Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society from edX

Our society today is facing many challenges: climate change, hunger, inequality,…

Although you probably have heard about or even personally experienced many of them, the information we get about these issues is often fragmented, incomplete, biased or even completely wrong.

Our team of experts will introduce you to different global challenges we face today and how they are linked to one another. This course will give you a good basic understanding of each of the challenges, their interrelationships and where we may look for possible solutions.

On top of an update of your knowledge on these challenges, you will learn to understand the data, see the bigger picture, and formulate knowledge-based arguments.

What's inside

Learning objectives

By following this course, you will:
Know the current state of the challenges and, using this knowledge, be able to test and interpret new information that reaches you regarding these challenges.
Develop the reflex to critically approach and verify statements around the topics discussed and be able to take a position based on facts and rational considerations
Know where to find and how to interpret crucial (numerical) material on these challenges.

Become aware that the world is constantly evolving and have the reflex to update your knowledge.
Gain insight into the relationship between different issues and, when dealing with one issue understand the implications for the other challenges.
Understand why people often hold mistaken views (and which are the main ones) and know how to counter them.

By following this course, you will:
Know the current state of the challenges and, using this knowledge, be able to test and interpret new information that reaches you regarding these challenges.
Develop the reflex to critically approach and verify statements around the topics discussed and be able to take a position based on facts and rational considerations
Know where to find and how to interpret crucial (numerical) material on these challenges.
Become aware that the world is constantly evolving and have the reflex to update your knowledge.
Gain insight into the relationship between different issues and, when dealing with one issue understand the implications for the other challenges.
Understand why people often hold mistaken views (and which are the main ones) and know how to counter them.

Syllabus

Climate change : on how climate has changed and is changing, why this is happening, what the consequences are and what possible solutions are, both on a personal and an institutional level.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the interrelationships between global challenges, which helps learners understand the systemic nature of sustainability issues

Develops critical thinking skills to approach statements about global challenges, which is valuable for informed decision-making

Examines the economics of sustainable development, which provides a framework for understanding the financial aspects of environmental issues

Requires learners to interpret numerical data on global challenges, which may require some familiarity with statistics and data analysis

Addresses human behavior and its influence on sustainability, which offers insights into the psychological aspects of environmental action

Discusses global governance and its role in sustainability, which may be challenging for learners unfamiliar with international law and policy

Reviews summary

Broad look at global sustainability challenges

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and interconnected look at major global challenges facing society today. Students particularly praise its breadth and the way it links different critical issues like climate change, inequality, and resource management. Many found it provided a solid foundation for understanding complex problems and developing critical thinking skills regarding sustainability. However, some learners noted that while the course is broad, the depth in certain topics can be limited, suggesting it serves best as a starting point rather than an exhaustive study. The quality of lectures and content varies slightly between modules, though the overall expert insights are highly valued.

Emphasis on understanding theory over practical application.

"Disappointed. Expected more practical solutions, but it was mostly theoretical."

"Too much theory, not enough application."

Expert insights are a key strength of the course.

"The lecturers are knowledgeable, and the connections between topics are well explained."

"The quality of lectures varies slightly between instructors, but generally high."

"The module on human behavior was particularly insightful."

Helps develop skills for evaluating information critically.

"Helped me understand the complexity and develop critical thinking on these issues."

"Provides a holistic view and empowers you to think critically."

"Changed my perspective on several issues. Great for understanding the 'why' behind the challenges."

Provides a wide-ranging overview of key global challenges.

"Excellent overview of pressing global issues. The connections between topics are well explained."

"Solid course structure... Very informative course covering a wide range of critical issues."

"Loved this course! It truly lives up to its title. Provides a holistic view and empowers you to think critically."

"The breadth is good... it's a decent starting point for understanding many issues."

Some topics could benefit from more detailed exploration.

"Good course, covers a lot of ground. Some parts felt a bit rushed, and I wished for more depth in certain areas..."

"Mixed feelings. The breadth is good, but the depth is lacking. It's a decent starting point..."

"Disappointed... Just scratching the surface of huge topics. Didn't feel I learned anything new."

"Felt disjointed. Jumping between so many topics made it hard to get a deep understanding of any single one."

