The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future

University of Copenhagen

Informações sobre o curso

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. While all of the SDGs are essential to sustainable development, SDG 13, Climate Action, is usually perceived as the most urgent in terms of the need for a swift implementation on a global scale. Therefore, particular focus is given to this SDG. Through the course, you will gain up-to-date knowledge of the current understanding of human impacts on the Earth at the planetary level. Progress towards establishing global management of human interactions with the climate system within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is also discussed. The course is designed and taught by Professor Katherine Richardson, who is a member of the 15-person panel appointed by the UN General Secretary in 2016 to write the 2019 Global Sustainable Development Report. In each lecture, Katherine interviews experts who provide insights relevant to the topic at hand.

cursos 100% online

Comece imediatamente e aprenda em seu próprio cronograma.

Nível iniciante

Approx. 5 hours to complete

Sugerido: 3 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week

English

Legendas: English

cursos 100% online

Comece imediatamente e aprenda em seu próprio cronograma.

Nível iniciante

Approx. 5 hours to complete

Sugerido: 3 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week

English

Legendas: English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

1

Section

3 hours to complete

Sustainable Development as a Global Goal

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....

3 videos (Total 40 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

A history of sustainable development11m

How do we measure progress?15m

SDG Interactions – One for All and All for One!13m

3 readings

The sustainable development goals45m

A Guide to SDG Interactions, ICSU, 20170m

Additional material: The Brundtland Report, 19870m

1 practice exercises

Week 118m

2

Section

3 hours to complete

Managing human impacts on the natural world

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....

3 videos (Total 48 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

The Anthropocene14m

Planetary boundaries and biodiversity18m

Resilience14m

2 readings

Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries50m

Resilience and disaster risk reduction: an etymological journey40m

1 practice exercises

Week 218m

3

Section

3 hours to complete

Social sustainability and the way forward

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. ...

3 videos (Total 60 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

The human condition18m

Inequality18m

The way forward23m

4 readings

World Food Programme: Hunger and Climate Change30m

Kate Raworth: Doughnut Economics0m

Additional material: Sustainability lecture with Kate Raworth0m

Additional material: Income Inequality and Health: A Causal Review0m

1 practice exercises

Week 318m

Instructor

Katherine Richardson

Professor

About University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark - founded in 1479, and with over 38,000 students and more than 9,000 employees. The purpose of the University is to conduct research and provide education to the highest academic level. Based in Denmark's capital city it is one of the top research institutions in Europe. ...

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Coursera provides financial aid to learners who would like to complete a course but cannot afford the course fee. To apply for aid, select "Learn more and apply" in the Financial Aid section below the "Enroll" button. You'll be prompted to complete a simple application; no other paperwork is required.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center

The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future