The debate over energy consumption and its consequences is constantly evolving, whether the subject is fossil fuels or renewables. The Massive Open Online Course “Energy and the Earth” will give thousands of people an online forum in which to explore these topics.

The course launched Sunday and runs through July 18; learners can sign up at any time.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free, noncredit learning experiences that allow people from around the globe to participate. Participants sign up online and watch educational videos, participate in discussion forums, read articles and often take quizzes or complete educational activities.

The fourth in UW-Madison’s 2015 series of six MOOCs, “Energy and the Earth” is taught by Alan Carroll, UW-Madison professor of geoscience and a field geologist with more than 30 years combined experience in academia and the energy industry.