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Tobias Luthe, Justyna Swat, Daniel Christian Wahl, Fritjof Capra, Eric L. Berlow, Jeremy Lent, Philippe Vandenbroeck, Deborah Bidwell, Michelle Fehler, Birger Sevaldson, Martin Schütz, Ingrid Halland, Detlev Günther, Michaela Emch, Michael Stauffacher, Mirjam Luthe, Andrés Edwards, Benjamin Marias, Andri & Gieri Hinnen, and More instructors to come

Climate change, biodiversity loss and pan-syndemics are some of today’s most pressing complex challenges. Much of our economies and societies are exhaustive, vulnerable, and unfair. We need to actively restore and regenerate ecosystems and their services while transforming our economies to become more circular and just. We require new knowledge systems and cultures leading to transformative action as the human impact on earth needs to be fundamentally redesigned.

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Climate change, biodiversity loss and pan-syndemics are some of today’s most pressing complex challenges. Much of our economies and societies are exhaustive, vulnerable, and unfair. We need to actively restore and regenerate ecosystems and their services while transforming our economies to become more circular and just. We require new knowledge systems and cultures leading to transformative action as the human impact on earth needs to be fundamentally redesigned.

Scientific knowledge and reasoning are the fundamental tools to guide policy and management decisions, especially in times of crises. But the limitations of reductionist science are evident due to the lack of widespread action in addressing today's highly complex challenges, which are self-emergent, unpredictable, span across nested scales, depend on societal behavioral transitions, and lack data.

Design disciplines offer creative ways of prototyping solutions in an iterative way. Design responds to a current problem by proposing future pathways, through a feedback exchange from praxis. Designerly praxis can benefit from science, for example by directing interventions and leveraging relationships based on quantitative data. Neither the analytical and descriptive tools of science, nor the iterative process of design alone are adequate for addressing complex challenges. Combining both cultures and methods of reasoning as a fluid, intervention-based and synergistic process is beneficial for fostering the regenerative, transformative action that is urgently required.

Therefore, this MOOC series entitled “Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems” (DRRS) offers four consecutive MOOCs that aim to address these urgent and complex challenges. Participants are invited on a learning journey that includes emphasis on extending our worldviews, concepts like regeneration and resilience, befriending complexity and uncertainty, methods and hybrid practices of science and design, meta-design and the seeing of patterns and root causes, connecting more with our inner self, and becoming bio-regional weavers within communities of transformational learning and praxis.

This first MOOC places global crises in context with local and regional examples for planetary health. Participants build consciousness by questioning the dominant reductionist worldviews that drive our global societies and learn ways of rethinking our relationship with nature as a holistic approach of “interbeing,” which places humans as part of the broader web of life.

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Learning objectives

  • This mooc series is about creating positive impact in complex systems. it is about navigating complexity and uncertainty with new tools and practices, such as “organic emergence”: complex systems are inherently dynamic and unpredictable: their properties are emergent. an organic way to engage with emergence is to trust in having the right tools and techniques to adaptively cope with sudden surprises or challenges, and to reveal hidden opportunities. in this first mooc “regenerative systems: sustainability to regeneration” you train your consciousness about dominant and alternative worldviews. you learn the roots of sustainability and pathways to regeneration. you acquire tools to reframe complexity and befriend uncertainty. you learn to reconnect with nature and to design as nature. you gain awareness through practices of physical and mental activation via self-compassion techniques and flow experiences in nature.
  • Exciting real-world illustrations take you to hemsedal norway, annecy france, ostana italy, and mallorca spain. this offers a comparative understanding of communities and regions undergoing sustainability transitions across different contexts, cultures, climates and geographies.
  • The prominent content you will learn in this first mooc are an update on the current state of sustainability science, different angles to understand regeneration, methods such as systemic design and systems-oriented design, resilience assessment, circularity mapping, visual dialogue, cross-scale design, “view from above” perspectives, biomimicry, transdisciplinary research, real-world elaboration, metadesign, and more.
  • The moocs’ didactics are designed to combine time and place independent virtual learning through pre-recorded conversations, both accessible as movies and audio files, readings, and practical engagement in nature. virtual content stimulates physical and social interaction in the bio-region of the participants. an accompanying visual mapping process called gigamapping acts as a designerly way to co-create your own learning journey and connect across the mooc series to your final transformative design project. your personal quest guides you through your learning journey. our drrs virtual network allows you to exchange with other mooc participants and to find learning partners in your region where you live.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Designed for students interested in regenerative and sustainable practices
Suitable for individuals aiming to create positive impact in complex systems
Explores systems-oriented design, resilience assessment, and metadesign
Provides a comprehensive study of sustainability and regeneration
May require access to nature for practical engagement
Involves self-compassion techniques and flow experiences in nature

