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Alain Grandjean, the late David Claessen, and Gaël Giraud

The Agence Française de Développement and the Ecole normale supérieure are launching the fourth edition of the MOOC “Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries".

This edition will be launched simultaneously in 4 languages:

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The Agence Française de Développement and the Ecole normale supérieure are launching the fourth edition of the MOOC “Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries".

This edition will be launched simultaneously in 4 languages:

·         In english : Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries

·         In french : Transitions énergétique et écologique dans les pays du Sud

https://www.coursera.org/learn/transitions-energetiques-pays-du-sud/

·         In spanish : Transiciones energéticas y ecológicas en los países del Sur

https://www.coursera.org/learn/transiciones-energeticas-y-ecologicas-en-los-paises-del-sur

. In portuguese : Transição energética e ecológica em países do sul https://www.coursera.org/learn/transiao-energtica-e-ecologica-em-paises-do-sul

This MOOC is at the junction between the development of Southern countries and sustainable development.

It has:

1) a macroeconomic and financial dimension, developed by Gael Giraud and Alain Grandjean;

2) an ecological and climatic dimension, developed by David Claessen and ENS speakers; and

3) a focus on Southern countries, developed by AFD speakers.

Here are the learning goals for the entire training program:

Goal 1: Be able to understand the relationship between the energy transition, the ecological transition, the role of energy in our economy, our economic development model, and financing issues.

Goal 2: Know how to advocate for and lobby on issues and on the need to change reality in order to implement strategies and action plans.

Goal 3: Be able to make a link between the Energy transition and financing solutions, and between comprehension and action.

No one questions the imperative need to ensure development based on personal well-being and a fair distribution of wealth.

The Challenges of a Transition for All

Until now the development of Northern countries has been based on an increasing exploitation of energy resources and a greater freedom of trade and exchange at the global scale. We now know that such a model is no longer sustainable, due to global warming and to the overexploitation of resources, which lead to health, social, and environmental disasters.

The Role of Developing Countries

With that in mind, how can we ensure fair and equitable growth for all? What role do countries from the different regions in the South have to play in this complete upheaval of the current economic, trade, and political models in order to achieve an effective energy and ecological transition?

A MOOC to Respond to these Questions

This free online training offers complementary perspectives from several specialists of issues related to climate change and the development of Southern countries. They will share their very practical understanding of the current crises and the answers that can be provided. Participants will learn from studies by:

• Researchers from the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris

• Field experts from the Agence Française de Développement, a funding agency that has been committed to helping developing countries for 75 years,

• Carbone 4 founder Alain Grandjean, who will share his experience, in particular on the economic and financial aspects.

Here is the program:

