Planetary Boundaries from edX

A thriving global society relies on the stability of the Earth and its resilience across oceans, forests, waterways, biodiversity, the atmosphere and more. So how do we shape sustainability at a global scale? The boundaries set by the planet’s natural resources, the resilience of those resources, and the human activities that impact sustainability all come into play.

In this massive open online course, see the rapidly evolving trends in global environmental change and the responses aimed at slowing or eliminating these changes. Get an overview of what is seen by some scientists as our current geological epoch – the Anthropocene, or an age of global change driven most significantly by humans. Learn how unsustainable patterns of production, consumption and population growth have challenge planetary resilience, all in support of human activity – and how our societies can develop in a just and safe way within the planet’s boundaries.

This course is for:

Anyone new to the concept of sustainable development who wants to understand the interplay between human actions and what the planet can support.
Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students interested in the key concepts and practices of sustainability, environmental science, responsible consumption and related topics
Sustainable development practitioners – as well as private-sector actors, such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility – who want a concise overview of the latest developments in the field

What's inside

Learning objectives

The anthropocene: what it is and why it matters
Tipping points: the big three boundaries of the planet

Resilience thinking: understanding the social-ecological implications of sustainability
Global governance: how do we move forward as a planet for sustainability?

The anthropocene: what it is and why it matters
Tipping points: the big three boundaries of the planet
Resilience thinking: understanding the social-ecological implications of sustainability
Global governance: how do we move forward as a planet for sustainability?

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction and the Big Picture

Module 2: Welcome to the Anthropocene

Module 3: Social-Ecological Systems and Resilience Thinking

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores global environmental change and sustainability, which are highly relevant to environmental science and sustainable development professions

Taught by distinguished instructors from Stockholm University recognized for their work on sustainability

Develops an understanding of the Anthropocene and global change, which are essential for professionals working in sustainable development

Covers the Planetary Boundaries Framework, which is a widely recognized tool for assessing global sustainability

Provides knowledge of resilience thinking, which is important for understanding and managing social-ecological systems

Examines the concept of global governance, which is crucial for driving sustainability efforts on a global scale

Reviews summary

Overview of planetary boundaries framework

According to learners, this course offers a strong introduction and clear overview of the Planetary Boundaries framework and the concept of the Anthropocene. Many found the lectures engaging and the instructors effective in explaining complex topics. It is often recommended for those new to sustainable development or seeking a foundational understanding. However, some reviewers noted that the course can be quite theoretical and may lack sufficient depth or practical applications for learners with more advanced backgrounds or specific professional interests.

Ideal for newcomers to the topic of sustainability.

"As someone new to this field, I found this course to be the perfect starting point."

"This is an excellent introductory course for anyone wanting to learn about planetary limits."

"I had no prior knowledge but could follow along and understand the main ideas presented."

"It's a great first step for students or professionals needing a basic understanding."

Instructors deliver content effectively and engagingly.

"The lectures were very engaging and easy to follow, making the dense material accessible."

"I really enjoyed the teaching style of the instructors; they kept me interested."

"The video quality and presentation of the lectures was professional and well done."

"The instructors are clearly passionate about the topic, which makes the learning experience better."

Provides a solid understanding of the core framework.

"This course gave me a really clear understanding of the planetary boundaries framework."

"I finally grasp what the Anthropocene means after taking this course."

"The modular structure breaks down the complex topic well and the core concepts were explained clearly."

"It provides a good overview of key concepts needed to understand sustainability challenges."

May be too basic for experienced learners.

"If you already have a background in environmental science, this course might be too superficial."

"I was expecting more advanced discussion on certain boundaries; it felt a bit basic for a practitioner."

"It's a good refresher, but perhaps not deep enough for advanced undergraduates or grad students as advertised."

"Experienced individuals might find themselves wishing for more detailed scientific explanations."

Course leans heavily on theory, less on practice.

"While informative, the course is very theoretical and doesn't offer much in terms of practical application."

"I was hoping for more case studies or real-world examples, but it stayed mostly conceptual."

"Learners looking for 'how-to' aspects of sustainability might find it lacking."

"The focus is definitely on the framework itself, not implementing solutions."

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 Planetary Boundaries with these activities:

Read Cradle to Cradle

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Understanding the principles of Cradle to Cradle will help you think critically about the sustainability of our current practices.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and chapter 1
Summarize the main ideas of the book in your own words
Identify three ways that you can apply the principles of Cradle to Cradle in your own life

Watch video lectures on resilience thinking

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Watching video lectures on resilience thinking will help you to understand the key principles of this approach and how it can be applied to sustainability challenges.