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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 Worldviews - From Sustainability to Regeneration with these activities:
Attend a Sustainability Conference
Expand your knowledge and connect with experts by attending a sustainability conference. Engage in panel discussions, listen to keynote speakers, and learn about cutting-edge research and best practices in the field.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Research Conferences: Explore upcoming conferences related to sustainability and identify those that align with your interests.
  • Register and Attend: Complete the registration process and make arrangements to attend the conference in person or virtually.
Facilitate a Study Group
Deepen your comprehension by organizing and leading a study group with your peers. Engage in discussions, share insights, and work together to reinforce your understanding of the course concepts and their practical implications.
Show steps
  • Initiate the Group: Reach out to fellow students and invite them to participate in a study group dedicated to this course.
  • Establish Agenda: Collaborate with the group to set a clear agenda for each study session, ensuring it aligns with the course content and learning objectives.
  • Facilitate Discussions: Guide discussions during the study sessions, encouraging active participation from all members and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Summarize and Reflect: Conclude each session with a brief summary of key points covered and encourage group members to reflect on their learning.
Explore Braiding Sweetgrass
Enrich your understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and culture by delving into Robin Wall Kimmerer's 'Braiding Sweetgrass'. Her insights will inspire you to embrace a holistic perspective on sustainability and regeneration.
Show steps
  • Read and Reflect: Dedicate time to reading 'Braiding Sweetgrass' and reflecting on the wisdom it offers.
  • Connect to Nature: Immerse yourself in nature and observe the principles discussed in the book, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
Four other activities
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Craft a Concept Map
Consolidate your understanding by creating a comprehensive concept map that visually organizes and interconnects the key ideas and concepts from the course materials.
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Show steps
  • Brainstorm Concepts: Begin by identifying and listing down the central concepts covered in the course.
  • Establish Relationships: Determine how these concepts relate to each other and establish meaningful connections between them.
  • Visualize the Map: Use a visual tool or software to create a visually appealing concept map that represents the connections and relationships you have identified.
Mastering Systems Thinking
Enhance your ability to analyze and understand complex systems by exploring online tutorials on systems thinking. These resources will provide practical tools and techniques to improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Systems Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify Relevant Tutorials: Seek out high-quality tutorials that align with the concepts of systems thinking covered in the course.
  • Follow and Practice: Diligently work through the tutorials, applying the principles and techniques to real-world examples or scenarios.
Construct a Comprehensive Table
Improve your ability to synthesize your learning by creating a comprehensive table that captures key concepts and their relationships in regenerative systems, sustainability, and systems-oriented design.
Show steps
  • Identify Key Concepts: Start by reviewing the course materials and identifying the fundamental concepts related to regenerative systems, sustainability, and systems-oriented design.
  • Extract Essential Relationships: Determine how these concepts interact with each other and extract the essential relationships between them.
  • Organize in a Table: Construct a well-organized table that visually represents the identified concepts and their interconnections.
  • Evaluate and Iterate: Review your table, check for clarity and accuracy, and make any necessary revisions to enhance its effectiveness.
Contribute to Sustainability Projects
Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of sustainability by participating in open-source projects related to environmental protection, renewable energy, or sustainable development.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Identify Projects: Explore platforms like GitHub and Open Source Ecology to find projects aligned with your interests and skill set.
  • Join and Collaborate: Reach out to project maintainers, introduce your skills, and offer to contribute your time and expertise.
  • Contribute Meaningfully: Dedicate time to understanding the project's goals, codebase, and contribution guidelines. Make thoughtful contributions that align with the project's mission.

Career center

Learners who complete Worldviews - From Sustainability to Regeneration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
UX Designer
A UX designer designs and plans the user experience of products and services. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a UX designer who wants to create more sustainable and user-friendly experiences. For example, you may learn about the importance of inclusivity, which can help you design experiences that are accessible to everyone.
Graphic designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a graphic designer who wants to create more sustainable and beautiful designs. For example, you may learn about the importance of using sustainable materials, which can help you reduce the environmental impact of your work.
Architect
An architect designs and plans buildings. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for an architect who wants to create more sustainable and beautiful buildings. For example, you may learn about the principles of biomimicry, which can help you design buildings that are inspired by nature.
Urban Planner
An urban planner works to design and plan cities and towns. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for an urban planner who wants to create more sustainable and livable cities. For example, you may learn about the concept of the view from above, which can help you see the big picture and make decisions that consider the long-term impacts of development.
Environmental Scientist
An environmental scientist studies the environment and works to find solutions to environmental problems. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for an environmental scientist who wants to work on issues such as climate change, water pollution, and air pollution. For example, you may learn about biomimicry, which can help you design new products and technologies that are inspired by nature.
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant can help businesses, governments, and other organizations to reduce their environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and transition to a more sustainable future. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in systemic design and systems-oriented design. These skills can be valuable for a sustainability consultant who wants to help clients make positive changes in their operations and supply chains. For example, you may learn about circularity mapping, which can help you identify opportunities to reduce waste and create a more circular economy.
Systems Engineer
A systems engineer designs and plans complex systems. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a systems engineer who wants to create more sustainable and resilient systems. For example, you may learn about the importance of feedback loops, which can help you design systems that can adapt to change.
Product Designer
A product designer designs and plans products. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a product designer who wants to create more sustainable and beautiful products. For example, you may learn about the importance of user experience, which can help you design products that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with.
Industrial Designer
An industrial designer designs and plans products. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for an industrial designer who wants to create more sustainable and beautiful products. For example, you may learn about the concept of circularity, which can help you design products that can be reused and recycled.
Sustainability Manager
A sustainability manager develops and implements sustainability strategies for organizations. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a sustainability manager who wants to create more sustainable organizations. For example, you may learn about the importance of stakeholder engagement, which can help you build support for sustainability initiatives.
Landscape Architect
A landscape architect designs and plans outdoor spaces. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a landscape architect who wants to create more sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces. For example, you may learn about the importance of integrating nature into design, which can help you create landscapes that are both functional and beautiful.
Environmental Lawyer
An environmental lawyer specializes in laws that protect the environment and human health. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for an environmental lawyer who wants to advocate for stronger environmental protections. For example, you may learn about the importance of international environmental law, which can help you understand the global scope of environmental issues.
Environmental Policy Analyst
An environmental policy analyst researches, analyzes, and develops environmental policies. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for an environmental policy analyst who wants to make more sustainable policy decisions. For example, you may learn about the importance of economic incentives, which can help you design policies that encourage businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
Conservation Scientist
A conservation scientist works to protect and restore natural ecosystems. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a conservation scientist who wants to work on issues such as habitat loss, species extinction, and climate change. For example, you may learn about the importance of interbeing, which can help you understand the interconnectedness of all living things.
Regeneration Specialist
A regeneration specialist works to restore and regenerate damaged ecosystems. This MOOC can help you build a foundation in sustainability science, learn about different pathways to regeneration, and develop skills in resilience assessment and cross-scale design. These skills can be valuable for a regeneration specialist who wants to work on issues such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and soil remediation. For example, you may learn about the principles of organic emergence, which can help you create regenerative systems that are resilient to change.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Worldviews - From Sustainability to Regeneration.
Provides a comprehensive framework for regenerative development and design, which is essential for understanding the concepts and practices discussed in the course. It offers a holistic approach to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of integrating ecological, social, and economic considerations.
Offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humans and nature, providing insights into the wisdom of indigenous cultures and the lessons we can learn from plants. It complements the course's emphasis on reconnecting with nature and understanding the importance of biodiversity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of systems thinking, which is essential for understanding the complex challenges discussed in the course. It explores the interconnectedness of living systems and the principles that govern their behavior.
Introduces the concept of biomimicry, which involves learning from and mimicking the strategies and designs found in nature. It provides numerous examples of how biomimicry has been used to develop innovative solutions to human challenges.
Explores the interconnectedness of all living things and the principles that govern the web of life. It provides a scientific understanding of the complex relationships between organisms and their environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the current extinction crisis and its implications for the future of life on Earth. It explores the causes of extinction and discusses the importance of conservation efforts to protect biodiversity.
Explores the factors that have led to the collapse of past civilizations. It provides insights into the challenges that societies face today and suggests ways to avoid a similar fate.
Explores the future of life on Earth and the challenges that we face in the coming century. It discusses the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect the environment.
Provides a fascinating look into the secret world of trees. It explores their complex communication networks and social interactions, revealing the hidden life that exists beneath our feet.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of nine characters whose lives are connected by trees. It explores the importance of forests and the need to protect them.
This classic work of environmental literature exposed the dangers of pesticides and led to the creation of the EPA. It remains an important reminder of the need to protect the environment from harmful chemicals.
Explores the impact of human activity on the natural world and argues that we have entered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. It powerful reminder of the need to address climate change and other environmental challenges.
Provides a sweeping overview of human history and explores the challenges that we face as a species. It offers insights into the nature of human nature and the need for cooperation to address global problems.
Challenges traditional narratives of human history and argues that societies have been much more diverse and egalitarian than previously thought. It offers a new perspective on the origins of agriculture, the state, and other social institutions.

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