A Beginner's Guide to Environmental Science: Wicked Problems and Possible Solutions (FutureLearn)

Delve into the complex and challenging environmental issues that we face today, and how we can manage or even solve them. Learn how environmental management can help address issues that impact us all. Environmental issues affect every human being, and are a truly global concern. This four-week course, presented by Central Queensland University, gives a comprehensive introduction not only to the current problems and threats to the environment but also to possible solutions and effective environmental management.

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Understand the science underpinning environmental issues

You’ll start by learning about the nature of environmental science, resources, the basis of the world’s ecosystem, and the concept of the triple bottom line for sustainability.

With this strong foundational knowledge, you’ll be able to look at the other issues raised over the course. Not only will you understand them, but you’ll also see how to manage them and what solutions are possible.
Explore the wicked problems facing environmental management

The term ‘wicked problems’ comes from the field of planning and policy. It refers to issues that are difficult or seemingly impossible to solve. For the rest of this course, you’ll be taking a close look at the wicked problems that sustainability and environmentalism are currently facing.

You’ll unpack global climate change, generation of waste, fossil fuel consumption, and, perhaps most challenging of all, the impact of the human population explosion. You’ll also get to explore potential solutions, such as renewable energy sources, and how environmental impacts can be lessened with effective management.
Learn from environmental science experts

Central Queensland University is a hub of scientific research and meaningful projects that better the lives of all Australians. This ethos and the University’s strong academic history (as well as the world-renowned lead educator) make it the ideal place to learn about environmental issues and ways to deal with them.
What topics will you cover?

This course provides an in-depth introduction to:

- Environmental issues

- Renewable energy sources

- Conservation and environmental management

- Wicked problems in environmental management

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Identify fundamental concepts in environmental science

- Explore the wicked problem of human demography and the ecological footprint we leave

- Investigate our earth's atmosphere and global climate change

- Compare types of waste and learn behavioural changes can help to reduce your impact on the environment.
Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning the basics of environmental science, including the issues facing the environment and what the human race can do to help.