In this course, participants are introduced to key notions and concepts evolving in sustainability science that are relevant to all, independent to one's work or field of interest. After having completed the course, participants will have a better understanding of the vocabulary used today and should demonstrate the ability to reflect critically to integrate different perspectives of environmental, social, and economic sustainability to their specific area of interest or research.
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In this course, participants are introduced to key notions and concepts evolving in sustainability science that are relevant to all, independent to one's work or field of interest. After having completed the course, participants will have a better understanding of the vocabulary used today and should demonstrate the ability to reflect critically to integrate different perspectives of environmental, social, and economic sustainability to their specific area of interest or research.
In this course, participants are introduced to key notions and concepts evolving in sustainability science that are relevant to all, independent to one's work or field of interest. After having completed the course, participants will have a better understanding of the vocabulary used today and should demonstrate the ability to reflect critically to integrate different perspectives of environmental, social, and economic sustainability to their specific area of interest or research.
Throughout the course, links are made to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, as our current global road map towards sustainability, and how new approaches and solutions are emerging to describe, understand and address key sustainability challenges. Put simply, the overall aim is to give participants the knowledge and confidence needed to present and discuss ideas with others by applying methods, concepts and the vocabulary exemplified in the course with a more holistic view on the sustainability agenda across topics and disciplines.
The course is designed as 5 modules:
The first module presents essential concepts within sustainability science, and methods used to describe, frame, and communicate aspects of sustainability. We look at key questions such as what we mean with strong or weak sustainability, resilience, tipping points and the notion of planetary boundaries. We also look at some techniques used of envisioning alternative futures and transitions pathways.
The second module is all about systems thinking and how systemic approaches are applied today to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Your will see what we mean with systems thinking and how systems thinking, and design is applied in practice to find new solutions.
The third module touches upon drivers for a sustainable future, namely links to economy and business with an introduction to notions of a circular economy, and also policy and regulatory frameworks. We introduce the basics of transformative policy frames and how they are designed and applied through several real-case examples.
The fourth module discusses the links between innovation and sustainability, highlighting approaches for technological, social, institutional, and financial innovations. Some examples (or cases) aim to show how different actors across society balance in practice the need for innovative approaches for social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
The fifth and last module provides general insights on how we work with models to create various scenarios that help us identify solutions and pathways for a more sustainable world. Three main dimensions are addressed namely climate and climate change, nature and biodiversity, and the importance of data and geodata science to support spatial planning and sustainable land use.
This course is brought to you by Lund University with input from four external contributors:
- Lund Municipality, Sweden
- DigIT Hub, a cluster organisation for digitalisation in society based in Lund, Sweden
- Forum for Social Innovation Sweden, a national network across 5 universities
- Sustainable Business Hub, a cluster organisation for smart sustainable cities, based in Malmö, Sweden
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Syllabus
Key concepts to frame and communicate sustainability
The first module presents essential concepts within sustainability science, and methods used to describe, frame and communicate aspects of sustainability. We look at key questions such as what we mean with strong or weak sustainability, resilience, tipping points and the notion of planetary boundaries. We also look at some techniques used of envisioning alternative futures and transitions pathways.
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Syllabus
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Activities
Organize Course Notes and Materials
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Organizing course notes and materials will help you stay organized and improve your ability to recall and apply course concepts.
Browse courses on
Learning Materials
Show steps
-
Review and 整理 your notes from each lecture and reading.
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Create a system for organizing your notes, such as using a binder, digital notebook, or note-taking app.
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Identify key concepts and ideas from the course.
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Create summaries or mind maps to connect and reinforce your understanding of the concepts.
Review Sustainability Concepts
Show steps
Reviewing sustainability concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding the course material.
Show steps
-
Read the course syllabus and identify key sustainability concepts.
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Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses that covered sustainability.
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Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding of the concepts.
Read: Sustainability: A Comprehensive Guide by Mark Lynas
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability challenges and solutions, complementing the course material.
View
A Crack in the Sky (Greenhouse Chronicles)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes as needed.
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Identify key concepts and ideas presented in the book.
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Compare and contrast the book's content with the course material.
Five other activities
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Follow Tutorials on Systems Thinking
Show steps
Following tutorials on systems thinking will enhance your understanding of how sustainability challenges are interconnected.
