Climate System Overview

This lecture provides an introduction to the climate system, covering global issues related to climate change. Topics include the social-political systems affected by climate change, the mechanisms of climate change, impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the economic-political dimensions. Students will explore the interactions within the climate system, the difference between weather and climate, external forcings like solar cycles and volcanic activity, and the role of greenhouse gases. The lecture also discusses the greenhouse effect, anthropogenic forcings, and the impact of aerosols on radiative forcing.