Harvard University has unveiled a free, open-access online course in Climate Science, designed for learners across academic, professional, and geographic boundaries. The initiative underscores Harvard’s role in advancing public understanding of one of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Expanding Access to Climate Education

Hosted on the edX platform, the course—titled “The Science of Climate Change”—offers a comprehensive introduction to Earth’s climate systems, anthropogenic impacts, and pathways to sustainability. Open to all with no prerequisites, the curriculum is aimed at empowering students, educators, policymakers, and citizens with data-driven insight into the climate crisis.

“Education is the first line of defense against environmental collapse,” said Dr. Daniel Schrag, Director of the Harvard University Center for the Environment and lead instructor of the course. “This course is about making trusted, actionable science available to everyone.”

Course Highlights

Designed for flexible, self-paced learning, the course spans eight modules and includes:

• Fundamentals of climate physics and Earth’s energy balance

• Scientific evidence of global warming and extreme weather patterns

• Climate modeling, future scenarios, and uncertainty

• Intersections of climate, health, agriculture, and migration

• Mitigation strategies: carbon capture, energy transition, and geoengineering

• Climate policy frameworks: Paris Agreement, IPCC, and COP diplomacy

Interactive content includes data visualizations, quizzes, lab simulations, and discussion forums guided by Harvard faculty.

Global Learning, Local Impact

To ensure accessibility, the course features:

• Multilingual subtitles including Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, and Mandarin

• Mobile-optimized learning for low-bandwidth regions

• Supplemental toolkits for teachers and community leaders

• A climate action project module, encouraging learners to create localized impact plans

The course aligns with UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development goals and supports Harvard’s mission to disseminate knowledge for global good.

A Call to Educate and Act

Harvard’s open-access offering arrives at a time of heightened climate urgency, with 2023 marking the hottest year on record. The university hopes this initiative will spark cross-sector dialogue, citizen engagement, and informed advocacy, especially among youth and decision-makers in emerging economies.

“This is more than a course—it’s an invitation to join the global climate solution,” said Schrag.