Browse courses on Resilience Thinking

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Find video lectures on resilience thinking
Watch the lectures and take notes
Summarize the key ideas of the lectures in your own words

Practice calculating planetary boundaries

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Practicing calculating planetary boundaries will help you to understand the limits of our planet's resources and how to avoid exceeding them.

Browse courses on Planetary Boundaries

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Find data on the current levels of the planetary boundaries
Calculate the safe operating space for each boundary
Identify the boundaries that are most at risk of being exceeded

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Participate in a peer-led discussion on sustainability

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Participating in a peer-led discussion on sustainability will help you to share your ideas and learn from others about the challenges and opportunities for sustainability.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Find a peer-led discussion group on sustainability
Join the group and participate in the discussions
Share your ideas and learn from others

Create a sustainability plan

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Creating a sustainability plan will help you to understand the key challenges and opportunities for sustainability in your field or area of interest.

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Identify the key sustainability issues in your field or area of interest
Research best practices for addressing these issues
Develop a plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and timelines for achieving sustainability

Attend a workshop on global governance for sustainability

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Attending a workshop on global governance for sustainability will help you to understand the challenges and opportunities for global cooperation on sustainability issues.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Find a workshop on global governance for sustainability
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and take notes

Create a sustainability portfolio

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Creating a sustainability portfolio will help you to keep track of your learning and progress on sustainability issues.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Collect materials from the course and other sources
Organize the materials into a portfolio
Reflect on your learning and progress

Contribute to an open-source sustainability project

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Contributing to an open-source sustainability project will help you to gain practical experience and make a real contribution to the sustainability movement.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Find an open-source sustainability project
Review the project's code and documentation
Make a contribution to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Planetary Boundaries will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops environmental policies. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies, providing advice on how to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. This course may be helpful for Environmental Policy Analysts, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Climate Scientist

A Climate Scientist studies the Earth's climate system, including the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface. They may work for government agencies, universities, or research institutions, conducting research on climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions. This course may be useful for Climate Scientists, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Environmental Economist

An Environmental Economist studies the economic impacts of environmental policies and regulations. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, providing advice on how to design and implement policies that promote environmental protection and economic development. This course may be useful for Environmental Economists, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and implements corporate social responsibility programs for businesses. They may work for businesses of all sizes, providing leadership on environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. This course may be helpful for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers, as it provides an overview of the key concepts and practices of sustainability, as well as the latest developments in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law, which governs the protection of the environment and natural resources. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, providing advice on environmental regulations, litigating environmental cases, and advocating for environmental protection. This course may be useful for Environmental Lawyers, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability programs for organizations. They may work for businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations, providing leadership on environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. This course may be helpful for Sustainability Managers, as it provides an overview of the key concepts and practices of sustainability, as well as the latest developments in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. They may work with businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations, providing advice on how to reduce environmental impact, improve social responsibility, and promote economic sustainability. This course may be helpful for Sustainability Consultants, as it provides an overview of the key concepts and practices of sustainability, as well as the latest developments in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and how to protect it. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, collecting data, conducting research, and making recommendations on how to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and protect ecosystems. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Soil Scientist

A Soil Scientist studies the Earth's soils. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, conducting research on a variety of topics, including soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil management. This course may be useful for Soil Scientists, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Soil Scientist

Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs, installs, and maintains renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, helping to develop and implement renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for Renewable Energy Engineers, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Environmental Educator

An Environmental Educator develops and delivers educational programs on environmental issues. They may work for schools, museums, nature centers, or non-profit organizations, teaching people about the environment and how to protect it. This course may be useful for Environmental Educators, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Nonprofit Program Manager

A Nonprofit Program Manager develops and manages programs for non-profit organizations. They may work for organizations of all sizes, providing leadership on a variety of issues, including environmental protection, social justice, and economic development. This course may be helpful for Nonprofit Program Managers, as it provides an overview of the key concepts and practices of sustainability, as well as the latest developments in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Geographer

A Geographer studies the Earth's physical and human geography. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, conducting research on a variety of topics, including climate change, land use, and natural resource management. This course may be useful for Geographers, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Hydrologist

A Hydrologist studies the Earth's water resources. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, conducting research on a variety of topics, including water quality, water quantity, and water management. This course may be useful for Hydrologists, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Oceanographer

An Oceanographer studies the Earth's oceans. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, conducting research on a variety of topics, including ocean circulation, ocean chemistry, and marine life. This course may be useful for Oceanographers, as it provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of sustainability, including the concept of planetary boundaries and the challenges of global governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer