From the Ground Up: Managing and Preserving Our Terrestrial Ecosystems from edX

Examine our reliance on the Earth’s resources –and vice versa – and you will discover a stunning tapestry of complex interactions between ecosystems and human life. From preventing the extinction of species (from plants to animals) to mitigating the effects of long-term environmental shifts, how do we ensure that our interaction with the world around us doesn’t leave it destroyed?

In this course, you’ll learn the science behind the capacities of various ecosystems including extinction rates, desertification and how their physical makeup has evolved with environmental shifts. You’ll experience the lives of local populations dependent upon these resources, from their economic activities to their societal norms.

After taking this course, you will be equipped with an understanding of diverse ecosystems and how responsible use of these resources is imperative to our planet’s survival.

This course is for:

Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students studying ecosystem management, forestry, sustainable development, economics, sustainable business and related fields
Practitioners in forestry, ecosystem management, conservation and related fields who are interested in current science and research around use and preservation
Sustainable development practitioners – as well as private-sector actors, such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility, land development or tourism – who need to understand responsible consumption and interaction with our ecosystems

What's inside

Learning objectives

The factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more
What events will fundamentally alter an ecosystem and its ability to support extant life?

Use, preservation and management in the brazilian amazon, bhutan and other regions
How communities and policymakers can preserve local ecosystems

The factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more
What events will fundamentally alter an ecosystem and its ability to support extant life?
Use, preservation and management in the brazilian amazon, bhutan and other regions
How communities and policymakers can preserve local ecosystems

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Terrestrial Ecosystems

1.1 Welcome to the Course

1.2 Introduction to SDG 15

1.3 Terrestrial and Inland Freshwater Ecosystems

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Designed for professionals working in ecosystem management, forestry, sustainable development and related fields, it delves deeply into current science and research around sustainable land use, preservation and restoration

Features prominent instructors in the field, including Jeffrey D. Sachs, Virgilio Viana, Thomas Lovejoy, Rita Mesquita and Emma Torres, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the course

Focuses on essential ecosystem management practices, such as protected area management, agroforestry systems and sustainable forest management, equipping learners with practical tools and strategies

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from understanding ecosystem resilience to evaluating public policies for sustainable land use, providing a well-rounded education in ecosystem management

Provides insights into local communities' dependence on ecosystems, exploring the social and economic dimensions of ecosystem management and conservation

Emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption and interaction with ecosystems, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to ensure the planet's survival

Reviews summary

Comprehensive ecosystem management: theory & practice

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of terrestrial ecosystems, their management, and preservation. Learners particularly value its holistic view, integrating scientific principles with socio-economic aspects and public policy. The course's strength lies in its real-world case studies, such as those focusing on the Amazon and Bhutan, which provide practical context. While most find the instructors knowledgeable and engaging, a segment of learners seeking more hands-on practical application in management techniques expressed a desire for deeper dives beyond the theoretical framework. Older reviews indicated some outdated materials, but recent feedback suggests content is largely current and relevant.

Older reviews highlighted outdated materials, but recent feedback is more positive.

"Content is good, but the course materials could use an update. Some links were broken, and a few statistics felt dated."

"A very informative course. I appreciated the balance between scientific principles and real-world applications, which felt current."

"This course successfully highlights the interconnectedness... The discussions on climate change impact were particularly well-handled and up-to-date."

Instructors are knowledgeable, passionate, and convey their expertise effectively.

"The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging."

"The instructors are truly passionate and knowledgeable. Their expertise shines through the lectures."

"The presentations were clear, and the readings supplemented the lectures effectively, thanks to the instructors."

Features practical insights through specific regional examples and policy discussions.

"The discussions on policy were particularly useful for my work."

"The case studies, especially on the Amazon and Bhutan, were eye-opening and provided practical insights."

"I learned a lot about the socio-economic aspects of conservation. The case studies were the strongest element for me."

Provides a holistic and in-depth understanding of terrestrial ecosystems.

"The content is incredibly comprehensive, covering various ecosystems and their management with depth."

"Excellent and well-structured course. It provides a holistic view of terrestrial ecosystems and the challenges they face."

"Comprehensive and insightful. This course successfully highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, human well-being, and policy."

Some learners desire more practical, hands-on strategies beyond theoretical concepts.

"I was expecting more technical detail on management techniques. It felt very theoretical and high-level."

"Too academic for me. I was looking for more practical, actionable strategies for conservation in my local community."

