Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society from edX

Our society today is facing many challenges: climate change, hunger, inequality,…

Although you probably have heard about or even personally experienced many of them, the information we get about these issues is often fragmented, incomplete, biased or even completely wrong.

Our team of experts will introduce you to different global challenges we face today and how they are linked to one another. This course will give you a good basic understanding of each of the challenges, their interrelationships and where we may look for possible solutions.

On top of an update of your knowledge on these challenges, you will learn to understand the data, see the bigger picture, and formulate knowledge-based arguments.

What's inside

Learning objectives

By following this course, you will:
Know the current state of the challenges and, using this knowledge, be able to test and interpret new information that reaches you regarding these challenges.
Develop the reflex to critically approach and verify statements around the topics discussed and be able to take a position based on facts and rational considerations
Know where to find and how to interpret crucial (numerical) material on these challenges.

Become aware that the world is constantly evolving and have the reflex to update your knowledge.
Gain insight into the relationship between different issues and, when dealing with one issue understand the implications for the other challenges.
Understand why people often hold mistaken views (and which are the main ones) and know how to counter them.

By following this course, you will:
Know the current state of the challenges and, using this knowledge, be able to test and interpret new information that reaches you regarding these challenges.
Develop the reflex to critically approach and verify statements around the topics discussed and be able to take a position based on facts and rational considerations
Know where to find and how to interpret crucial (numerical) material on these challenges.
Become aware that the world is constantly evolving and have the reflex to update your knowledge.
Gain insight into the relationship between different issues and, when dealing with one issue understand the implications for the other challenges.
Understand why people often hold mistaken views (and which are the main ones) and know how to counter them.

Syllabus

Climate change : on how climate has changed and is changing, why this is happening, what the consequences are and what possible solutions are, both on a personal and an institutional level.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the interrelationships between global challenges, which helps learners understand the complexities of sustainable solutions

Develops critical thinking skills to approach statements about global challenges, which is essential for informed decision-making

Examines the role of human behavior in sustainability, which offers unique perspectives on addressing global challenges

Requires learners to interpret numerical data on global challenges, which may require some familiarity with statistics

Addresses global governance and international negotiations, which are crucial for understanding policy-making in sustainability

Examines the connection between economy and environment, which is a core concept in sustainable development

Reviews summary

Comprehensive look at global challenges

According to learners, this course offers an excellent and comprehensive overview of the major global challenges facing society today. Students found it an ideal introductory course, perfect for beginners or anyone seeking a solid foundation on the interconnectedness of issues like climate change, biodiversity, and inequality. While the course clearly and accessibly presents complex information and features knowledgeable instructors, some reviewers felt the breadth came at the expense of depth, noting that it serves more as a survey of topics rather than a deep dive. The focus on critical thinking and data interpretation was highlighted as particularly valuable.

Lecturers are highly skilled and engaging.

"The lecturers are knowledgeable and present complex information..."

"The instructors were engaging and passionate."

"The instructors are top-notch. One of the best online courses I've taken..."

Develops skills for evaluating information.

"The critical thinking aspect they emphasized was very valuable."

"Develop the reflex to critically approach and verify statements around the topics discussed..."

"I appreciate the focus on critical thinking and data interpretation."

Shows how different global challenges are linked.

"It really opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of these issues."

"The interconnections between topics are highlighted well."

"Gain insight into the relationship between different issues and... understand the implications for the other challenges."

Complex information presented understandably.

"The lecturers are knowledgeable and present complex information in an accessible way."

"The structure is clear, and the information is presented logically."

"The course makes complex topics understandable. I appreciate the focus on critical thinking..."

Excellent starting point for beginners.

"Excellent introductory course! Perfect for getting a handle on the vast topic of global challenges."

"This course is recommended for anyone wanting a solid foundation."

"It's a good starting point, but don't expect to become an expert."

"Very good course for beginners. It covers a lot of ground..."

Provides a broad understanding of key global issues.

"This course provides an excellent overview of the major global challenges we face today."

"A very comprehensive course covering a wide range of topics."

"Amazing course! It covers so much ground, from climate and energy to inequality and human behavior."

"Learned a lot about sustainability and its many dimensions. The course does a good job of linking different challenges together."

Topics are broad, not deeply explored.

