Module 3 / Lesson 8

Climate Risks

1 min read

This lesson explores climate change through the lens of existential risk. We move beyond "average" temperature predictions to examine tail risks, feedback loops, and the stability of civilization under extreme warming scenarios.

Goal: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to distinguish between catastrophic and existential climate risks, identify the three sources of uncertainty, and evaluate strategies ranging from carbon taxes to geoengineering.

Lesson Blocks

Lesson 8.1 Introduction to Climate Change
The science of warming, the difference between "event" and "parameter" uncertainty, and the threshold of societal collapse.
Lesson 8.2: Sources of Climate Change Uncertainty
Distinguishing between policy, science, and human impact uncertainty, and learning how to measure tail risks.
Lesson 8.3: Climate Change as Existential Risk
Analyzing the distinction between a tragedy (harm on average) and a true existential catastrophe (an unlivable earth or permanent stagnation).
Lesson 8.4: Managing Climate Risk
Strategies for mitigation and adaptation, and the controversial promise (and risk) of geoengineering.

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