1. Our development model is ecologically unsustainable

2. The dominant economic models hinder the energy and ecological transition

3. The energy transition path: decarbonizing GDP

4. The model of an ecological transition to new prosperity

5. Governance of the energy and ecological transition

6. Financing the energy and ecological transition

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!
Our development model is ecologically unsustainable
The diagnosis of our current development model is clear: it does little to nothing to address inequalities. Worse, it participates in the aggravation of these, while degrading our planet. Only energy and ecological transitions can reconcile economic growth and the pursuit of the social agenda of all states, both in the North and in the South.
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The dominant economic models hinder the energy and ecological transition
Freeing ourselves from market fundamentalism first of all requires the acceptance of new indicators that complement GDP. These go beyond the simple monetary aspect of well-being and take into account not only the positive externalities generated by social sectors, but also the negative environmental externalities associated with human activities. In this way, we will stop measuring fictitious growth and will be able to steer sustainable public policies. At the same time, the success of these policies depends on the ability of the players to base their strategy on the long term. However, without stricter regulation of the financial sphere, the countries of the South will not have the budgetary capacity to finance major projects of the transition.
The energy transition path: decarbonizing GDP
Carbon accounting aims to reconcile the time horizon of our actions with the challenges of the energy transition. It limits short-term behaviour by quantifying the externalities of sectoral activities and legitimises the development of punitive regulations. It facilitates cooperation strategies by making international comparisons possible and ensures the transparency of negotiations. In short, it enables country diagnostics to be established, climate-accounting projects to be identified and investments to be redirected towards green assets.
The model of an ecological transition to new prosperity
Human activities are on the verge of generating a 6th mass extinction! However, biodiversity, the diversity of marine and terrestrial fauna and flora, contributes to the resilience of our ecosystems in the face of climate change. Their preservation is imperative because they provide us with services that are essential to our daily lives, the supply of natural resources and the provision of cultural well-being.
Governance of the energy and ecological transition
COP21 underlines the importance of cities as a central part of the transitions. They are close to the local actors, which account for 70% of energy consumption, while the State is also a central actor. As a guarantor of the law, it can establish a favourable regulatory and tariff framework to attract the long-term external financing needed to achieve the transition, while the international financial institutions are beginning to take coordinated action in favour of climate policies. However, it is the regional development banks in the South that account for the bulk of transition investments.
Financing the energy and ecological transition
The Stern report published in 2006, reveals that by financing the transitions (1% of world GDP), we are saving money! What will turn out to be really expensive is our passivity, as we will have to mobilize more than 20% of the world's GDP to deal with climate change.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches learners how economic activities disrupt the environment, which is taught in the first section of the course and is a basic principle of most environmental science courses
Includes practical advice from researchers and field experts, which helps students learn from experienced professionals
Examines the economic impacts of the energy sector and the financial implications of transitioning to a cleaner future, which cannot be learned from general science courses
Focuses on countries in the global south, which is a critical perspective often missing from courses taught in wealthier countries
Taught by experts from the École Normale Supérieure, a prestigious French research university, which ensures a high level of instruction
Covers a broad range of topics, including energy, economics, ecology, and governance, which gives learners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities

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Reviews summary

Positive introduction to energy transitions

Learners say that this course provides a good overview of the challenges faced by developing nations and offers new perspectives on economic development. Reviews mention the combination of economic, ecological, and energy-related studies. The course is well-documented and driven by experts in the field. Though the lectures are in French with English subtitles, students say that the content is worth the effort.
Offers new perspectives
"It also spotlights some of the systemic economic and financial paradigm shifts that are needed to achieve energy and environmental transition."
"new perspectives on pathways that can lead to economic development that is decoupled with carbon trajectory"
"Facts and figures provided to explain the failure of current economic models and related inequalities associated."
Taught by experts
"Excellent course, well documented and driven by experts ! Highly recommended !"
"The course provides a good overview of the issues faced by "southern countries" as well as new perspectives on pathways that can lead to economic development that is decoupled with carbon trajectory."
"Very interesting course describing the link between socio-economic models and climate change."
French with English subtitles
"The course is in French with English subtitles, and may be heavy for some people but the content is worth this."
"Lecture videos are in french with english subtitles."

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 Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries with these activities:
Refine Data Analysis Techniques
Bolster your data analysis skills to effectively interpret and derive insights from energy transition data.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Review fundamental statistical concepts and data analysis techniques.
  • Practice analyzing energy-related data using statistical software.
  • Interpret and present data analysis results in a clear and concise manner.
Review Economic Indicators
Review the fundamentals of economic indicators to strengthen your understanding of economic trends covered in the course.
Browse courses on GDP
Show steps
  • Revisit definitions and formulas for key economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment.
  • Analyze historical data and trends in economic indicators.
  • Identify the impact of economic indicators on businesses and governments.
Explore Energy Sources
Deepen your understanding of different energy sources and their environmental and economic implications by following online tutorials.
Browse courses on Renewable Energy
Show steps
  • Identify different types of energy sources and their characteristics.
  • Evaluate the pros and cons of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
  • Explore emerging energy technologies and their potential impact.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Engage in Peer Discussions
Collaborate with peers to exchange knowledge, perspectives, and support each other's understanding of course content.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Join or start a study group or discussion forum.
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
  • Synthesize different perspectives to enhance your own understanding.
Solve Energy Transition Scenarios
Test your comprehension of energy transition concepts by solving hypothetical scenarios and analyzing their outcomes.
Browse courses on Energy Transition
Show steps
  • Develop a hypothetical energy transition scenario based on a given set of constraints.
  • Analyze the potential impacts of the scenario on energy supply, demand, and the environment.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of different policy measures to achieve the desired energy transition goals.
Participate in an Energy Simulation Competition
Engage in a real-world simulation to refine your decision-making skills and understand the complexities of energy management.
Browse courses on Energy Management
Show steps
  • Join a team and develop a strategy for managing an energy system.
  • Make real-time decisions based on data and market conditions.
  • Analyze the outcomes of your decisions and learn from mistakes.
Participate in Sustainable Development Initiatives
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at organizations involved in sustainable development and energy transition projects.
Browse courses on Sustainable Development
Show steps
  • Identify local or global organizations working in the field of energy transition.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and align with your interests.
  • Engage in activities that promote sustainable practices and energy efficiency.

