eLearnAfrica
Understanding and Measuring the Earth’s Energy Imbalance
The University of Glasgow
  • Start Date: 17 Apr, 2023
  • 4 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Learn how greenhouse gases are pushing the Earth out of balance, and why measuring the imbalance could prove crucial.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
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Course Description

This course is made available through the eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn partnership.

Understand energy imbalance as a problem and a metric


Energy imbalance is the difference in the amount of energy arriving on Earth from the sun and the amount returning to space. For decades, our escalating use of greenhouse gases has been pushing the Earth out of balance.


On this four-week course from the University of Glasgow, you’ll learn what energy imbalance is, how we could tackle it, and why it has become a vital metric for monitoring progress towards net zero.


Master the science behind energy imbalance


Researchers have shown that the Earth’s energy imbalance has almost doubled in recent years. If this trend continues, we can expect to see an even higher rise in global temperatures than previously predicted.


You’ll start by delving into the science behind energy imbalance, exploring how it connects to global climate change.


Examine strategies for tackling the imbalance


Once you’ve understood the causes of energy imbalance, you can begin to examine solutions.


In the second week of the course, you’ll think critically about what is needed to bring the Earth back to balance, and discover ways that the planet could get there naturally.


Learn why energy imbalance provides an indicator of climate progress


In the final week of the course, you’ll investigate why the Earth’s energy imbalance has become an important metric for monitoring our progress towards net zero.


You’ll be challenged to reflect on the best indicators for measuring success in our fight to beat the climate crisis.


This course is designed for anyone with an interest in the science behind the Earth’s energy imbalance, and its connection to the climate crisis.


Learners may include teachers, students, activists, NGO managers, supply chain managers, SME owners and many others.


Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

The University of Glasgow

This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

This institution is available on eLearnAfrica through partnership with FutureLearn.

You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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