Overview

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Air & Fire takes you on a fascinating journey from the origins of our planet to the energy revolution happening today. Along the way, you’ll discover how the greenhouse effect really works, why climate feedback loops can spiral out of control, how transportation transformed the world, and how humanity successfully responded to the ozone crisis. By the end of this course, you’ll understand what makes Earth so special, how fire changed human biology and the course of history, why our climate is changing, and what can and must be done about it. No scientific background is required. Through clear explanations, memorable stories, striking locations, and surprising connections, this course makes complex environmental issues understandable and relevant. You’ll come away better able to separate facts from slogans and with real reasons for hope about a cleaner, safer future.

Syllabus

Introduction to Humans and Earth - Prehistory to Sustainbility - Air&Fire
- Introduction to Humans and Earth - Prehistory to Sustainability - Air&Fire
Earth, Water, Atmosphere, and the Greenhouse Effect
- This module introduces the unique planetary conditions that make Earth habitable. Students will learn why liquid water, a stable atmosphere, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and plate tectonics are essential for life. The module then explains the greenhouse effect, showing how greenhouse gases trap heat, why this process is essential for maintaining Earth’s mild climate, and how carbon dioxide connects the atmosphere, living organisms, oceans, rocks, and fossil fuels through the carbon cycle.
Feedback Loops and Climate Change
- This module explains how Earth’s climate is regulated by feedback loops that can either stabilize environmental conditions or amplify change. Students will learn how carbon dioxide participates in long-term climate regulation and why some natural buffering mechanisms operate too slowly to offset rapid human emissions. The module then examines modern climate change, including global warming, melting ice, sea level rise, extreme weather, droughts, floods, and the growing risks to ecosystems and human societies.
Fire, Human Evolution, and Transport
- This module follows the human mastery of fire and its enormous consequences. Students will learn why fire is possible on Earth, how it changed human bodies, diets, brains, social life, and technologies, and how fire-based engines transformed transportation on land, sea, air, and even space. The module also connects transport to fossil fuel combustion, climate change, and air pollution.
From Environmental Damage to Sustainable Energy
- This module examines two major environmental challenges and the human responses to them. The first is ozone depletion, a successful example of science-based international action. The second is the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. Students will compare renewable energy technologies, understand the importance of electricity storage, and consider why clean energy is central to climate protection, public health, and future prosperity.