Shayne R. O'Brien, Ph. D.

Shayne R. O'Brien, Ph. D.

Climatologist, Adjunct Lecturer

Teaching

CCS 109 - Introduction to Climate Change

Undergraduate, Central Connecticut State University, Department of Geography, Anthropology and Tourism, 2025

This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and tenets of global climate change. We examine natural systems and human activities that have altered, and continue to alter, global climate systems and other Earth/environmental systems. Students will survey how the changing climate and Earth/environmental systems are impacting human activities (i.e., social and economic systems). Topics to be surveyed include physical geography, biological, economic, policy, social. Students will learn about, and engage in, actions and activities related to the broader concepts of sustainability and the three pillars of sustainability (i.e., social, economic, and environment) as they relate to human-induced global climate change.

CCS 209 - Climatology

Undergraduate, Central Connecticut State University, Department of the Geography, Anthropology, and Tourism, 2025

Earth’s climate with an emphasis on the physical processes and dynamics of the atmosphere. Topics include regional, urban and historical climatologies, atmospheric pollution, and climate change. Some class time will be devoted to practical exercises. Cross Listing: SUST 209, GEO 209

GEO 433/514 - Issues in Environmental Protection

Undergraduate/Graduate, Central Connecticut State University, Department of Geography, Anthropology and Tourism, 2025

As a result of protracted and intensive exploitation, the natural balance of the environment in many places of the earth has been upset and serious consequences have begun to show. Some of these unintended consequences of our actions on the environment (global warming, ozone layer depletion, air and water pollution etc.,) threaten our very existence on planet earth. Concerns over deterioration of the environment have become pronounced. It has therefore become imperative to educate ourselves about the environment so we can reduce the adverse impacts of our actions on the environment.

ENV220 - Global Climate Change

Undergraduate, Southern Connecticut State University, Department of the Environment, Geography and Marine Studies, 2025

Examination of the scientific, social, economic and political aspects of global climate change due to energy production using fossil-fuels.

GEO 201 - Physical Geography (Lab)

Undergraduate course, Southern Connecticut State University, Department of the Environment, Geography and Marine Studies, 2024

Physical environments of representative areas: landforms, climates, vegetation, and soils are emphasized, as well as their distribution and significance for man.

GEO 100 - People, Places, and Environments

Undergraduate course, Southern Connecticut State University, Department of the Environment, Geography and Marine Studies, 2024

Study of the world’s natural habitats and cultural landscapes and the interrelationships that may develop among them.

GEOG 1010 - Physical Geography

Undergraduate, University of Tennesee at Chattanooga, Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies, 2023

The physical environment with emphasis on processes that influence the distribution and pattern of landforms, water, climate, vegetation, and soil.

GEOG 1030 - World Geography

Undergraduate, University of Tennesee at Chattanooga, Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies, 2023

Description and analysis of selected world regions, their internal characteristics and problems, and the nature of their interrelationships in a global context. Every semester. This semester we will cover a broad overview of the world in the course textbook. Additionally, we will spend more time learning about: Middle East and North Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; and East Asia.

GEO 1305 - Meteorology

Undergraduate, Texas State University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, 2020

An introduction to atmospheric science providing information on the properties of the atmosphere, the scientific principles that govern weather and climate, and interactions between the atmosphere and the other components of the Earth system.

GSCI 110 - World Geography

Undergraduate, Fort Hays State University, Department of Geosciences, 2019

Promotes international understanding via a survey of the world as a system of interrelated political units, environments, resources, lifestyles, and problems.