Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28 from Coursera

The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) is being held in Dubai, UAE from 30 November – 12 December 2023. It will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree and accelerate coordinated global action on climate change.

This two-week course, which runs in parallel with the COP28 conference, offers you an opportunity to examine what COP28 is, why it’s important and reflect on how you can add your voice to the call for collective action for a sustainable future.

You’ll explore the broader context of COP28 and consider other key frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Throughout the course, we will share ‘live’ insights into the issues being discussed at COP28, as well as responses to the conference themes from children and young people, community groups and ministerial bodies, both nationally and internationally.

Using these ‘starting points’, we will invite you to reflect on what you have heard, watched and read and think about what these conversations and issues mean to you. We will provide opportunities for discussion and reflection and will share ideas and inspiration to help us all take our next steps beyond the Conference.

There has never been a more urgent need for the world to work together and take collaborative action to secure a sustainable future for people and planet.

Join us and become part of our shared learning community, where everyone, course team included, is encouraged to reflect, share and learn with and from one another during COP28.

You may also be interested in our 5-week course Learning for a Sustainable Future

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-for-a-sustainable-future

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Setting the Scene

This week functions as 'Day 1' of the conference and provides an introduction to COP28 and the course.

Week 2: Learning Live from COP28

Key topics and events direct from the Conference.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces COP28, emphasizing its global significance in addressing climate change

Offers a multi-modal learning experience by sharing live insights, expert perspectives, and interactive discussions

Provides opportunities for self-reflection and collaboration, encouraging learners to contribute their voices and ideas

Leverages the collective knowledge and experiences of participants, fostering a shared learning community

Suitable for learners who seek to engage actively with COP28 and contribute to climate action

Taught by Beth Christie and Pete Higgins, providing insights from experts in the field of climate 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 Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28 with these activities:

Review Math and Science Basics

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Review basic mathematical and scientific concepts to refresh your foundation and enhance your understanding of climate change science.

Browse courses on Math

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Review key concepts from high school math and science, such as algebra, statistics, and biology.
Use online resources or textbooks to practice and solidify your understanding.

Practice Climate Change Calculations

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Use online tutorials or resources to practice calculations and data analysis related to climate change, strengthening your understanding of scientific concepts.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Find reputable sources or tutorials that provide climate change calculation examples.
Try out the calculations and compare your results to the provided solutions.
Review your understanding and ask questions if needed.

Organize Course Notes and Resources

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Compile and organize your course notes, readings, and other relevant materials to improve your retention and facilitate future reference.

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Create a system for organizing your notes, such as using folders or a digital note-taking app.
Regularly add and categorize new materials.
Review and summarize your notes to enhance your understanding.

Five other activities

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Explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Review the UN Sustainable Development Goals to gain an understanding of their scope and implications, providing context for COP28 discussions.

View Progress on household drinking water,... on Amazon

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Attend COP28 Side Events

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Attend side events at COP28 to connect with experts, organizations, and fellow attendees, broadening your perspective on climate change issues.

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Research the side events and choose those relevant to your interests.
Prepare introductory questions and talking points.
Attend the events and engage actively, asking questions and sharing your own insights.

Plan and Implement a Community Cleanup Event

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Start a project to organize a community cleanup event related to sustainability issues, allowing you to apply course concepts and engage with the community.

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Identify a local need and research environmental issues in your community.
Plan the logistics, including the location, date, and time of the event.
Secure necessary permits and insurance.
Recruit volunteers and promote the event.
Lead the cleanup event and ensure responsible waste disposal.

Summarize Key Points from COP28

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Create a brief report or video summarizing the key points and outcomes of COP28, allowing you to engage with the content and deepen your understanding.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Identify the main themes, agreements, and debates at COP28.
Research the background and significance of these points.
Write or record your summary, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

Contribute to Climate Change Data Collection

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Contribute to open-source databases or projects that collect and analyze climate change data, supporting the scientific community and deepening your understanding.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Research reputable organizations or projects collecting climate data.
Identify ways to contribute, such as data entry or analysis.
Follow the project's guidelines and contribute responsibly.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations improve their environmental, social, and economic performance. This course provides an introduction to the key concepts of sustainability, as well as the tools and techniques that sustainability consultants use to help their clients achieve their sustainability goals. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in sustainability, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Sustainability Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to find solutions to environmental problems. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of environmental science, as well as the tools and techniques that environmental scientists use to study the environment and solve environmental problems. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in environmental science, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as an Environmental Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study climate change and its impacts on the environment and society. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of climate change, as well as the tools and techniques that climate change analysts use to study climate change and its impacts. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in climate change analysis, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Climate Change Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers oversee the sustainability programs of businesses and organizations. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of sustainability management, as well as the tools and techniques that sustainability managers use to develop and implement sustainability programs. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in sustainability management, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Sustainability Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design, develop, and install renewable energy systems. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of renewable energy, as well as the tools and techniques that renewable energy engineers use to design, develop, and install renewable energy systems. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in renewable energy, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Renewable Energy Engineer.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and represent clients in environmental cases. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of environmental law, as well as the tools and techniques that environmental lawyers use to represent their clients. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in environmental law, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as an Environmental Lawyer.

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Conservation Officer

Conservation Officers enforce environmental laws and protect natural resources. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of conservation law enforcement, as well as the tools and techniques that conservation officers use to enforce environmental laws and protect natural resources. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in conservation law enforcement, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Conservation Officer.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of environmental education, as well as the tools and techniques that environmental educators use to teach people about the environment. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in environmental education, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as an Environmental Educator.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of environmental policy, as well as the tools and techniques that environmental policy analysts use to develop and analyze environmental policies. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in environmental policy, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as an Environmental Policy Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of environmental planning, as well as the tools and techniques that environmental planners use to develop and implement environmental plans. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in environmental planning, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as an Environmental Planner.

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Environmental Journalist

Environmental Journalists write about environmental issues for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of environmental journalism, as well as the tools and techniques that environmental journalists use to write about environmental issues. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in environmental journalism, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as an Environmental Journalist.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee the corporate social responsibility programs of businesses and organizations. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of corporate social responsibility, as well as the tools and techniques that corporate social responsibility managers use to develop and implement corporate social responsibility programs. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in corporate social responsibility, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager.

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Social Impact Analyst

Social Impact Analysts assess the social impact of policies, programs, and projects. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of social impact assessment, as well as the tools and techniques that social impact analysts use to assess the social impact of policies, programs, and projects. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in social impact assessment, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Social Impact Analyst.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of nonprofit management, as well as the tools and techniques that nonprofit managers use to manage nonprofit organizations. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in nonprofit management, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Nonprofit Manager.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts develop and analyze public policies. This course provides an overview of the key concepts of public policy, as well as the tools and techniques that public policy analysts use to develop and analyze public policies. Taking this course will help you build a foundation in public policy, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career as a Public Policy Analyst.

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