Introduction to Sustainable Development and Climate Change

Sustainable development is one of the most critical challenges of our time. Yet, debates around it are often confusing and tangled in ideology. In this engaging beginner-level course, you’ll cut through the noise and uncover what sustainable development truly means, why climate change is such an urgent concern, and how systems thinking can help you understand the bigger picture of sustainability.

This course will help you get to grips with sustainability, whether you’re a passionate advocate aiming to become a change agent in your organisation, or simply someone curious about what’s happening in the world. We’ll explore the diverse perspectives on sustainable development and learn why these differences matter and how they shape public discourse. You’ll discover how systems and feedback loops shape everything in our world, leading to a much deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic challenges we face today.

Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills and vocabulary that will allow you to confidently talk about sustainability topics with colleagues, friends, and stakeholders. You’ll be able to cut through misinformation and find clarity in complex debates, and start applying this knowledge to your daily life or work.

Finally, we’ll dive into the science of Earth’s climate and climate change, helping you connect the dots between theory and real-world scenarios to see how these ideas impact our everyday lives.

Ultimately, understanding sustainability is about seeing the world holistically - understanding society, the environment, and our place within them. Join me on this journey through an engaging, important, and potentially worldview-changing theme. By the end of this course, you’ll have the knowledge, confidence, and language to discuss sustainability issues with others, participate in meaningful conversations, and take your first steps towards making a positive impact.