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Learner Reviews & Feedback for The Great Sustainability Transition: Global challenges, Local actions by Universiteit Leiden

4.9
stars
24 ratings

About the Course

Drastic shifts are needed. Get the knowledge and skills to take local action. Setting the stage: Why do we care? Learn about sustainability and staying with the environmental boundaries of our planet. Understand the effects of growing affluence and population growth, and the key challenges we are facing. By participating in the local action exercises you learn how to influence your direct environment. The activities are diverse, from participating in a citizen science project to having discussions with people on climate change. From determining biodiversity around you, to understanding the environmental impacts of one of your meals. Week 1: Biodiversity How much land do we use for feed humanity? And how does meat consumption impact energy flows on the planet? In this first week we will explore how humans have transformed the world around them, and how this impacts other living organisms. We discuss key challenges which drive biodiversity decline, and focus on ways to preserve our biodiversity. As a Local Action, you will explore your local biodiversity and ways to improve and protect it. Week 2: Climate breakdown Why is climate change such an urgent crisis? What are current climate impacts and how much more can we expect? In this second week we will understand the mechanics of climate change and grasp the enormity of the changes being wrought on the planet. We will describe the different gases that contribute to climate change, and which sector they come from across energy and food systems. We will talk about how to address climate change including mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. As a local action, you will discuss climate change openly, constructively and acceptingly with a friend or family member. Week 3: Pollution Pollution is everywhere, from air to water, from soils to our bodies. We’ll explore the impacts different pollutants have on the environment and on human health. We will also focus on some of the unexpected effects related to pollution. As a Local Action you will be collecting trash around your home. Week 4: The great transitions Why are we continuing to overexploit crucial resources even though we know the devastating long term consequences for our planet? And why don’t we transition our energy and food systems, even though we know they drive climate breakdown? Explore why collective action is so difficult on environmental challenges, but also provide examples were changes were successful. We will discuss fear and hope at a unique time of human civilization. As a Local Action you will analyse the footprint of one of your meals....

Top reviews

EA

Jan 30, 2023

Should you care for your loved ones, the nature, future, and of course yourself, you must pass this course! Let's stop developing at any cost, and think of it as an investment in mankind.

KI

Aug 22, 2023

very well designed and full of knowledge and practical experience. Thanks To the wonderful team.

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1 - 12 of 12 Reviews for The Great Sustainability Transition: Global challenges, Local actions

By Vos E

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Mar 4, 2023

This is by far the best MOOC I have ever taken. Thijs and Paul manage to strike a balance between the local and the global level of climate action, between academic and practical knowledge, and between hope and alarm about the climate crisis. As a person who has been interested and active in climate action for a while this course managed to deepen my knowledge and make me look at my own environment in a completely different way. Would definitely recommend!

By Marie I A M

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Feb 1, 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed the course; it provided me with valuable insights and practical information on taking meaningful actions to help the environment. The content was both informative and engaging, offering a comprehensive understanding of ways to contribute positively. I would highly recommend this course to anyone eager to learn more about environmental initiatives and how individuals can make a difference. The course not only enhanced my knowledge but also empowered me with actionable steps to implement in my daily life.

By Maria d L

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Mar 5, 2023

Maravilhoso! Acrescentou muito ao meu conhecimento sobre o assunto. Ambos os professores são geniais, excelentes. Recomendo este curso a todos. Acredito até que todos os cursos universitários deveriam apresentar uma disciplina baseada nas estratégias usadas por este curso. É urgente que mais pessoas entendam o que está acontecendo ao planeta e à nossa civilização. Tenho uma imensa gratidão pelo Coursera e pelos professores Thijs Bosker e Paul Behrens.

By Ehsaneddin A

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Jan 30, 2023

Should you care for your loved ones, the nature, future, and of course yourself, you must pass this course! Let's stop developing at any cost, and think of it as an investment in mankind.

By Rokus v D

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Feb 23, 2024

Very interesting, covering the basics but also a broad view of subjects concerning the future world! Highly recommend it!

By felipe c h

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Feb 28, 2023

I learned to know more about the world and its weaknesses that we have done to it and how much we need to do together

By Kanza I

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Aug 22, 2023

very well designed and full of knowledge and practical experience. Thanks To the wonderful team.

By Magdalena N

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Mar 25, 2024

Really great to all beginners in SDGs/ESG topics!

By Nattawat T

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Apr 4, 2023

Good course for new ideal improve world

By Viola B

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Feb 22, 2023

Interesting and helpful. Thank you

By First S A H

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Jun 3, 2023

I ENJOY THE COURSE, THANKYOU

By meera s

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Jun 2, 2023

Very interactive and exciting! Enjoyed thoroughly! The only improvement I suggest is to explain more subject-specific terms to enhance the learning experience!! Would definitely recommend it to keen learners!