Sustainability of Social-Ecological Systems: the Nexus between Water, Energy and Food from Coursera

In this course you will become familiar with the ideas of the water-energy-food nexus and transdisciplinary thinking.

You will learn to see your community or country as a complex social-ecological system and to describe its water, energy and food metabolism in the form of a pattern, as well as to map the categories of social actors.

We will provide you with the tools to measure the nexus elements and to analyze them in a coherent way across scales and dimensions of analysis. In this way, your quantitative analysis will become useful for informed decision-making. You will be able to detect and quantify dependence on non-renewable resources and externalization of environmental problems to other societies and ecosystems (a popular ‘solution’ in the western world). Practical case studies, from both developed and developing countries, will help you evaluate the state-of-play of a given community or country and to evaluate possible solutions. Last but not least, you will learn to see pressing social-ecological issues, such as energy poverty, water scarcity and inequity, from a radically different perspective, and to question everything you’ve been told so far.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Part of the results and case studies presented have been developed within two projects: MAGIC and PARTICIPIA. However, the course does not reflect the views of the funding institutions or of the project partners as a whole, and the case studies were presented purely with an educational and illustrative purpose.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to our course on the sustainability of social-ecological systems! Before getting started, we suggest you take a couple of minutes to read the information about the course and about the platform as given below.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops a comprehensive understanding of the water-energy-food nexus and transdisciplinary thinking

Provides tools and methods for measuring and analyzing nexus elements across scales and dimensions

Emphasizes practical case studies to evaluate and develop solutions for social-ecological issues

Challenges conventional sustainability narratives and encourages critical thinking

Introduces quantitative story-telling techniques for communicating complex sustainability analyses

Taught by experienced instructors with a proven track record in sustainability research

Reviews summary

Sustainability of social-ecological systems nexus

According to students, this course offers a unique and critical perspective on the water-energy-food nexus and the sustainability of social-ecological systems. Learners appreciate the challenging of mainstream narratives and the deep dive into a metabolic analysis framework, particularly the principles of MuSIASEM. While many find the theoretical concepts highly valuable for research and policy, a significant portion note that the material is quite abstract and conceptually demanding, requiring prior knowledge in related fields like systems thinking. Some learners feel the course is more focused on theory than practical application, although the case studies are generally seen as helpful illustrations. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for viewing sustainability through a different lens but can be a difficult course if you are new to these complex ideas.

Assumes familiarity with complex systems.

"Prior knowledge of systems thinking or ecological economics would be very helpful."

"Some background in related fields is almost necessary to fully grasp the content."

"It builds on advanced ideas, not really for beginners."

Centers on metabolic accounting methods.

"The course provides a detailed introduction to metabolic analysis."

"Learning the principles behind accounting for water, energy, and food metabolism was key."

"The focus on MuSIASEM 2.0 is central."

Applies theory to real-world examples.

"The case studies help illustrate the theoretical points."

"Seeing the framework applied to Almeria and the Canary Islands was valuable."

"I found the Mauritius example particularly insightful."

Presents a novel view of sustainability.

"The course offers a truly unique perspective on social-ecological systems..."

"It challenges conventional thinking about sustainability and resource accounting."

"I appreciate the critical approach to mainstream narratives."

More theory than hands-on application.

"While theoretical depth is high, I wish there was more practical guidance on implementation."

"Applying the methods felt difficult after just the course."

"It gives you the framework but less of the 'how-to' for specific analyses."

Concepts can be difficult to grasp initially.

"The concepts, especially the grammar and MuSIASEM, are very abstract initially."

"Getting my head around the theoretical basis took significant effort."

"It's conceptually demanding and requires deep thinking."

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 Sustainability of Social-Ecological Systems: the Nexus between Water, Energy and Food with these activities:

Review Complex Systems

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Review the concepts of complex systems to strengthen your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Complex Systems

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Go over lecture notes or textbook materials on complex systems.
Watch videos or documentaries that explain the principles of complex systems.
Engage in discussions or forums on complex systems to clarify concepts.

Nexus Knowledge Base

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Organize and review course materials to enhance retention and recall of concepts.

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Compile lecture notes, readings, and other course materials into a central location.
Summarize and synthesize key concepts and ideas from the materials.
Create visual aids, such as mind maps or concept diagrams, to illustrate relationships.

Nexus Discussion Forum

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives and enhance understanding of nexus issues.

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Join or create a discussion forum focused on the water-energy-food nexus.
Participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing insights, and responding to others.
Collaborate on projects or research related to nexus issues.

Five other activities

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Analyze Nexus Case Studies

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Practice applying the nexus concepts by analyzing real-world case studies.

