Climate change is complex, contentious at times, and one of the most defining environmental issues of the 21st century. The broad scope of this subject, as well as prevalent disinformation, can make it complicated to separate fact from fiction. The goal of this six-week course is to present the audience with not only the most accurate scientific information, but also an explanation of how these principles come together using real-word examples and predictive computer models.
We will define climate change in relation to global warming concepts, discuss natural and human-driven causes, underlying theories and physico-chemical concepts, the possible effects of change on the global climate, economic implications, and review climate change policies and the implementation of related directives. Moreover, this course will review intractable political challenges and possible investments needed to study—and tackle—this growing issue over the next few decades. Weekly topics will be defined and presented in an interactive and engaging format that includes diagrams, model generated images, videos, and thought-provoking questions for audience members to ponder and explore.

Grady Hanrahan is a Professor of Chemistry at California Lutheran University (CLU).
He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from the University of Plymouth, England. With experience in directing undergraduate and graduate research, he has taught at California State University, Los Angeles, and CLU. His research interests span instrumentation design and development, chemometrics, computational neural networks, environmental analysis, and the use of swarm intelligence metaheuristics to model complex chemical and biological systems. He has written or co-written numerous peer-reviewed technical papers and is the author or editor of five books detailing the use of chemical separation methods and computational modeling techniques.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.