The Greenhouse Effect

Climate Change

In this course, Professor Mark Maslin (University College London) talks to us about climate change. We begin by: (i) learning about our history of understanding the climate and how the greenhouse effect works; and (ii) learn of the impact of climate change on humans and the planet; before (iii) understand how we predict the future of climate change and attempt to mitigate its effects; before finally (iv) discuss some of the potential solutions to climate change.

The Greenhouse Effect

In this first lecture, we begin by delving into the historical and scientific understanding of climate. We explain the origins of our knowledge about the greenhouse effect, dating back to the experiments of scientists like Eunice Foote and John Tyndall in the 19th century. We then move on to discuss how greenhouse gases such as water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming. We emphasise the significant role of human activities, particularly industrialisation and agriculture in increasing the levels of these gases since pre-industrial times.