such an extent that species cannot adapt?
  2. How have the Himalayas influenced climate and affected vegetation?
  3. What is the impact of mean temperature on leaf morphology?
  4. How does climate change affect competition between C3 and C4 plants?
  5. How does human migration affect species distribution?


About the Tool:-

Tool NameEarth’s Climate, the Biosphere, and Geological Evolution
DisciplineBiological Sciences, Earth Sciences 
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate TopicClimate and the Biosphere; Climate Literacy
Type of ToolVideo/Microlectures
Grade LevelUndergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byRaghu Murtugudde for TROP ICSU
Hosted atYouTube Channel of the Science Media Center, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
LinkStructure of the Earth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV7KPVUSNb0 

Introduction to the Geo-Biosphere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EKTPqjQHo4 

Plate Tectonics, Plate Movement and Plate Reconstruction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrBWmeJIBVk 

Movement of the Indian Plate, Climate Change and Biological Response
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3agnBrKcqAE 

Geologic Timescales
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlC5K1naXDc 

Tree of Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfFukoR7074 

Allometric and Isometric Scaling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JePQNb7jVlY 

Effect of Climate on Biology: Allopatric Speciation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rleizWoYnR4 

Evolution of Plants, Flowers and Seeds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T5qeOJ0_-M 

Life and the Evolution of Earth’s Atmosphere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifLcT5YJLnk 

Climate Impacts on Leaf Morphology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN71YgzqYdw 

Plant Response to Climate Change
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ti09qMaLZU 

Environmental Variability and Biodiversity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb6BSY6paEI 

Environmental Variability and Distribution of Species
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8L-y4eO1Y 

Climate, The Earth’s Atmosphere & The Biosphere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuK9k-xGxJM 

Human Origins, Human Evolution and Climate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dTqZCUXrqo 

Human Migration and Species Extinction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucFPpeKM7bc&feature=youtu.be 

Human Induced Change and Effect on Species
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMsseu9jRP4 

Climate and Sex Selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcLLVKl1vps
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