The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development from edX

This course is part of the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program. In order to get the most out of this course, we recommend that you have experience working in the development sector or a strong interest in this area. We also recommend that you complete the other three courses that make up the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program: Leaders in Global Development, Adaptive Leadership in Development, and Critical Development Perspectives.

This course introduces the origin and key concepts of sustainability and how to apply those to sustainable development practice.

Sustainable development will be explored through theories and case studies from a range of disciplines, and a particular focus will be on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) interrelate in practice. You also will learn about planetary boundaries, urbanisation and growing inequality, to show how integral sustainable development is to our everyday existence.

This course will attempt to provide key content knowledge to bridge the science and the practice of the application and enhancement of sustainable development. The course draws on contemporary examples to address the world's most urgent challenges, with emphasis on the linkages between science and policy.

What you'll learn

To be aware of the current international policy landscape for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
To understand the practice and policy of sustainable pathways to development
To appreciate some of the underpinnings of sustainable development practice and how policy-makers are trying to apply it for better governance of scarce resources
To gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between the SGDs and how they are implicated in practice
To apply relevant aspects of sustainable development to your own practice as a development leader
To understand how various attributes of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) can be applied by development practitioners and other stakeholders
To gain scientific knowledge regarding planetary boundaries processes and their influence on international economic development

All graded assessment will be graded and have insightful feedback for learners to further refine their new knowledge and skills.

What's inside

Learning objectives

To be aware of the current international policy landscape for the sustainable development goals (sdgs)
To understand the practice and policy of sustainable pathways to development
To appreciate some of the underpinnings of sustainable development practice and how policy-makers are trying to apply it for better governance of scarce resources
To gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between the sgds and how they are implicated in practice

To apply relevant aspects of sustainable development to your own practice as a development leader
To understand how various attributes of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) can be applied by development practitioners and other stakeholders
To gain scientific knowledge regarding planetary boundaries processes and their influence on international economic development

To be aware of the current international policy landscape for the sustainable development goals (sdgs)
To understand the practice and policy of sustainable pathways to development
To appreciate some of the underpinnings of sustainable development practice and how policy-makers are trying to apply it for better governance of scarce resources
To gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between the sgds and how they are implicated in practice
To apply relevant aspects of sustainable development to your own practice as a development leader
To understand how various attributes of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) can be applied by development practitioners and other stakeholders
To gain scientific knowledge regarding planetary boundaries processes and their influence on international economic development

Syllabus

Module 1 - The History and Politics of Sustainable Development

Module 2 - The Science of Sustainable Development

Module 3 - Introduction to the SDG agenda

Module 4 - Critical Perspectives, Complexity and Indigenous Knowledges

Module 5 - Sustainable Development Goals 17 & 16: Partnerships, finance, technologies and institutions, the frameworks for enabling the SDGs

Module 6 - Sustainable Development Goals 13 & 7: Climate action, affordable and clean energy and the interconnections

Module 7 - Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5 & 6: Health, wellbeing, gender equality and clean water and sanitation

Module 8 - Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 & 10: No Poverty, zero hunger and reduced inequalities

Module 9 - Sustainable Development Goals 12, 14 & 15: Responsible consumption and production, life below water and life on land

Module 10 - Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 4 & 11: Decent work and economic growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Quality Education and Sustainable Cities and Communities

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches sustainability and sustainable development using a range of disciplines, covering key concepts, theories, and case studies

Focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their interconnectedness in practice

Provides scientific knowledge regarding planetary boundaries and their influence on international economic development

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in sustainability and development

May be suitable for professionals working in the development sector or those interested in sustainability

Requires experience working in the development sector or a strong interest in it, as well as completion of other courses in the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program

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 The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development with these activities:

Review key concepts from previous courses in sustainable development

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Refresh your memory on essential concepts from previous sustainability courses to strengthen your foundation for this one.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Gather materials and notes from previous sustainable development courses
Review key concepts, theories, and frameworks related to sustainability
Consider how these concepts apply to real-world challenges and sustainable development practices

Read 'Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist' by Kate Raworth

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Gain insights into alternative economic models and sustainable development by reading Kate Raworth's 'Doughnut Economics'.

View Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts
Reflect on the ideas presented in the book and how they relate to sustainable development

Follow online tutorials from the Stockholm Resilience Centre for sustainability research

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Enhance your understanding of sustainability concepts and research by exploring tutorials from the Stockholm Resilience Centre.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Visit the Stockholm Resilience Centre website
Explore the available tutorials and select those relevant to your learning objectives
Complete the tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and insights

Four other activities

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Attend workshops and seminars on specific aspects of sustainability

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Participate in workshops and seminars to deepen your understanding of specific topics within sustainable development and expand your network.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Research upcoming workshops and seminars related to sustainable development
Register for events that align with your interests
Actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities

Explore the SDG Academy database for additional learning resources

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Visit the SDG Academy database to supplement your knowledge and explore additional learning opportunities related to sustainable development.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals

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Access the SDG Academy website
Navigate to the resources section
Search for relevant materials aligned with your interests and learning objectives

Participate in competitions or hackathons focused on sustainability

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Engage in competitions and hackathons to test your knowledge, collaborate with others, and contribute to innovative solutions in the field of sustainability.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Identify relevant competitions or hackathons focused on sustainability
Form a team or collaborate with others
Develop a solution that addresses a specific sustainability challenge
Submit your solution and present it to a panel of judges

Contribute to open-source projects related to sustainability

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Engage with open-source projects focused on sustainable development to gain practical experience and contribute to the field.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Identify open-source projects related to sustainability and sustainable development
Explore the project documentation and codebase
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements
Submit a contribution request or pull request

Career center

Learners who complete The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact while improving social and economic performance. A deep understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for the success of a Sustainability Consultant, as they provide a framework for integrating sustainability into all aspects of an organization's operations. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course provides a comprehensive overview of the SDGs and how they can be applied in practice, making it an ideal choice for those looking to pursue a career in sustainability consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Officer

Sustainability Officers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of organizational operations, promote social justice, and improve the lives of employees and communities. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Sustainability Officers with a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The course also covers topics such as stakeholder engagement and reporting, which are critical for developing and implementing effective sustainability strategies.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists work closely with nature to find solutions to environmental issues like climate change. To do this, they must understand the economic and social impact of their work. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course will help teach the skills required to communicate with different groups of people and introduce ways that sustainability can be implemented into a business model.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental issues. They develop and implement innovative solutions to problems such as poverty, homelessness, and climate change. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Social Entrepreneurs with a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect the communities they serve. The course also covers topics such as business planning, marketing, and fundraising, which are critical for starting and running a successful social enterprise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure that businesses operate in a sustainable and ethical manner. They work to minimize the environmental impact of business operations, promote social justice, and improve the lives of employees and communities. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Corporate Social Responsibility Managers with a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The course also covers topics such as stakeholder engagement and reporting, which are critical for developing and implementing effective CSR strategies.

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

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and manage the use of land and buildings in urban areas. They work to create sustainable and livable communities that meet the needs of residents and businesses. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Urban Planners with a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic factors that affect urban planning. The course also covers topics such as transportation, housing, and economic development, which are critical for creating sustainable and livable communities.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They may work on projects such as designing pollution control systems, developing renewable energy sources, or remediating contaminated sites. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Environmental Engineers with a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their work, helping them to design more sustainable and effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

International Development Consultant

International Development Consultants provide advice and support to governments, businesses, and nonprofits in developing countries. They work on a variety of projects, such as poverty reduction, economic development, and environmental protection. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide International Development Consultants with a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing developing countries. The course also covers topics such as project design, management, and evaluation, which are critical for working effectively in international development.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Consultant

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources. They work to ensure that water is available for a variety of uses, including drinking, irrigation, and recreation. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Water Resources Managers with a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic factors that affect water resources management. The course also covers topics such as water quality, water conservation, and flood control, which are critical for managing water resources sustainably.

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Development Economist

Development Economists use economic principles to analyze and address issues related to economic development in developing countries. They may work on projects such as designing poverty reduction programs, promoting sustainable agriculture, or improving access to education and healthcare. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Development Economists with a deeper understanding of the social and environmental dimensions of economic development, helping them to design more effective and sustainable policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Economist

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies to protect the environment. They work on issues such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Environmental Policy Analysts with a deeper understanding of the science behind environmental issues, as well as the policy tools that can be used to address them. The course also covers topics such as environmental law, which is critical for developing effective environmental policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Disaster Relief Coordinator

Disaster Relief Coordinators plan and implement disaster relief operations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Disaster Relief Coordinators with a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of disasters. The course also covers topics such as emergency management, logistics, and public health, which are critical for coordinating effective disaster relief operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Relief Coordinator

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs that address social and environmental issues. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and community partners. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Nonprofit Program Managers with a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect the communities they serve. The course also covers topics such as program design, evaluation, and fundraising, which are critical for managing nonprofit programs effectively.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, museums, and nature centers. The **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course can provide Environmental Educators with a deeper understanding of the science behind environmental issues, as well as the educational methods that can be used to teach people about sustainability. The course also covers topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and environmental justice, which are critical for educating people about the importance of protecting the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts collect and analyze data to assess the impacts of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to its effects. Understanding the science of climate change is essential for Climate Change Analysts, and the **Science and Practice of Sustainable Development** course provides a strong foundation in this area. The course also covers topics such as policy and governance, which are critical for developing effective climate change strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst