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Fred Fulton,
Anna Maria Liwak,
and
Kathrine Vad
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course would suit staff and volunteers working in the humanitarian sector, particularly in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It’d also be of use to individuals operating in developing countries that have weak State capacity. It may also interest those who want to see how sustainability can be applied to humanitarian action.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course would suit staff and volunteers working in the humanitarian sector, particularly in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It’d also be of use to individuals operating in developing countries that have weak State capacity. It may also interest those who want to see how sustainability can be applied to humanitarian action.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course would suit staff and volunteers working in the humanitarian sector, particularly in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It’d also be of use to individuals operating in developing countries that have weak State capacity. It may also interest those who want to see how sustainability can be applied to humanitarian action.
Topics Covered
- Week 1: What is sustainable development in a humanitarian context?
- Week 2. Sustainability in the supply chain: a life-cycle perspective
- Week 3. Sustainability in field operations
- Week 4: Setting up a sustainability programme
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/tlj3nh/sustainable
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Reviews summary
Practical sustainability for humanitarian action
According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and relevant deep dive into sustainable development within humanitarian contexts. Many found the structured, four-week program effective, particularly highlighting modules on sustainability in supply chains, field operations, and setting up sustainability programmes. The content is praised for its direct applicability, providing actionable strategies for professionals. While some might desire even deeper dives into complex program design, the course provides a strong foundational understanding tailored for aid workers.
Establishes core understanding before practical application.
"Week 1 provided a clear and essential foundation of what sustainable development means in this context."
"The course structure flowed logically, building from definitions to practical implementation."
"It gives you a comprehensive overview, making complex topics accessible and understandable."
Concepts are specifically adapted for humanitarian action.
"The unique focus on sustainable development within the humanitarian sector made this course stand out."
"It's great to see sustainability concepts applied directly to the challenges faced by aid organizations."
"This course clarified how sustainability principles translate specifically to crisis response and recovery."
Directly applicable strategies for humanitarian and development work.
"I found the content on sustainable supply chains and field operations to be immediately useful in my work."
"The course truly equips you with actionable strategies to implement sustainability in aid efforts."
"Learned how to integrate sustainable practices into real-world humanitarian programming."
Offers good overview, but advanced users may need more depth for complex program setup.
"While the section on setting up a programme was helpful, I was hoping for more in-depth tools for large-scale implementation."
"Good starting point, but professionals with extensive program management experience might find some parts too introductory."
"I would love to see a follow-up course that dives deeper into advanced strategies for sustaining long-term projects."
Activities
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Sustainable Development in Humanitarian Action.
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Learners who complete Sustainable Development in Humanitarian Action will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tlj3nh/sustainable
Reading list
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Focuses on the economic aspects of sustainability, examining the costs and benefits of different approaches to environmental protection and sustainable development.
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This classic work explores the environmental limits to economic growth and the need for sustainable development, providing valuable insights into the challenges facing our planet.
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This influential book argues that sustainability can be profitable and that businesses can play a key role in creating a more sustainable future.
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This innovative work introduces the concept of cradle-to-cradle design, which aims to eliminate waste and create products that are safe for both humans and the environment.
Examines the relationship between ecology and commerce, arguing that businesses need to adopt sustainable practices to ensure their long-term success and the well-being of the planet.
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This groundbreaking book presents a comprehensive plan for reversing global warming, offering a roadmap for a sustainable future.
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This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the ongoing extinction crisis and its causes, highlighting the profound impact of human activity on biodiversity. It provides a crucial understanding of the ecological consequences of unsustainable practices. is important for deepening understanding of the environmental challenges related to sustainability and is often recommended as essential reading on biodiversity loss.
Takes a systems approach to sustainability, examining the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems and providing a framework for understanding complex sustainability challenges.
Examines the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implications for sustainability, providing a practical guide to implementing these goals across different sectors.
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This foundational text is crucial for understanding the origins of the modern environmental movement and its connection to sustainability. It provides essential background knowledge on the impact of human activity on the environment, particularly the dangers of pesticides. While not a recent publication, its historical significance and clear articulation of ecological principles make it valuable prerequisite reading for anyone studying sustainability. It highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for careful consideration of our impact.
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Offers a critique of conventional economics and advocates for a more human-scale, decentralized, and environmentally conscious approach. It provides a valuable perspective on alternative economic models that align with sustainability principles. While first published in the 1970s, its ideas remain highly relevant for discussions on sustainable development and serve as important additional reading to broaden understanding beyond mainstream economic thought. It challenges readers to consider the social and environmental impacts of economic systems.
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Also known as the Brundtland Report, this publication landmark document that popularized the concept of sustainable development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the interconnected environmental and development challenges facing the world. This report is essential reading for gaining a broad understanding of the definition and scope of sustainable development as widely accepted internationally. It crucial reference for understanding the historical context of sustainability policy.
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Understanding systems thinking is crucial for comprehending the complex and interconnected nature of sustainability challenges. provides a clear and accessible introduction to the principles of systems thinking and how they can be applied to environmental and social issues. It is highly recommended as foundational reading to develop a holistic perspective on sustainability. It serves as a valuable tool for analyzing the root causes of unsustainable practices and designing effective interventions.
Offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable development, covering its history, key concepts, and practical challenges. Written by a leading economist, it provides valuable insights into the economic dimensions of sustainability and the role of policy. It can serve as a core textbook for undergraduate and graduate programs, offering a solid foundation for understanding the multifaceted nature of sustainable development. It useful reference for exploring various aspects of the topic.
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Challenges traditional economic models and proposes a new framework for economic thinking that integrates social and planetary boundaries. It is highly relevant for contemporary discussions on sustainable economic systems and offers a fresh perspective on achieving well-being within ecological limits. This book is valuable for deepening understanding of alternative economic approaches to sustainability and is often used as supplementary reading in relevant courses.
This provocative book argues that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a call to transform our economic and political systems. It provides a critical analysis of the relationship between capitalism and climate change. is essential for understanding contemporary debates about the systemic drivers of environmental problems and is highly relevant for advanced students and professionals.
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Presents a collection of the most substantive solutions to global warming, based on extensive research and analysis. It offers a hopeful and practical perspective on addressing climate change through existing technologies and practices. This book is highly valuable for understanding concrete actions and strategies for achieving sustainability and useful reference tool for students and professionals working on climate solutions.
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Considered one of the first books for a general audience about climate change, this book explores the idea that human activities have altered nature itself. It provides a historical perspective on the dawning awareness of climate change and its implications. While an older text, it remains a classic for understanding the philosophical and environmental shifts brought about by human impact on the planet.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems, exploring the challenges and opportunities of sustainability.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tlj3nh/sustainable
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Time
8 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institutions
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Homuork
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Instructors
Fred Fulton
Anna Maria Liwak
Kathrine Vad
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