In this two-part series, Tim Londergan, Professor Emeritus of Physics, and Steve Vigdor, will present the basic science behind global warming and climate change . The presentation will emphasize empirical data rather than complex climate models. They will discuss short-term impacts of climate change that are already being felt, and long-term concerns about potential irreversible changes to Earth systems. They will then outline steps that could be taken to mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change, if the civic will to do so can be mustered.  Questions and comments from the audience are welcome!