"I wish there were more hands-on activities or simulations to apply the concepts discussed in the lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in From the Ground Up: Managing and Preserving Our Terrestrial Ecosystems with these activities:

Review Physical and Biological Processes in Ecosystems

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Refresh your understanding of the fundamental physical and biological processes that occur within ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, energy flow, and species interactions.

Browse courses on Ecology

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Read about the nitrogen cycle
Review the concept of food webs
Consider the role of keystone species

Review Rainforest Conservation Toolkit

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Review the United Nations Development Programme's online toolkit, which explores the importance of rainforest conservation and offers a step-by-step guide for businesses and individuals to get involved in conservation efforts.

Browse courses on Rainforests

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Read 'Why are rainforests important?'
Check out the 'What can be done?' section
Download the Rainforest Conservation Toolkit

Complete Practice Problems on Ecosystem Degradation

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Sharpen your understanding of ecosystem degradation processes and their impacts. Engage in practice drills involving case studies, simulations, or online exercises.

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Analyze a case study of deforestation
Simulate the effects of climate change on an ecosystem
Complete online exercises on invasive species

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Create a Mind Map of Ecosystem Services

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Generate a mind map that visually represents the diverse benefits humans derive from ecosystems, ranging from food and water to climate regulation and cultural heritage.

Browse courses on Ecosystem Services

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Brainstorm a list of ecosystem services
Categorize the services into groups
Create a visual representation of your mind map

Review 'The Sixth Extinction' by Elizabeth Kolbert

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Delve into the compelling narrative of 'The Sixth Extinction,' a Pulitzer Prize-winning book that examines the current biodiversity crisis and its implications for the future of life on Earth.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Read Part 1: 'The Empty Planet'
Consider the concept of 'background extinction rate'
Explore the implications of human activities on biodiversity
Reflect on the importance of conservation efforts

Compile a List of Sustainable Development Practices

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Gather information on sustainable development practices from various sources and compile a comprehensive list. Include examples, case studies, and best practices for implementing sustainable solutions.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Research sustainable development practices
Organize your findings into a logical structure
Create a digital or physical compilation

Engage in Discussion on Ecosystem Management Strategies

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Connect with fellow learners to share ideas, insights, and perspectives on effective ecosystem management strategies. Discuss case studies, evaluate best practices, and explore innovative approaches.

Browse courses on Ecosystem Management

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Prepare talking points on a specific ecosystem management strategy
Join a discussion group and share your thoughts
Actively listen to others' perspectives

Volunteer for a Local Conservation Organization

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Apply your knowledge and skills by volunteering for a local conservation organization. Participate in activities such as habitat restoration, species monitoring, or community outreach programs.

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Research local conservation organizations
Contact an organization and express your interest
Participate in volunteer activities
Share your experience with others

Career center

Learners who complete From the Ground Up: Managing and Preserving Our Terrestrial Ecosystems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ecosystem Manager

Ecosystem managers are responsible for creating and maintaining sustainable ecosystems. This course will help students become ecosystem managers by teaching them about the factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecosystem Manager

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists are responsible for studying and protecting ecosystems. This course will help conservation scientists by teaching them about the factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Forester

Foresters manage forests and forest resources. This course will help foresters by teaching them about the factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forester

Environmental Economist

Environmental economists analyze the economic impacts of environmental policies and programs. This course will help environmental economists by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and build landscapes. This course will help landscape architects by teaching them about the factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. This course will help environmental consultants by teaching them about the factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its physical features. This course will help geographers by teaching them about the factors that determine the resilience of an ecosystem, its susceptibility to human activities and climate change, and more. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Agricultural Extension Agent

Agricultural extension agents provide farmers and ranchers with information and advice on how to improve their agricultural practices. This course will help agricultural extension agents by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Extension Agent

Environmental Journalist

Environmental journalists report on environmental issues and trends. This course will help environmental journalists by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Journalist

Sustainable Development Advocate

Sustainable development advocates work to promote sustainable development policies and practices. This course will help sustainable development advocates by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Development Advocate

Environmental Educator

Environmental educators teach people about environmental issues and trends. This course will help environmental educators by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Policy Advisor

Policy advisors advise policymakers on the development and implementation of environmental policies. This course will help policy advisors by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor

Natural Resource Manager

Natural resource managers oversee the use and conservation of natural resources such as forests, water, and minerals. This course will help natural resource managers by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

City Planner

City planners develop and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. This course will help city planners by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for City Planner

Sustainable Development Officer

Sustainable development officers are responsible for implementing sustainable development policies and programs. This course will help sustainable development officers by teaching them about the social and economic importance of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving and managing these ecosystems for future generations. The course will also explore the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, such as ecosystem degradation, ecosystem conversion, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Development Officer