Environmental Gamechanger – Lead the Way to Sustainable Development from edX

Skill set for sustainabilityNowadays there is a lot of talk about environmental sustainability, yet it has come to mean different things in different contexts. Although defining sustainability is complicated, understanding it is crucial in helping us solve urgent global issues. The newly emerging field of ‘sustainability science’ has identified a set of skills, critical to analysing and solving sustainability problems.

In the MOOC Becoming an Agent of Sustainable Change, we will introduce you to these essential skills in an applied and interactive way. Through assignments, real-world inspirational cases of sustainability leaders, self-reflection and discussions with fellow learners, you will sharpen and personalise your skills. It will empower you to start your journey as an agent of sustainable change.

Personal sustainability projectAs the course progresses, you will be able to directly set off sustainable development by applying these newly acquired skills to a real-world problem in your own living environment. You will choose a project of personal relevance to you, which can be any sustainability issue - big or small – that you wish to effect and change! For example:

start a weekly community to limit food waste or recycle
promote a plant rich diet by raising awareness at your work, or
set up a project for renewable energy and insulation in your neighbourhood.

It’s up to you!

Start todaySo, are you eager to see a solution to the complex issues our world faces? Sustainable development can happen today, if you it want to. Join the growing force of environmental gamechangers and pick up the sustainability challenges you see near you. Take the lead, enrol now!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Tools to understand the concept of sustainability
To define problems related to sustainability, identifying the direct and indirect causes and effects
To reflect on the use of sustainability by different actors in society

To develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change
To directly apply these skills to a sustainability issue in your own environment

Tools to understand the concept of sustainability
To define problems related to sustainability, identifying the direct and indirect causes and effects
To reflect on the use of sustainability by different actors in society
To develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change
To directly apply these skills to a sustainability issue in your own environment

Syllabus

Module 1: Dissecting sustainability

Here you will be introduced to the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. We will also explain the sustainability competencies which are your tools for this MOOC.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the concept of sustainability and its various interpretations in society

Develops critical thinking skills for analyzing complex sustainability issues through systems thinking tools

Promotes self-reflection and encourages learners to challenge their own values and biases in relation to sustainability

Fosters collaboration and communication skills for working with diverse stakeholders towards sustainable solutions

Provides practical tools for envisioning and planning for a sustainable future through forecasting, back casting, and scenario development

Guides learners in developing a personalized action plan to address a sustainability issue in their own environment, empowering them to become agents of change

Reviews summary

Practical guide to sustainable change

According to learners, this course is a practical guide for becoming an agent of sustainable change. It focuses on developing essential sustainability competencies through an applied and interactive approach. Students find value in the exploration of complex sustainability issues, challenging personal norms and values, and fostering collaboration for change. A core highlight is the personal sustainability project, allowing learners to apply skills to a real-world problem in their own environment. The course emphasizes action planning and thinking about the future, empowering individuals to take the lead in sustainable development.

Success depends on proactive engagement and independent effort.

"The personal project is fantastic, but it definitely requires a good amount of self-discipline and initiative to complete."

"While the course provides tools, the impact of learning depends heavily on your own commitment to the assignments and reflection."

"I found that to truly benefit, I needed to actively participate in discussions and dedicate time to apply the concepts."

Provides a strong foundational understanding, not deep specialization.

"This course offers a solid introduction to sustainability science, covering a wide range of essential topics."

"I felt it provided a comprehensive overview, but for very specific areas, I'd need to seek additional specialized study."

"It's a great starting point for anyone new to sustainable development, laying a strong conceptual groundwork."

Explores sustainability from diverse perspectives and values.

"The course pushed me to reflect on different cultural understandings of sustainability and my own biases."

"I gained a much broader perspective on how complex sustainability issues are, spanning from global to local scales."

"Understanding how norms and values influence sustainable behavior was a unique and valuable insight."

Develops essential skills for driving sustainable change.

"I appreciate how the course provides a clear set of competencies, enabling me to actively engage with sustainability challenges."

"The systematic approach to understanding complexity and fostering collaboration helped me sharpen my problem-solving skills."

"I feel equipped with practical tools like systems thinking and scenario development to address real-world issues."

Directly apply learned concepts to a relevant personal project.

"The personal sustainability project was a game-changer; I could directly apply concepts to a problem I care about."

"I found the ability to choose a relevant project in my own living environment incredibly motivating and impactful."

"Creating an action plan for my project solidified my understanding of how to enact sustainable change."

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 Environmental Gamechanger – Lead the Way to Sustainable Development with these activities:

Review key concepts

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Refresh your understanding of basic sustainability concepts to prepare for the course materials.

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Identify the key concepts
Research and summarize these concepts in your own words

Review multi-criteria decision-making techniques

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Multi-criteria decision-making is a key skill for sustainability professionals. Review basic techniques to prepare for this course.

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Revisit weighted sum model
Review ELECTRE method
Go over PROMETHEE method

Review basic math skills

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Review basic math skills to ensure a strong foundation for understanding environmental data and statistics in the course.

Browse courses on Mathematics

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Practice basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with whole numbers and decimals.
Review formulas for calculating percentages, averages, and rates.

Seven other activities

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Sustainable Development Goals by the UN

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Review the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to gain a comprehensive understanding of global sustainability challenges and targets.

