Global Warming - Class #01

ERTH 335, Spring 2026

WELCOME!

Come sit up front!! I promise you will learn more and do better in class if you sit up front. Please let me know if you did not get the welcome email last week.

Plan for today

Why this class exists; Who we are; What do you want to learn in this class?; Outline of semester; Class logistics; Clicker test; Homework for Thursday; How to add this class; Questions?

Coast Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens)

Wide ring => Warm growth year; Narrow ring => Cold growth year

Monterey Cypress

Narrow ring => Dry growth year; Wide ring => Wet growth year

Greenhouse gasses

Stretching, bending, and vibrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) make it a greenhouse gas.

The energy budget of the Earth

Heating by the Sun, combined with heat trapping by greenhouse gasses control the temperature of Earth.

Class consists of 3 major units

Part I: The greenhouse effect; Part II: Earth’s response to greenhouse gasses, attribution and impacts; Part III: Carbon: natural cycling, industrial emissions and solutions

Things you need (1): Class Notebook

You need to take notes in all your classes to succeed. Posted notes are props for a conversation, not a substitute for detailed notes.

Things you need (2): Textbook

“Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast” By David Archer. Must be 2nd edition.

Things you need (3): iClicker2

Used for in-class quizzes. Multiple choice, numeric, alpha.

Lecture: Ground rules

ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES. No laptops, ipads, phones, etc. Arrive early, leave on time (not early). Participate in class discussion.

Assessment (grades)

Class participation 15%; Clicker quizzes 15%; Homework 10%; Weekly reflective writing 15%; Exam 1 15%; Exam 2 15%; Exam 3 15%; Total 100 pts / 100%.

Exam Dates

Exam #1: Thursday, March 5, 2026; Exam #2: Tuesday, April 21, 2026; Exam #3: Thursday, May 14, 2026

How to succeed in this class

Come ready to learn; Read assigned material; Bring clickers every day; Do weekly reflective writing thoughtfully; Do homework on time.