In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by 193 member states, the goals represent an important international step in setting humanity on a trajectory towards sustainable development. Within this course, you will get a historical overview of how sustainability has been understood, as well as a thorough introduction to the SDGs – what they are, how progress can be measured, and how the SDGs are relevant for the management of the global systems supporting humanity. The course will examine how various societal actors are responding to and implementing the SDGs.
The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future
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The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future
Instructor: Katherine Richardson
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(4,699 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 10 hours
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3 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 3 modules in this course
In this first module, you will be introduced to the concept of sustainability, its roots, and history of development. The framework of the SDGs is outlined in more detail, and we will discuss what sets them apart from previous international agreements, how we can measure progress and how the goals are interconnected. We will touch upon food systems, as an example of how the SDGs are relevant for - and can be implemented in - global systems through international cooperation.
What's included
3 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this second module, we will have a more detailed look at the scientific evidence that human activities are influencing the Earth at the planetary level. You will be introduced to the concepts of Anthropocene and Planetary Boundaries. The biosphere (all living organisms or "biodiversity") is arguably just as - or more - important than climate for establishing the environmental conditions we enjoy on Earth, but receives much less attention. This module, therefore, will focus on monitoring and managing human impacts on climate and biodiversity as well as the potential consequences of failing to meet the goals of the SDGs relating to climate and biodiversity.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Where the last module focused on the impact of humanity's activities on the bio-physical components of the Earth system, this final section first focuses on the condition of humans, themselves, and the SDGs focusing on the improvement of that condition. You will be introduced to the concept of Doughnut Economics, which builds on the Planetary Boundaries framework. Finally, this module examines current status for implementation and provides examples of how different actors are engaging in global efforts to achieve the goals.
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
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Instructor ratings
4.8 (1,499 ratings)Offered by
Explore more from Governance and Society
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Lund University
The University of Edinburgh
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4.8
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Showing 3 of 4699
MM
4
Reviewed on Sep 13, 2020
The Course really helped me understand the various aspects of Sustainable development better and how different factors or societal actors can come together and help work on the goals.
EU
5
Reviewed on Jun 12, 2019
I learnt a whole lot from this course. I gained new knowledge, learned new terms that would forge my future studies. I know more about the SDGs than I did before this course. Thank you for this!
AS
4
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2020
Including more case studies on implementation mechanisms, as well as an update on where we stand, now, in 2020, five years after the establishment of goals, would make the course more practical.
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