View Connected farmers on Amazon

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Read through each of the goals
Summarize the key points of each goal

Collaborative Sustainability Discussions

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences related to sustainability, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

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Join a study group or online forum
Participate in discussions
Share your own insights and perspectives

Sustainability Case Studies

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Explore real-world sustainability case studies to learn from the successes and challenges of others, broadening your perspective and practical knowledge.

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Identify relevant case studies
Analyze the case studies
Extract lessons learned

Sustainability PSA

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Create a public service announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about a sustainability issue, helping you develop your communication skills and ability to convey complex ideas simply.

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Research the topic and identify key messages
Develop a creative concept
Produce the PSA
Distribute the PSA through various channels

Sustainability Simulations

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Participate in sustainability simulations to experience complex sustainability challenges and develop problem-solving skills in a virtual environment.

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Identify relevant simulations
Participate in simulations
Reflect on the outcomes

Sustainability in your life

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Choose a sustainability issue that you are passionate about and start a project to address it, giving you a practical understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions.

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Identify a specific sustainability issue
Research potential solutions
Develop a plan of action
Implement your solution
Monitor and evaluate your progress

Contribute to Sustainability Open Source Projects

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Contribute to open-source sustainability projects to gain practical experience and collaborate with others in addressing real-world challenges.

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Identify relevant open-source projects
Contribute to projects
Review and provide feedback on others' contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Environmental Gamechanger – Lead the Way to Sustainable Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist researches the environment and its components and processes. They look at physical, chemical, and biological components and how they interact with the environment. An Environmental Scientist may use their skills to work on environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and resource depletion. By taking this course, you will learn about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will define problems related to sustainability, identifying the direct and indirect causes and effects. This course will also help you develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change and directly apply these skills to a sustainability issue in your own environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They may work on projects such as water pollution control, air pollution control, and waste management. An Environmental Engineer may use their skills to help protect the environment and public health. The course you are considering is about environmental sustainability and how to lead the way to sustainable development. This course will be helpful for an Environmental Engineer who wants to learn more about how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. They may work on projects such as developing sustainability strategies, implementing energy efficiency measures, and reducing waste. This course can be useful for a Sustainability Consultant who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst researches and analyzes environmental policy issues. They may work on projects such as developing new environmental regulations, evaluating the effectiveness of existing regulations, and providing advice to policymakers. The course you are considering is on environmental game changing and leading a way to sustainable development. This course will be helpful for an Environmental Policy Analyst who wants to learn more about how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Educator

An Environmental Educator develops and delivers educational programs about the environment and sustainability. They may work in schools, museums, nature centers, or other settings. An Environmental Educator may use their skills to help people learn about the environment and how to protect it. This course on environmental sustainability and leading the way to sustainable development would be helpful for an Environmental Educator who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Conservation Scientist

A Conservation Scientist researches and develops ways to protect and manage natural resources. They may work on projects such as protecting endangered species, restoring habitats, and controlling pollution. By taking this course, you will learn about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst researches and analyzes climate change data. They may work on projects such as developing climate change models, assessing the impacts of climate change, and developing strategies to mitigate climate change. This course is about environmental game changing and leading sustainability development. Taking this course will be helpful for a Climate Change Analyst who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Renewable Energy Project Developer

A Renewable Energy Project Developer develops and implements renewable energy projects. They may work on projects such as solar farms, wind farms, and geothermal projects. This course is about environmental sustainability and leading sustainable development. This course may be helpful for a Renewable Energy Project Developer who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer

Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer represents clients in environmental law cases. They may work on cases such as pollution cases, land use cases, and natural resource cases. This course can be helpful for an Environmental Lawyer who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

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Urban Planner

An Urban Planner designs and plans cities and towns. They may work on projects such as developing land use plans, zoning regulations, and transportation plans. This course on environmental sustainability and leading the way to sustainable development could be useful for an Urban Planner who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

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Environmental Economist

An Environmental Economist analyzes the economic impacts of environmental policies and regulations. They may work on projects such as assessing the costs and benefits of environmental regulations, and developing economic models to predict the impacts of environmental change. This course can be useful for an Environmental Economist who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

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Environmental Journalist

An Environmental Journalist writes and reports on environmental issues. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or websites. This course on environmental sustainability and leading the way to sustainable development could be useful for an Environmental Journalist who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Journalist

Environmental Activist

An Environmental Activist works to protect the environment and promote sustainability. They may work for environmental organizations, or they may work independently. This course is about environmental game changing and leading the way to sustainable development. Taking this course may be useful for an Environmental Activist who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

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Corporate Sustainability Manager

A Corporate Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability strategies for corporations. They may work on projects such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting social responsibility. This course on environmental sustainability and leading the way to sustainable development could be useful for a Corporate Sustainability Manager who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Manager

Nonprofit Program Manager

A Nonprofit Program Manager oversees the development and implementation of programs for nonprofit organizations. They may work on programs such as environmental education, conservation, and social justice. This course could be useful for a Nonprofit Program Manager who wants to learn more about the concept of sustainability and its uses within society. You will also learn how to define problems related to sustainability, identify the direct and indirect causes and effects, and develop essential skills to achieve sustainable change.

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Environmental Gamechanger – Lead the Way to Sustainable Development

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to sustainable change

Activities

Career center

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