Applied Thermodynamics for Climate Action

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and its solutions are rooted in the fundamental laws of energy and heat transfer. Understanding thermodynamics is essential for evaluating sustainable technologies and making informed decisions about energy use. This course provides a foundational understanding of classical thermodynamics, focusing specifically on its application to environmental science and modern energy conversion. You will move beyond basic definitions to apply concepts like entropy and enthalpy to real-world systems, preparing you to analyze the efficiency and feasibility of sustainable solutions like advanced batteries and renewable power generation. What you'll learn: * Understand the First, Second, and Third Laws of Thermodynamics and their implications for energy conservation and system limits. * Analyze core thermodynamic properties like enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy in relation to phase changes and chemical reactions. * Apply thermal physics principles to explain the mechanisms driving global warming and the energy balance of the Earth's climate system. * Evaluate the operational principles and efficiency limits of modern energy conversion technologies, including heat pumps and fuel cells. * Practice calculating energy efficiency metrics and conducting basic life cycle assessments for sustainable energy storage systems. The course begins with essential definitions and the three fundamental laws, building a theoretical base before moving into practical applications. We then focus on applying these principles to current challenges in climate science, energy efficiency, and innovative storage technologies. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in engineering, physics, or environmental science. No prior knowledge of advanced mathematics or physics is required to start reading and applying these concepts. Start reading today and discover the physics behind a sustainable future.