Agriculture is more than waving fields of wheat; our ability to grow food from existing natural resources –and without decimating those resources –is key to sustainably feeding the world. In this course, learn about food security worldwide, the effects of malnutrition, how we manage ecosystems that provide food resources and more. You’ll emerge from this course with a clear answer to the question: What can I do to make food consumption and production more sustainable? This course is for: Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in agriculture, economics, international development and other fields who are learning about the intersectional factors impacting agriculture and food production/consumption Nutritionists, agriculture professionals and other practitioners interested in the latest developments in the field Sustainable development practitioners –including those who work for international aid organizations and nonprofits in the realms of poverty, nutrition and agriculture – who want to understand the lifecycle of food production and food security Private actors , such as those engaging in or investing in social entrepreneurship and the support of local agriculture Partners: This course is supported by faculty based at Cornell University , Johns Hopkins University , Rothamsted Research , Tufts University , and Wageningen University and Research .

Partiendo de la hipótesis de que hay un desconocimiento generalizado sobre los impactos, alcances y acciones en el desarrollo de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), junto a la falta de claridad sobre la participación efectiva de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil, se propone la realización del siguiente curso en el que se abordará, para comenzar, el ODS 12 buscando generar un diálogo multilateral con participación del gobierno, academia, organizaciones sociales y público interesado. Tratándose de uno de los ejes de la Cátedra Unesco en Desarrollo Sostenible, el acceso a la formación con un enfoque territorial, diferencial y crítico, nuestro propósito es, en el marco de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), específicamente el ODS 12 sobre "Producción y consumo responsable", ofrecer este curso en línea que permita producir dinámicas pedagógicas, de indagación e innovación sobre las formas en las cuáles se está dando respuesta a este ODS 12 desde las iniciativas ciudadanas y la academia. Particularmente, insistiremos en el principal indicador que se ha venido usando para medir el grado de respuesta del ODS 12: el uso y manejo de residuos. La tierra necesita que sepamos reparar, desde sus propias dinámicas, los errores que hemos cometido con el manejo de nuestros residuos, así que la invitación es a aprender y dialogar sobre cómo mejorar la relación con nuestros residuos y contribuir a un ambiente sano en la ciudad tanto como productores y consumidores.

This course offers theoretical and real-world insights into why and how globalisation can be used as a conduit for sustainable development. Globalisation is associated not only with significant economic development opportunities but also with pressing environmental and social challenges. Through readings, videos, discussions and interactive learning activities you will examine and critique the potential of globalisation to drive sustainable development. You will also explore and reflect on the impact of the UN Sustainable Development Goals on current and future economic, environmental and social trends. This is your opportunity to be part of a global learning community actively exploring and sharing the implications of a globalisation and sustainable development nexus.

Soil is the earth's fragile skin that anchors all life. We depend on soil to build our homes and cities, to grow crops for food and raise livestock, to support transportation and enable recreation. Yet we disregard this crucial and precious resource that lies right under our feet. This introductory environmental studies course will explore the importance of soil to life on earth, the issues, processes and societal challenges underlying soil degradation - and what can be done to ensure sustainable soil management for the future. The threats to our soil span deforestation, erosion, overgrazing, use of agrochemicals, pollution and climate change. Learn what you can do to make a difference in protecting this vital natural resource.

Did you know that experts estimate an additional three billion people will live in cities by 2050? What will the impact be on the current world population – half of which currently lives in cities and contributes to about three-fourths of global economic output? The opportunities are vast –but so, too, are the potential issues. In Sustainable Cities , you will learn about the major challenges currently faced by urban areas around the world – including poverty, unemployment, poor housing infrastructure, and constraints on productivity – and the extraordinary potential of these areas to enable change in the future. From infrastructure to culture to economic opportunity, learn how harnessing the power of urban development for global progress is imperative. This course examines how urban sustainability can be delivered with increasing productivity and reduced inequality; provision of universal basic services and infrastructure; protection of the urban environments; and other solutions and investments, both speculative and in action around the world. You will emerge from this course understanding how governments, private stakeholders and other actors can improve urban development to heed the call of Sustainable Development Goal 11 – “making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable“ by 2030. This course has been developed through a partnership between the SDG Academy and the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) , which is working to transform the current nature of urban education and practice in India. This course is for: Anyone interested in the concept of sustainable cities – including those interested in the development of their own local community – who wants to understand the foundations of modern urban development Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in architecture, real estate development, sustainable development, sustainable business, international development, public policy, and other related fields Sustainable development practitioners interested in the elements of sustainability that impact urban areas worldwide Private-sector actors , such as those who work in real estate development, technology, telecommunications, transportation, or energy – whose work can contribute to and redefine urban areas