Career center

Learners who complete Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. This course will allow Renewable Energy Engineers to understand the energy transition to cleaner sources of energy.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists work to protect the environment and promote sustainability. This course will help them understand the complex intersection of energy and ecological transitions.
Energy Manager
Energy Managers are responsible for developing and implementing energy efficiency and sustainability plans. This course will teach the fundamentals of energy transitions and ecological sustainability.
Natural Resources Manager
Natural Resources Managers work to manage and protect natural resources. This course will help them stay up-to-date on current ecological and energy transitions.
Environmental Activist
Environmental Activists work to protect the environment and promote sustainability. This course can help Environmental Activists become more effective advocates for positive change, as it provides a well-rounded view of ecological and energy transitions.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators teach people about environmental issues. This course will help Environmental Educators understand the ecological impact of climate change, from the damage it does to advocating for change.
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientists study the past, present, and future of the Earth's climate. They analyze data to understand how the climate has changed, and how it is likely to change in the future. This course helps Climate Scientists understand the ecological impact of climate change, from its causes to its ramifications.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers focus on improving the environment. They design solutions to environmental issues, such as pollution control, natural resource management, and waste management. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers because it explores energy and ecological transitions, which are vital to the everyday work of an Environmental Engineer.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations improve their environmental and social performance. This course could help someone become a Sustainability Consultant, as it provides insights into ecological and energy transitions, which are essential to the job.
Environmental Journalist
Environmental Journalists report on environmental issues. This course will help prepare Environmental Journalists to understand complex topics in the field of ecological and energy transitions.
Climate Change Mitigation Specialist
Climate Change Mitigation Specialists develop and implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This course may also be of interest to Climate Change Mitigation Specialists, as it provides a solid foundation in the challenges and opportunities of energy transitions.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economists develop and analyze economic policies to protect the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Economists as it provides a solid foundation in ecological and energy transitions, which are important to the field.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies. This course will help Policy Analysts understand the ecological and energy transitions that affect policymaking.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. This course will help Environmental Policy Analysts gain a foundation of ecological and energy transitions, which are important to the role.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers work on environmental issues affecting our planet. They specialize in regulations, permitting, natural resources, water and air quality, species protection, soil contamination, and toxic waste. This course may be useful for Environmental Lawyers as it helps build a foundation of ecological sustainability, including the impact economic models have on the environment.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable energy. It is written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Explores the causes and consequences of the sixth mass extinction, which is currently underway. It well-written and thought-provoking book that will help readers to understand the importance of biodiversity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the impacts of climate change on the natural world. It discusses the challenges that we face in adapting to these impacts.
Provides a comprehensive economic analysis of climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the economic implications of climate change.
Provides a clear and concise overview of climate change. It good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Provides a chilling look at the potential consequences of climate change. It powerful and thought-provoking book that will stay with readers long after they finish it.
Provides an economic analysis of climate change. It discusses the risks and uncertainties associated with climate change and the economic costs of taking action.
Provides a critical look at the way we are addressing climate change. It argues that we need to focus on reducing carbon emissions rather than on investing in renewable energy.
Explores the impact of human activity on the natural world. It powerful and moving book that will challenge readers to think about their relationship with the environment.
Examines the collapse of past civilizations. It provides insights into the factors that can lead to the collapse of a society.

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