Learning for a Sustainable Future from Coursera

Join us from 11 March to 14 April for a facilitated run of this course where you will have the opportunity to interact with our team of expert instructors.

Climate change, gender equality, health, social equity, and inclusion are issues that affect us all, impacting human well-being and economic stability. How to live a sustainable life affects – and connects - us all.

On this five-week course, you’ll develop an informed personal response to these major challenges as you’re supported to take positive actions towards a sustainable future. You’ll learn more about current global issues and consider how we can all take action, personally or locally.

The course has an additional strand for those working in formal or informal education, who want to bring some of the activities and issues covered in the course into their own teaching.

You’ll learn practical ways to explore values and empower people to examine the ways in which they could take local action on global-scale problems.

Working in this way, starting from where you are within your own context, and sharing this with others throughout the course helps us all to develop a new and collective way of thinking for a sustainable future.

You’ll build your understanding of and knowledge of sustainability and the global challenges that we face and experience within our lives, as you learn from experts at the University of Edinburgh, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and other participants on the course.

By the end of the course, you’ll be more confident and ready to take steps towards a sustainable future.

You may also be interested in our 2-week course 'Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28' https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-live-at-cop

What's inside

Syllabus

Examining Thinking

This week, we explore the ecological, geological, societal and historical context for our growing awareness of sustainability and the need for action.

Values and Frameworks

This week, we reflect on the role of personal values and frameworks for thinking when moving towards action.

Systems and Connections

This week, we will explore systems and connections.

Moving to Action

This week, we will consider how we might move towards action within the context of our own sphere of influence.

Futures Thinking

We consider how you may begin to think about future planning and possible actions that you may wish to take.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are useful for personal growth and development

Develops foundational skills and knowledge that will strengthen existing foundation for intermediate learners

Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are highly relevant to industry

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in areas of the course topic

Offers a comprehensive study of science, math, and technology

Explicitly requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first

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 with these activities:

Explore online tutorials on sustainable living practices

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Supplement your learning with practical guidance on implementing sustainable practices in your daily life.

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Search for online tutorials on sustainable living
Select tutorials that align with your interests and goals
Follow the instructions and apply the techniques in your own life

Review basic ecology concepts

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Refresh your understanding of ecological concepts to build a stronger foundation for the course materials.

Browse courses on Ecology

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Review lecture notes and textbooks from previous ecology courses
Take practice quizzes on online platforms to assess your knowledge
Discuss key concepts with classmates or peers to solidify your understanding

Read 'Sustainability: A Comprehensive Guide' by Jesse Goldstein

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles and practices to enhance your engagement with the course.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read each chapter thoroughly and take notes on key concepts
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book
Reflect on how the book's insights connect to the course materials

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Engage in group discussions on sustainability issues

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Share and exchange perspectives on sustainability challenges and solutions with your peers to broaden your understanding.

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Join or form a study group with classmates
Select a topic related to sustainability for discussion
Prepare talking points and research to contribute to the discussion

Develop a personal sustainability plan

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Apply your understanding of sustainability to create a personalized plan for reducing your environmental impact.

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Identify areas in your life where you can make sustainable changes
Research and gather information on sustainable practices
Create a plan outlining specific actions and goals you will implement

Attend local workshops on sustainability topics

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Engage with experts and practitioners in the field of sustainability to gain hands-on experience and insights.

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Research local organizations and institutions offering sustainability workshops
Select workshops that align with your interests and learning goals
Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and activities

Contribute to sustainability-focused open-source projects

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Apply your skills and knowledge to make a practical contribution to the sustainability movement.

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Identify open-source projects focused on sustainability
Review the project documentation and codebase
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs or adding new features

Career center

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

Sustainability Educator

Sustainability Educators teach and promote sustainability principles and practices. This course may be useful for aspiring Sustainability Educators as it provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability, global challenges, and the role of education in creating a sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Educator

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts research and analyze climate change impacts and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. This course may be useful for aspiring Climate Change Analysts as it provides a foundation in climate science, the impacts of climate change, and the role of policy and action in addressing climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful for aspiring Environmental Engineers as it provides a foundation in sustainability, environmental science, and the role of engineering in addressing environmental challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on sustainability issues and help them develop and implement sustainable practices. This course may be useful for aspiring Sustainability Consultants as it provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability, global challenges, and the role of individuals and organizations in creating a sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers oversee and implement sustainability programs within organizations. This course may be useful for aspiring Sustainability Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and the development and implementation of sustainability strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement corporate social responsibility programs and initiatives. This course may be useful for aspiring Corporate Social Responsibility Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and the development and implementation of responsible business practices.

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

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful for aspiring Environmental Scientists as it provides a foundation in sustainability, systems thinking, and the role of science in addressing environmental challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze policy issues and develop policy recommendations. This course may be useful for aspiring Policy Analysts as it provides a foundation in sustainability, policy analysis, and the role of policy in creating a sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts research and analyze environmental policies and regulations. This course may be useful for aspiring Environmental Policy Analysts as it provides a foundation in sustainability, environmental law, and the role of policy in addressing environmental challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability Analysts research and analyze environmental, social, and economic issues to help organizations develop and implement sustainable practices. This course may be useful for aspiring Sustainability Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability, global challenges, and the role of individuals and organizations in creating a sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to address social and environmental issues. This course may be useful for aspiring Community Organizers as it provides a foundation in sustainability, community organizing, and the role of community engagement in creating a sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect and enhance the environment. This course may be useful for aspiring Environmental Planners as it provides a foundation in sustainability, land use planning, and the role of environmental planning in creating a sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead and manage nonprofit organizations that work to address social and environmental issues. This course may be useful for aspiring Nonprofit Managers as it provides a foundation in sustainability, nonprofit management, and the role of nonprofits in creating a sustainable future.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs develop and implement innovative solutions to social and environmental problems. This course may be useful for aspiring Social Entrepreneurs as it provides a foundation in sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and the role of innovation in creating a sustainable future.

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Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers develop and implement renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for aspiring Renewable Energy Project Developers as it provides a foundation in sustainability, climate science, and the development and implementation of renewable energy projects.

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