"The course is okay, but it's very broad. It touches on many topics but doesn't go deep into any of them."

"If you already know a bit about these issues, you might find it too basic."

"Expected a bit more depth. It felt like a survey of topics rather than a deep dive."

"Each topic could be a course in itself. It's a good appetizer, but not a full meal."

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 Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society with these activities:

Review Basic Economic Principles

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Strengthen your understanding of economic concepts relevant to sustainable development.

Browse courses on Environmental Economics

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Review introductory economics textbooks or online resources.
Focus on concepts such as supply and demand, market failures, and externalities.
Consider how these concepts relate to environmental issues.

Calculate Ecological Footprint

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Assess your personal impact on the planet and identify areas for improvement.

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Find an online ecological footprint calculator.
Answer the questions honestly and thoroughly.
Analyze your results and identify areas where you can reduce your footprint.
Research ways to make those changes.

Review 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'

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Explore a wide range of climate solutions and their potential impact.

View Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Drawdown'.
Read the introduction and understand the methodology.
Select 3-5 solutions that interest you and read their descriptions.
Reflect on how these solutions relate to the course material.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a Presentation on a Global Challenge

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Synthesize information from the course and external sources to create a compelling presentation on a chosen global challenge.

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Choose a global challenge from the course syllabus.
Research the challenge using reputable sources.
Create a presentation with key facts, figures, and potential solutions.
Practice your presentation.

Create a Data Visualization of Global Inequality

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Visualize data related to social and economic inequality to highlight trends and disparities.

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Find a reliable source of data on global inequality (e.g., World Bank, UN).
Choose a type of visualization that effectively communicates the data (e.g., map, chart, graph).
Use a data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau, Google Charts) to create your visualization.
Write a brief explanation of the visualization and its key findings.

Review 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the biodiversity crisis and its historical context.

View The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Sixth Extinction'.
Read the book, paying attention to the scientific evidence presented.
Reflect on the implications of the sixth extinction for the future of the planet.
Consider how the book's arguments relate to the course material.

Design a Sustainable City Block

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Apply the principles of sustainable development to design a hypothetical city block that minimizes environmental impact and promotes social equity.

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Research sustainable urban design principles.
Choose a location for your city block.
Design the layout of the block, including buildings, green spaces, and transportation infrastructure.
Consider energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and social equity in your design.
Create a presentation or report outlining your design and its benefits.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Change Analyst

A climate change analyst researches and analyzes climate data, assesses the impacts of climate change, and develops strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate risks. This career often requires an advanced degree (master's or phd). This course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of climate change science, impacts, and solutions. The course's emphasis on data interpretation, critical thinking, and understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges can help climate change analysts develop more informed and effective climate strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers are responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring sustainability strategies within an organization. They work to reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and promote social responsibility. This course is highly relevant for aspiring sustainability managers. Its broad coverage of global challenges, including climate change, energy, and resource management, provides a strong foundation for developing effective sustainability strategies. The course may be useful since it is focused on critical thinking and data analysis skills that are essential for assessing sustainability performance and identifying areas for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Food Security Analyst

A food security analyst researches and analyzes food systems, assesses food security risks, and develops strategies to improve food security and nutrition. The analyst often works for government agencies, international organizations, or non-profit organizations. This course can help one wanting to become a food security analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of global challenges related to food production, distribution, and consumption. The course's section on food security is directly applicable, and the emphasis on understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges can help develop more holistic and sustainable food systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Security Analyst

Circular Economy Specialist

A circular economy specialist works to promote and implements circular economy principles within organizations or communities. The role requires expertise in areas such as waste reduction, resource management, and product design. This course can help circular economy specialists by providing a deeper understanding of the challenges related to resource depletion and waste generation. The module on raw materials and circular economy is particularly relevant. The course's emphasis on interconnectedness of global issues will help circular economy specialists develop more holistic and sustainable solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circular Economy Specialist

Sustainability Coordinator

A sustainability coordinator works to promote and implement sustainability initiatives within an organization or community. This includes developing sustainability plans, engaging stakeholders, and tracking progress towards sustainability goals. This course can help one wanting to become a sustainability coordinator by providing a broad understanding of global challenges and sustainability principles. The sections on climate change, energy, and waste management are particularly relevant. The focus on critical thinking and data analysis can help sustainability coordinators assess their organization's sustainability performance and identify areas for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Coordinator

