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Valentina Zhang

Welcome to "Climate Change and Green Infrastructure".

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Welcome to "Climate Change and Green Infrastructure".

Climate change is affecting everyone. This course will help you develop a good understanding of what climate change is and what we can do to mitigate and adapt to climate change. While there are many ways to fight climate change, this course focuses on green infrastructure, which uses nature as an infrastructural system to manage climate change and help people prepare for it. In this course, you will learn the practices of some large-scale green infrastructure projects, as well as those of smaller projects at a local level. By the end of the course, I hope you will not only have learned more about climate change and green infrastructure, but also take a step forward and support the adoption of green infrastructure. This course includes 12 lectures in an animated format. In addition to the lectures, the course also includes quizzes, fun assignments, and science project suggestions that will help you understand the course material in depth.

What you’ll learn specifically:

  1. What climate change is and what causes climate change

  2. What green infrastructure is and how it helps manage climate change

  3. Specific examples of green infrastructure and the climate issues they address

  4. Benefits and risks of green infrastructure

  5. Some recent events, efforts and legislation to slow down climate change

  6. Opportunities for you to help solve climate change problems

Course requirements:

  1. Age 11 and up

  2. 30 minutes a week for 5 weeks

  3. Having an excitement to learn about climate change and green infrastructure.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Climate change
  • Green infrastructure

Syllabus

Understand what climate change is, what causes it, and how we have been currently trying to solve it.
Introduction
What is Climate Change?
Why is there Climate Change?
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an accessible introduction to climate change, making it suitable for younger learners and those new to the topic
Focuses on green infrastructure, which offers practical and nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation and mitigation
Explores real-world examples of green infrastructure projects, including vertical forests and green roofs, which can inspire further learning
Includes a 'Build your own green infrastructure' component, which offers hands-on learning and practical application of concepts
Examines recent events and legislation related to climate change, providing up-to-date information on current efforts
Requires excitement to learn about climate change and green infrastructure, which may exclude students with low intrinsic motivation

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Reviews summary

Introductory climate change and green infrastructure

According to learners, this course provides a clear and concise introduction to climate change and green infrastructure. Students appreciate the engaging animated lectures that make complex topics accessible and enjoyable. Reviewers frequently highlight the inclusion of interesting real-world examples like vertical forests and sustainable cities. While seen as a fantastic starting point and suitable for a broad audience including younger learners and families, some notes suggest its introductory level might be too basic for those seeking deep technical knowledge or practical professional skills.
Offers a good starting point, but is not in-depth.
"Too basic for me, I was hoping for more technical detail on green infrastructure projects."
"Good overview of climate change and green infrastructure basics... Felt a bit short, could use more depth..."
"It's a great initial course but doesn't go deep into the mechanics or challenges of large projects."
"This provides a solid foundation, but intermediate learners may find it too simple."
Highlights interesting green infrastructure projects.
"The examples like vertical forests were interesting."
"I liked seeing specific green infrastructure examples such as The Sustainable City, Dubai."
"Highlighting projects like Green Roofs was very informative and gave practical context."
"Learning about different successful green infrastructure projects was a key takeaway for me."
Animated lectures make complex topics accessible.
"The animated lectures made complex topics easy to grasp."
"The animated style is a bit simple but keeps it moving and engaged my attention."
"I really enjoyed the animated presentation of the material, it was very engaging."
"The use of animation helped visualize the concepts effectively."
Suitable for various ages and backgrounds.
"Really enjoyed this course! My kids (12 & 14) watched with me and it sparked great discussions."
"Seems geared more towards school students than adults seeking practical knowledge."
"Accessible and informative for a wide audience, from teens to adults interested in the topic."
"It's perfect for general interest and beginners, regardless of prior knowledge."
Concepts are easy to grasp for beginners.
"Excellent introduction! The animated lectures made complex topics easy to grasp. Perfect for someone new to the subject."
"A fantastic starting point! The concepts are explained clearly. It motivates you to learn more..."
"This course provided me with a clear and understandable overview of climate change basics."
"I found the explanations very straightforward and easy to follow."

