Global Climate Change: John Seinfeld

This event was digitally recorded and is available for viewing on the Caltech Theater site. Many past Watson Lectures are available for viewing online on the Caltech Theater site, and are available for purchase: DVD Order Form (PDF)

Humans have embarked on an environmental experiment of unprecedented proportions. Over the last century or so, atmospheric levels of trace gases have increased markedly. The earth's temperature results from a balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing radiation from the earth. The buildup of so-called greenhouse gases, such as CO₂, leads to increased trapping of earth's radiation and warming of the earth. Particles in the air arising from human activity also affect the earth's energy balance.

The lecture will summarize our current understanding of global climate change resulting from greenhouse gases and particles.

John Seinfeld is the Louis E. Nohl Professor and Professor of Chemical Engineering at Caltech.

John Seinfeld

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