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze existing policies and proposed legislation to assess their impact and effectiveness. Policy analysts typically work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. This course can help one wanting to become a policy analyst by providing a broad understanding of global challenges and encouraging critical thinking. The sections on global governance and economics of sustainable development are also relevant. The course's emphasis on understanding different perspectives and formulating knowledge-based arguments can help policy analysts develop well-researched and persuasive policy recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Renewable Energy Specialist

A renewable energy specialist works to promote and implement renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. This career involves technical expertise, project management skills, and a deep understanding of energy policy. This course can help one wanting to become a renewable energy specialist by providing a broad understanding of the energy sector and the challenges related to transitioning to a sustainable energy system. The course's sections on energy and climate change are particularly relevant, and the emphasis on data interpretation and critical thinking can help the renewable energy specialist evaluate different energy technologies and policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Specialist

Environmental Analyst

An environmental analyst researches and analyzes environmental data to assess the impact of human activities on the environment. Environmental analysts often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations. This course can help build a good foundation for environmental analysts by providing a broad understanding of global challenges and their interrelationships. The course's sections on climate change, biodiversity, and pollution directly relate to the work of an environmental analyst. The focus on data interpretation and critical thinking in the course will help analysts evaluate scientific studies and policy proposals that impact the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Analyst

Environmental Consultant

An environmental consultant advises clients on environmental issues, such as pollution control, waste management, and regulatory compliance. This career sometimes requires an advanced degree (master's). This course can help one wanting to become an environmental consultant by providing a broad understanding of environmental challenges and sustainability principles. This course may be useful as it helps with the development of skills in data interpretation, critical thinking, and formulating knowledge-based arguments, which are essential for providing effective environmental consulting services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Sustainability Consultant

A sustainability consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability practices. This career involves assessing current operations, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies to implement sustainable solutions. This course may be useful because it covers various global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, energy consumption, and resource management. The syllabus's exploration of the economics of sustainable development and global governance offers tools for analyzing the complex systems in which organizations operate. By understanding the interconnectedness of these issues, an aspiring sustainability consultant can offer more informed and effective advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A corporate social responsibility manager develops and implements programs to promote ethical and sustainable business practices within an organization. The CSR Manager works on a variety of issues, such as environmental protection, human rights, and community engagement. This course can help one wanting to become a corporate social responsibility manager by providing a broad understanding of global challenges and their impact on businesses. The modules on energy, raw materials, and human behavior will be particularly relevant, as will the course's emphasis on understanding different perspectives and developing knowledge-based arguments.

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

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists manage, protect, and enhance natural resources. This career often requires an advanced degree (master's or phd). This course can help one wanting to become a conservation scientist by providing a comprehensive overview of environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and habitat destruction. The course's syllabus on climate change and biodiversity aligns directly with the work of a conservation scientist. Furthermore, the emphasis on understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges may enable conservation scientists to develop more holistic and effective strategies for protecting natural resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans and programs for the use of land, helping to create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns and cities. This course can help one wanting to become an urban planner understand the environmental, social, and economic challenges related to urban development. The course's modules on buildings, mobility, and economics of sustainable development are particularly relevant. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges will enable urban planners to develop holistic solutions that address multiple issues simultaneously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

International Development Officer

An international development officer works to improve the quality of life in developing countries. This career involves planning, implementing, and evaluating development projects, often in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development. This course may be useful for international development officers as it covers many of the global challenges faced by developing countries, including hunger, inequality, and climate change. The course's syllabus on demography, food security, and social and economic inequality can help international development officers design more effective and culturally sensitive development programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Officer

Environmental Educator

An environmental educator teaches individuals and communities about environmental issues and promotes environmental stewardship. Environmental educators work in schools, nature centers, museums, and other settings. This course can help one wanting to become an environmental educator enhance their knowledge, and equip them with the skills to communicate complex information effectively. The broad overview of global challenges and the emphasis on critical thinking will help environmental educators engage their audiences and inspire action.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive look at global challenges

Activities

Career center

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