Introduction to Sustainability - University of Illinois

Coursera Course Outline :The course consists of 8 weekly modules.


Week 1:

Introduction & Population

Pessimism vs. optimism, neo-malthusians Demographic transition

Neo-Malthusians

J-curves and S-curves

Role of the Developing world


Week 2:

Population

The disappearance of the third world Demographics

Population pyramids

Population projections

Transition in world population


Week 3:

Ecosystems, Extinction & Tragedy of the Commons

Hardin Model

Objections to the Hardin Model

ToC Solutions


Week 4:

Climate Change

The climate of the near future :hot, hotter, or hottest? Weather vs. Climate

Proxy and data climate evidence

Climate projections


Week 5:

Energy

What happens when we reach “Peak Oil”? Renewable energy: is there enough to make

the switch? Peak Oil/Fossil Fuel

Energy survey, availability, and density

EROI


Week 6:

Agriculture and Water The hydrologic cycle

Patterns of water use

Green Revolution

GM crops and the precautionary principle


Week 7:

Environmental Economics and Policy

Can economists lead the way to sustainability? Environmental Evaluation

Project and policy evaluation

Incentive policies


Week 8:

Measuring sustainability

Ethics and Culture

The long view Carbon Footprints

Sustainability certification

Energy and water efficiency metrics Sustainability Ethics

Environmental ideology and conservation movements