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Identify a case study that demonstrates the water-energy-food nexus.
Analyze the case study using the principles and tools taught in the course.
Write a report or presentation summarizing your findings and insights.

Harness MuSIASEM 2.0

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Enhance your understanding of MuSIASEM 2.0 through guided tutorials to perform nexus analyses.

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Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn the basics of MuSIASEM 2.0.
Practice using MuSIASEM 2.0 to analyze a simple nexus problem.
Attend a workshop or webinar on MuSIASEM 2.0 to gain more in-depth knowledge.

Model a Local Nexus System

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Apply the principles of nexus analysis to develop a model or simulation of a local nexus system.

Browse courses on Sustainability Assessment

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Identify a specific local system to model, such as a region, city, or community.
Collect data and information on the water, energy, and food systems within the system.
Use modeling or simulation tools to represent the interactions and relationships between the systems.

Nexus Policy Recommendations

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Apply your knowledge to develop evidence-based policy recommendations that address nexus challenges.

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Research and analyze a specific nexus issue or challenge.
Develop a set of policy recommendations that address the issue.
Write a comprehensive report or paper outlining your recommendations and supporting evidence.

Contribute to Nexus Research

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Engage with the broader research community by contributing to open-source projects or initiatives related to the nexus.

Browse courses on Sustainability Science

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Identify open-source projects or initiatives related to the water-energy-food nexus.
Contribute to the project or initiative by submitting code, documentation, or other resources.
Collaborate with other researchers and developers to advance the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainability of Social-Ecological Systems: the Nexus between Water, Energy and Food will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Water Resources Specialist

Water Resources Specialists analyze the availability and quality of water resources and develop plans to manage and protect them. This course introduces the water-energy-food nexus, which examines the interconnectedness of these three resources and their impacts on sustainability. It also provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements, which can be useful for Water Resources Specialists in understanding the complex relationships between water, energy, and food.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Specialist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, including water, soil, air, and plants and animals. This course examines the sustainability of social-ecological systems, with a focus on the water-energy-food nexus. It provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements, which can be useful for Environmental Scientists in understanding the complex relationships between these resources and their impacts on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course introduces the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements. This knowledge can be useful for Sustainability Consultants in understanding the complex relationships between these resources and their impacts on sustainability.

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Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. This course examines the energy element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring energy metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Renewable Energy Engineers in understanding the complex relationships between energy and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists study the economic aspects of agriculture, including production, marketing, and consumption. This course examines the food element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring food metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Agricultural Economists in understanding the complex relationships between food and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Economist

Water Quality Analyst

Water Quality Analysts monitor and assess the quality of water, including drinking water, wastewater, and surface water. This course examines the water element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring water metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Water Quality Analysts in understanding the complex relationships between water and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Quality Analyst

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts analyze and evaluate environmental policies and regulations. This course examines the sustainability of social-ecological systems, with a focus on the water-energy-food nexus. It provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements, which can be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts in understanding the complex relationships between these resources and their impacts on policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Energy Policy Analyst

Energy Policy Analysts analyze and evaluate energy policies and regulations. This course examines the energy element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring energy metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Energy Policy Analysts in understanding the complex relationships between energy and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analysts analyze and evaluate food policies and regulations. This course examines the food element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring food metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Food Policy Analysts in understanding the complex relationships between food and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Analyst

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers plan and manage the use of water resources, including water conservation and allocation. This course examines the water element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring water metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Water Resources Managers in understanding the complex relationships between water and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and develop solutions to environmental problems, such as water pollution and air pollution. This course examines the sustainability of social-ecological systems, with a focus on the water-energy-food nexus. It provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements, which can be useful for Environmental Engineers in understanding the complex relationships between these resources and their impacts on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Renewable Energy Manager

Renewable Energy Managers plan and manage the development and operation of renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. This course examines the energy element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring energy metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Renewable Energy Managers in understanding the complex relationships between energy and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Manager

Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Engineers design and develop solutions to agricultural problems, such as crop production and soil management. This course examines the food element of the water-energy-food nexus and provides tools for analyzing and measuring food metabolism. This knowledge can be useful for Agricultural Engineers in understanding the complex relationships between food and the other elements of the nexus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Engineer

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment, including land use planning and natural resource management. This course examines the sustainability of social-ecological systems, with a focus on the water-energy-food nexus. It provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements, which can be useful for Environmental Planners in understanding the complex relationships between these resources and their impacts on the environment.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its features, including water, land, and climate. This course examines the sustainability of social-ecological systems, with a focus on the water-energy-food nexus. It provides tools for analyzing and measuring the nexus elements, which can be useful for Geographers in understanding the complex relationships between these resources and their impacts on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer