This course presents the story of the Earth's atmosphere since its inception up to the current time, illustrating the close interactions between the physical world and the living world. The life phenomenon is discussed, including the role of energy and information in the sustenance of life, individually and collectively. The human condition, the emergence of civilization, the conflict between nomads and pastoralists, and maritime colonialism are discussed in the climate context. Industrial revolution and consumerism are discussed in terms of their energy consumption and associated emission of greenhouse gases, which has given rise to man-made climate change. How human society would deal with hazardous climate change will be explored. It would be a time to reflect on core human values and how they are to be expressed in the inevitable low-energy world.

At the end of the course, students are expected:

• to develop a comprehensive understanding of natural and anthropogenic dimensions of climate change from a multi-disciplinary perspective, involving climatology, geography, history, biology, and culture and political studies
• to appreciate how climate change is associated with the complex interactions between the physical world and human society, in historical and recent times
• to realize the phenomenal impact of consumerism, with its attendant energy expenditure, on the Earth's climate in the last half century
• to understand the imminent challenges posed by global warming and to be able to formulate and promote relevant measures for the sustainable development of human beings
• to develop their own informed views on climate change (and other global environmental issues) and to be able to contribute to relevant public discourse
• to reflect on their personal role in changing the Earth’s climate for the better