Browse courses on
Systems Thinking
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials or courses on systems thinking.
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Choose a tutorial that aligns with the course content.
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Follow the steps and complete the exercises in the tutorial.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide opportunities to discuss and reinforce course concepts with peers.
Show steps
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Find or create a study group with classmates.
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Establish regular meeting times and create a schedule.
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Prepare for meetings by reviewing course materials and completing assignments.
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Engage in active discussions and share perspectives.
Volunteer for a Sustainability Organization
Show steps
Volunteering for a sustainability organization will provide practical experience and a deeper understanding of real-world sustainability issues.
Show steps
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Research and identify sustainability organizations in your area.
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Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
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Attend volunteer training and orientation.
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Participate in volunteer activities and contribute to the organization's mission.
Create a Blog Post on Sustainability Innovation
Show steps
Creating a blog post encourages critical thinking, research, and communication of course concepts on sustainability innovation.
Show steps
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Choose a specific topic related to sustainability innovation that interests you.
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Research and gather information about the topic.
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Write a blog post that presents your research and insights on the topic.
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Publish your blog post on a relevant platform or share it with others for feedback.
Develop a Sustainability Action Plan
Show steps
Creating a sustainability action plan will apply course concepts and encourage critical thinking about sustainability challenges.
Show steps
-
Identify a sustainability challenge or issue that interests you.
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Research and gather information about the challenge.
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Develop a plan outlining specific actions and strategies to address the challenge.
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Present your action plan to the class or share it with others for feedback.
Organize Course Notes and Materials
Show steps
Organizing course notes and materials will help you stay organized and improve your ability to recall and apply course concepts.
Browse courses on
Learning Materials
Show steps
- Review and 整理 your notes from each lecture and reading.
- Create a system for organizing your notes, such as using a binder, digital notebook, or note-taking app.
- Identify key concepts and ideas from the course.
- Create summaries or mind maps to connect and reinforce your understanding of the concepts.
Review Sustainability Concepts
Show steps
Reviewing sustainability concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding the course material.
Show steps
- Read the course syllabus and identify key sustainability concepts.
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses that covered sustainability.
- Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding of the concepts.
Read: Sustainability: A Comprehensive Guide by Mark Lynas
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability challenges and solutions, complementing the course material.
View
A Crack in the Sky (Greenhouse Chronicles)
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes as needed.
- Identify key concepts and ideas presented in the book.
- Compare and contrast the book's content with the course material.
Follow Tutorials on Systems Thinking
Show steps
Following tutorials on systems thinking will enhance your understanding of how sustainability challenges are interconnected.
Browse courses on
Systems Thinking
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials or courses on systems thinking.
- Choose a tutorial that aligns with the course content.
- Follow the steps and complete the exercises in the tutorial.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide opportunities to discuss and reinforce course concepts with peers.
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with classmates.
- Establish regular meeting times and create a schedule.
- Prepare for meetings by reviewing course materials and completing assignments.
- Engage in active discussions and share perspectives.
Volunteer for a Sustainability Organization
Show steps
Volunteering for a sustainability organization will provide practical experience and a deeper understanding of real-world sustainability issues.
Show steps
- Research and identify sustainability organizations in your area.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend volunteer training and orientation.
- Participate in volunteer activities and contribute to the organization's mission.
Create a Blog Post on Sustainability Innovation
Show steps
Creating a blog post encourages critical thinking, research, and communication of course concepts on sustainability innovation.
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic related to sustainability innovation that interests you.
- Research and gather information about the topic.
- Write a blog post that presents your research and insights on the topic.
- Publish your blog post on a relevant platform or share it with others for feedback.
Develop a Sustainability Action Plan
Show steps
Creating a sustainability action plan will apply course concepts and encourage critical thinking about sustainability challenges.
Show steps
- Identify a sustainability challenge or issue that interests you.
- Research and gather information about the challenge.
- Develop a plan outlining specific actions and strategies to address the challenge.
- Present your action plan to the class or share it with others for feedback.
Career center
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Scientist
Renewable Energy Engineer
Policy Analyst
Urban Planner
Sustainability Manager
Environmental Lawyer
Project Manager
Business Analyst
Sustainability Educator
Environmental Journalist
Data Analyst
Product Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Social Entrepreneur
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