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 Climate Change and Green Infrastructure with these activities:
Review 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'
Gain a broader understanding of climate change solutions, including green infrastructure, by exploring a comprehensive plan to reverse global warming.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Drawdown'.
  • Read the introduction and skim the table of contents.
  • Select 3-5 solutions that resonate with you.
  • Read the detailed descriptions of those solutions.
  • Reflect on how these solutions relate to green infrastructure.
Review Basic Ecology Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of the ecological principles that underpin green infrastructure design and function.
Browse courses on Ecology
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous science courses.
  • Read articles on basic ecological concepts.
  • Watch videos explaining ecosystem services.
Create a Presentation on a Local Green Infrastructure Project
Deepen your understanding of green infrastructure by researching and presenting on a real-world example in your community.
Show steps
  • Identify a local green infrastructure project.
  • Research the project's goals, design, and impact.
  • Create a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Present your findings to friends or family.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Green Roof for a Hypothetical Building
Apply your knowledge of green infrastructure by designing a green roof, considering factors like plant selection, water management, and structural support.
Show steps
  • Select a building for your green roof design.
  • Research green roof design principles.
  • Create a detailed design plan.
  • Present your design with justifications.
Review 'Nature's Infrastructure: Ecological Flows as the Basis for Economic Prosperity'
Understand the economic benefits of green infrastructure and its role in sustainable development.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Nature's Infrastructure'.
  • Read the introduction and key chapters.
  • Identify the economic arguments presented in the book.
  • Reflect on how these arguments relate to the course material.
Volunteer at a Local Community Garden
Gain hands-on experience with green infrastructure by volunteering at a community garden and learning about plant care, soil health, and water management.
Browse courses on Urban Agriculture
Show steps
  • Find a local community garden.
  • Contact the garden to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in gardening activities.
  • Reflect on your experience and its connection to green infrastructure.
Create a Policy Brief on Green Infrastructure Funding
Develop your understanding of policy and advocacy by creating a policy brief that argues for increased funding for green infrastructure projects.
Browse courses on Green Infrastructure
Show steps
  • Research current funding mechanisms for green infrastructure.
  • Identify policy gaps and opportunities.
  • Write a concise policy brief outlining your recommendations.
  • Share your policy brief with local policymakers.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change and Green Infrastructure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Planner
Environmental planners develop plans for land use and resource management while balancing human needs and environmental protection. This course helps planners understand both climate change and green infrastructure, which is a key component of creating sustainable environmental plans. Learning specific green infrastructure examples as well as the benefits and risks of these projects helps a planner make decisions for projects that are both economically and environmentally sound. Additionally, the course covers recent efforts and legislations to slow climate change, which is crucial information for environmental planners. An environmental planner would benefit from the practical knowledge of green infrastructure this course provides.
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact and develop sustainable practices. This course will assist in understanding climate change and the mitigation strategies, which are critical to the consultant's work. In particular, the focus on green infrastructure gives a consultant specific examples of how to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals. The course helps build a foundation for consultants by providing practical knowledge on the benefits and risks of green infrastructure projects and their implementation. A sustainability consultant would find this course beneficial for understanding the adoption of green infrastructure projects.
Corporate Sustainability Officer
A corporate sustainability officer works to integrate sustainability practices into a company's operations. This course informs them about the need for sustainability, and provides specific examples of green infrastructure projects which they can learn from. The course helps a sustainability officer understand the benefits and risks associated with green infrastructure, allowing them to develop a meaningful and impactful strategy. Their work will benefit from an understanding of how green infrastructure works. A corporate sustainability officer will find this course useful.
Environmental Consultant
An environmental consultant advises clients on environmental issues and helps them comply with regulations. This course will help them understand the complexities of climate change and offer solutions through green infrastructure. The course covers various examples of green infrastructure and how they address climate issues. Understanding the benefits and risks of green infrastructure projects will help the environmental consultant provide informed advice to their clients. The consultant benefits by gaining a robust understanding of the environmental landscape. An environmental consultant will find this course to be useful for their career.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the natural world and work to solve environmental problems. This course will help an environmental scientist better understand the causes of climate change, and how green infrastructure might mitigate its effects. The course introduces the challenges and benefits of implementing green infrastructure projects, which are important considerations when developing effective environmental solutions. Furthermore, the course introduces legislation and real world examples that are relevant to developing successful interventions to climate change. An environmental scientist may find this course to be useful to their career.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation scientists work to protect natural resources and ecosystems. This course will familiarize conservation scientists with the effects of climate change and the role green infrastructure plays in mitigation and adaptation. The course discusses large- and small-scale green infrastructure projects, which is an important consideration for developing a successful conservation strategy. Additionally, learning about recent legislation and success stories in green infrastructure gives a conservation scientist the capacity to develop effective programs. A conservation scientist may find this course useful in learning more about the impact of climate change.