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 Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society with these activities:

Review 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of potential climate change solutions.

View Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Drawdown'.
Read the introduction and overview.
Select 3-5 solutions to explore in detail.
Summarize the solutions and their impacts.

Review Basic Economic Principles

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Strengthen your understanding of economic concepts relevant to sustainable development.

Browse courses on Economic Principles

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Review introductory economics materials.
Focus on supply, demand, and market failures.
Consider externalities and public goods.

Create a Presentation on a Global Challenge

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Deepen your understanding of a specific global challenge by researching and presenting on it.

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Choose a global challenge from the course.
Research the challenge and its impacts.
Develop a presentation outline.
Create visually appealing slides.
Practice your presentation.

Four other activities

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Participate in a Study Group

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Reinforce your learning by discussing course concepts with peers.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Schedule regular meeting times.
Review course materials together.
Discuss challenging concepts.
Prepare for quizzes and exams.

Review 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the biodiversity crisis and its historical context.

View The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Sixth Extinction'.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on the implications for conservation.
Discuss the book with others.

Design a Sustainable Solution

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Apply your knowledge to develop a practical solution to a global challenge.

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Identify a specific problem area.
Brainstorm potential solutions.
Research existing solutions and technologies.
Develop a detailed project plan.
Implement and test your solution.

Create a Data Visualization

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Improve your ability to interpret and present data related to global challenges.

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Select a relevant dataset.
Choose an appropriate visualization type.
Create the visualization using software.
Write a brief analysis of the data.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Lawyer

As an environmental lawyer, you will work to protect the environment through legal means. This often requires a law degree. The course on global challenges for a sustainable society is particularly useful for aspiring environmental lawyers. The course syllabus includes global governance. The course's syllabus includes a discussion on global governance and the role of law in enabling or blocking sustainability, which is directly relevant. Being able to critically approach statements and formulate arguments based on facts, as taught in the course, are essential skills for any lawyer, especially those working in the complex and often contentious field of environmental law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Food Security Analyst

Food security analysts assess the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, and develop strategies to address food insecurity. The course on global challenges provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that contribute to food insecurity. The syllabus includes a discussion on food security. The course's emphasis on understanding data and the relationships between different issues, such as climate change, land use, and population growth, enables you to develop effective food security strategies. Additionally, learning to critically approach statements and take a position based on facts, as taught in the course, is essential for addressing the often-controversial issues related to food production and distribution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Security Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

As a sustainability consultant, you would advise organizations on how to operate in a more environmentally responsible manner. You would need to understand the interconnectedness of global challenges, and this course helps you develop that understanding. The course's detailed coverage of topics like climate change, biodiversity, energy, and raw materials provides a strong foundational knowledge base. Furthermore, learning to interpret data and formulate knowledge-based arguments, as emphasized in the course, is essential for effectively communicating sustainability strategies to clients. You will also use the insights taught by this course to understand the psychology behind people’s behaviors and how to influence them towards wanted behaviors. This is all essential to be a successful sustainability consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists work to protect and restore natural environments and wildlife. This course provides a strong foundation in the key environmental challenges facing the world today and may require an advanced degree. The syllabus covers essential topics such as biodiversity, climate change, and resource management. By gaining a deeper understanding of these issues and their interconnectedness, you can be more effective in developing and implementing conservation strategies. Notably, you will know how to update your knowledge and understand the relationships between different issues. This course's focus on understanding data and formulating knowledge-based arguments will also be valuable for conducting research and communicating findings to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A corporate social responsibility manager leads a company's efforts to operate ethically and sustainably. The course on global challenges can provide a strong foundation for this role. By understanding the interconnectedness of issues like climate change, inequality, and resource depletion, you can help your company develop responsible business practices. This course helps you to critically approach and verify statements, as well as take a position based on facts and rational considerations. Further, the course's insights into human behavior will allow you to promote responsible practices among employees and stakeholders. The course's exploration of economics of sustainable development will also be particularly useful.

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

Renewable Energy Project Manager

Renewable energy project managers oversee the development and implementation of renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. This course provides essential knowledge for this role. The course syllabus includes discussion about energy. The course can also help you understand the interrelationships between different issues and potential solutions. This skill is essential to make informed decisions about project feasibility and environmental impact. Additionally, gaining insights into human behavior and how to influence it, as emphasized in the course, is crucial for promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

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

Environmental Analyst

The role of environmental analyst requires you to assess and analyze environmental data to identify problems and develop solutions. This course on global challenges can help you excel in this role. It provides a comprehensive overview of critical environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. The course will equip you with the ability to interpret crucial numerical material and critically evaluate information, which are necessary skills for an environmental analyst. By understanding the interrelationships between different environmental challenges and their potential solutions, you can contribute to effective environmental management strategies. This course is particularly relevant because it considers the economic, social and physical sciences in its analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Analyst

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Environmental health and safety specialists ensure that workplaces and communities are safe and healthy, by identifying and mitigating environmental and health hazards. This course provides a solid foundation for this role. The course syllabus covers topics such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. The course will help you to critically approach and verify statements around these topics. Furthermore, learning to understand the data and see the bigger picture enables you to assess and manage risks effectively, as well as to communicate these risks to others. The information taught in the course about human behavior will also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Environmental Education Specialist

Environmental education specialists develop and implement programs to educate people about environmental issues and promote sustainable behaviors. The course on global challenges provides a broad understanding of these issues, which you can then impart to others. The course syllabus covers topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and resource management. This course also equips you with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively, and to counter mistaken views with facts and rational arguments. The course's insights into human behavior can further help you to design effective educational programs that promote behavior change and greater care towards the planet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Education Specialist

International Development Worker

International development workers focus on improving the quality of life in developing countries. The course on global challenges provides a valuable overview of the interconnected issues facing these countries, such as poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation. The course provides a foundation to critically approach assumptions as well as to take a position based on facts and rational considerations. The course's insights into social and economic inequality, migration, and global governance provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges facing developing countries, helping you to be more effective in your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Worker

Policy Analyst

As a policy analyst, you would research and analyze existing policies and propose new ones to address pressing societal issues. This course provides a strong foundation for a career as a policy analyst focused on global challenges. The syllabus includes in-depth discussions on topics such as climate change, inequality, and global governance. This course helps you to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to formulate arguments based on facts and rational considerations, which are essential for effective policy analysis. Knowing how to interpret data and understand the relationships between different issues, as taught in the course, will also enable you to develop well-informed and impactful policy recommendations. Understanding the legal aspects of policy making taught in the global governance section will also prove helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Urban Planner

As an urban planner, you will design and develop sustainable communities and infrastructure. The course, with its focus on global challenges, offers valuable insights for this career path. The course syllabus covers essential topics such as buildings, mobility, and energy, providing a solid understanding of the environmental and social impacts of urban development. The course's emphasis on understanding data and seeing the bigger picture enables you to make informed decisions about land use, transportation systems, and resource management reducing the environmental impact of Urban Planning. Moreover, gaining insights into human behavior and how to influence it, as taught in the course, is crucial for promoting sustainable lifestyles and behaviors within urban environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing data to extract meaningful insights. Given the course's objective to enhance your ability to understand and interpret data related to pressing global issues, it may be beneficial. You can sharpen your skills in verifying information, understanding numerical materials, and discerning relationships between different factors. Understanding data is a basic skill for a data analyst. Though this course may not focus specifically on technical data analysis skills, it enhances data literacy in the context of global sustainability, which can be valuable for analysts in fields like environmental science, policy, or economics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study consumer behavior and market trends to advise companies on product development and marketing strategies. This course may be useful for market research analysts who want to focus on sustainable products and markets. The course helps you to understand consumer behavior. Additionally, the course's emphasis on verifying information and understanding the relationships between different issues can help you to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the sustainability sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Investment Analyst

Investment analysts evaluate investment opportunities and advise clients on how to manage their portfolios. The course may be valuable for investment analysts who want to specialize in socially responsible investing or environmental, social, and governance investing. The course's syllabus includes economics of sustainable development. Additionally, learning to update your knowledge and understand the relationships between different issues, as emphasized in the course, is crucial for making informed investment decisions in a rapidly changing world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Broad look at global sustainability challenges

Activities

Career center

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