How can ecosystems contribute to quality of life and a more livable, healthier and more resilient urban environment? Have you ever considered all the different benefits the ecosystem could potentially deliver to you and your surroundings? Unsustainable urbanization has resulted in the loss of biodiversity, the destruction of habitats and has therefore limited the ability of ecosystems to deliver the advantages they could confer. This course establishes the priorities and highlights the direct values of including principles based on natural processes in urban planning and design. Take a sewage system or a public space for example. By integrating nature-based solutions they can deliver the exact same performance while also being beneficial for the environment, society and economy. Increased connectivity between existing, modified and new ecosystems and restoring and rehabilitating them within cities through nature-based solutions provides greater resilience and the capacity to adapt more swiftly to cope with the effects of climate change and other global shifts. This course will teach you about the design, construction, implementation and monitoring of nature-based solutions for urban ecosystems and the ecological coherence of sustainable cities. Constructing smart cities and metropolitan regions with nature-based ecosystems will secure a fair distribution of benefits from the renewed urban ecology. Instructors, with advanced expertise in Urban Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning and Design, will equip designers and planners with the skills they need for the sustainable management of the built environment. The course will also benefit stakeholders from both private and public sectors who want to explore the multiple benefits of restored ecosystems in cities and metropolitan regions. They will gain the knowledge and skills required to make better informed and integrated decisions on city development and urban regeneration schemes. This course forms a part of the educational programme of the AMS Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions and will present the state-of-the-art theories and methods developed by the Delft University of Technology and Wageningen University & Research, two of the founding universities of the AMS Institute.

Examine our reliance on the Earth’s resources –and vice versa – and you will discover a stunning tapestry of complex interactions between ecosystems and human life. From preventing the extinction of species (from plants to animals) to mitigating the effects of long-term environmental shifts, how do we ensure that our interaction with the world around us doesn’t leave it destroyed? In this course, you’ll learn the science behind the capacities of various ecosystems including extinction rates, desertification and how their physical makeup has evolved with environmental shifts. You’ll experience the lives of local populations dependent upon these resources, from their economic activities to their societal norms. After taking this course, you will be equipped with an understanding of diverse ecosystems and how responsible use of these resources is imperative to our planet’s survival. This course is for: Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students studying ecosystem management, forestry, sustainable development, economics, sustainable business and related fields Practitioners in forestry, ecosystem management, conservation and related fields who are interested in current science and research around use and preservation Sustainable development practitioners – as well as private-sector actors, such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility, land development or tourism – who need to understand responsible consumption and interaction with our ecosystems

While any major sport event can pose great opportunities for the host city or region, there are also challenges associated with hosting these events. The environmental impact on the country's natural resources, the workforce, and infrastructure are just some of the considerations. It is essential to ensure that your major sport event is sustainable for your city throughout the event, but also after the event has been completed. So, what does a sustainable major sport event look like? Thiscourse will introduce you to the concept of a sustainable major sport event by using the five pillars of sustainability as the foundation. These five pillars; human, social, economic, governance and environmental, are explored in this course with a focus on the core principles of each pillar and how these need to be considered in this context. Real-world examples are presented to further highlight the importance of these factors when planning and hosting a major sport event.

This course covers the flow of water as it falls to the earth and travels towards rivers, lakes and oceans. This includes the basic concepts and definition of a watershed, including how to delineate watershed boundaries. Water budgets and water fluxes will also be introduced, along with the different components of the hydrologic cycle. Finally, Geographic Information Systems will be used to develop a basic model of a watershed in Eastern Ontario, Canada.

Do you want to talk about climate change from an informed perspective? Are you interested in how global warming works? Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time, and climate science is critical to finding solutions. How can we make the best decisions about our present and future? By taking this course, you can be part of the global conversation. Climate Change: The Science is an introduction to climate science basics. We’ll discuss flows of energy and carbon in Earth’s climate system, how climate models work, climate history, and future forecasts. This course will give you the knowledge you need, and practice communicating about climate change. You’ll meet people from around the world with a huge range of local and regional climate change issues. Join us, learn the science, and share your own stories.