Community Development Manager
Community development managers work to improve the quality of life within a community. This course helps a community development manager understand the impact of climate change and the role green infrastructure plays in making their communities more resilient. The course includes information about small-scale green infrastructure projects, which can directly benefit a community and provide an opportunity for engagement. A community development manager may find this course useful for their work.
Urban Planner
Urban planners focus on the development and revitalization of cities. Learning about green infrastructure is essential to urban planning, and this course will help a planner understand the role of green infrastructure in creating a sustainable urban environment. The course addresses both large-scale green infrastructure projects and also local-level projects, which is exactly the scope of work that an urban planner might oversee. Specifically, understanding the benefits and risks of green infrastructure will allow the urban planner to confidently advocate for adoption of sustainable practices, a vital facet of the role. This course may be useful to an aspiring urban planner.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design outdoor spaces for aesthetic, functional, and environmental purposes. This course would be helpful in understanding the importance of green infrastructure within the context of landscape planning. The course delves into specific examples of green infrastructure such as vertical forests and green roofs, which are crucial to modern landscape architecture. A landscape architect will learn to design with sustainability in mind, and how to incorporate green infrastructure projects in their work. An aspiring landscape architect may find this class helpful to their career.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, including those that involve sustainability. This course helps them understand the role that green infrastructure plays in modern engineering and how it can be integrated into traditional infrastructure. Specifically, understanding the examples of green infrastructure covered in the course, such as urban forests, green roofs, and more, would help civil engineers deliver more robust and sustainable projects. A civil engineer may find this course to be useful to their career.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research and develop policies, including those related to environmental protection and sustainability. This course helps a policy analyst understand the science behind climate change and the role of green infrastructure in addressing it. The course provides information on recent legislation and successful green infrastructure projects. This may assist in developing policy proposals and assessing the effectiveness of existing policies. A policy analyst may find this course useful to their career.
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. This course introduces the concepts of climate change and green infrastructure, which can inspire a research scientist to pursue projects in this area. An understanding of how different types of green infrastructure are implemented and their impacts may guide the research design, focus, and scope. A research scientist with an eye on sustainability may find this course to be useful
Environmental Educator
Environmental educators teach about the environment, often in schools, museums, and nature centers. This course helps an educator learn about the specifics of climate change and green infrastructure, giving them practical examples to teach their students. The course emphasizes the benefits and risks of green infrastructure, which can help educators communicate complex environmental issues to their students, enhancing learning. This course may be useful to an aspiring environmental educator.
Geographic Information Systems Analyst
Geographic Information Systems analysts use mapping software to analyze spatial data. This course helps them understand the environmental context in which they work. Green infrastructure projects often need to be planned based on information collected through GIS. This course also provides an understanding of recent events and legislations, and real world examples that a GIS analyst should be aware of. An aspiring Geographic Information Systems analyst may find this course helpful to their career.
Renewable Energy Specialist
Renewable energy specialists develop and implement projects related to clean energy. While this course focuses on green infrastructure, it provides a crucial understanding of climate change and the need for sustainable solutions. This course would help a renewable energy specialist broaden their perspective, and understand that green infrastructure projects are part of solutions to help slow climate change. Green infrastructure solutions are complementary to renewable energy solutions in some cases. This course may be useful to an aspiring renewable energy specialist.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Climate Change and Green Infrastructure.
Provides a detailed overview of 100 solutions to reverse global warming, many of which involve green infrastructure. It offers a broad perspective on potential actions, complementing the specific examples covered in the course. Reading this book will expand your understanding of the possibilities and complexities of addressing climate change through various strategies. It serves as a valuable resource for further exploration and project ideas.
Explores the economic benefits of ecological systems and how they can be integrated into infrastructure planning. It provides a broader context for understanding the value of green infrastructure beyond its environmental benefits. Reading this book will help you appreciate the economic arguments for investing in green infrastructure and its potential to contribute to sustainable development. It useful reference for understanding the broader implications of green infrastructure projects.

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