Introduction to Sustainability and Climate Action

Course Title: Introduction to Sustainability and Climate Actions

Course Overview:

This foundational course provides learners with a global understanding of sustainability and climate change. It explores the balance between environmental, social, and economic systems; examines the scientific and human causes of climate change; and reviews the international and local actions being taken to create a more sustainable and climate-resilient world.
Learners will conclude the course by developing a real-world sustainability portfolio project.

Total Course Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

(Approx. 40–45 minutes per module)

Course Type:

Free foundational course — 100% self-paced
Certificate of Completion issued through the LMS

MODULE 1: Understanding Sustainability

Total Duration: ~48 minutes

Lesson 1: What Is Sustainability? (13 min)

Video (4 min): “What Is Sustainability?” — animated explainer on balancing human needs with environmental limits.

Reading (4 min): “The Three Pillars of Sustainability” — Environmental, Social, and Economic systems explained.

Short Quiz (5 min): 

Lesson 2: The Three Pillars in Action (15 min)

Infographic (2 min): “The 3 Pillars of Sustainability.”

Case Study (5 min): Example of how cities around the world (e.g., Copenhagen, Vancouver, or Singapore) are applying sustainability in transport, energy, and community design.

Reading (5 min): Real-World Sustainability Applications — how communities globally address waste, pollution, and resource efficiency

Activity (3 min):

Discussion prompt: “Identify one unsustainable practice in your community and suggest a sustainable alternative.”

Lesson 3: Why Sustainability Matters (20 min)

Reading (10 min): “Global Sustainability Challenges” — overview of urban waste generation, air pollution, and water scarcity in different regions (Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas).

Video (5 min): “How Sustainability Impacts Daily Life Around the World.”

Quiz (5 min):

MODULE 2: Causes and Effects of Climate Change

Total Duration: ~40 minutes

Lesson 1: Understanding Greenhouse Gases (15 min)

Video (4 min): “How the Greenhouse Effect Works.”

Reading (8 min): The science of greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, F-gases) and their human sources.

Quiz (3 min):

Lesson 2: Global and Regional Impacts of Climate Change (15 min)

Reading (6 min): “Climate Change Impacts Worldwide” — overview of sea-level rise, droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather in various continents.

Case Study (6 min): Regional examples — drought in East Africa, wildfires in Australia, flooding in Europe, hurricanes in the Americas.

Quiz (3 min):

Lesson 3: Human Activity and Climate Change (10 min)

Interactive Map (5 min): Explore global emissions by country and sector (energy, transport, agriculture, waste).

Reading (3 min): “How Everyday Choices Affect the Planet.”

Activity (2 min):

Reflection: “What is one daily habit you could change to lower your environmental footprint?”

MODULE 3: Global and Local Climate Actions

Total Duration: ~40 minutes

Lesson 1: Global Climate Action Framework (15 min)

Video (4 min): “The Paris Agreement Explained.”

Reading (8 min): Overview of international frameworks — Paris Agreement, COP summits, and UN SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Quiz (3 min):

Lesson 2: Climate Policies and Renewable Energy Around the World (15 min)

Reading (7 min): Overview of different nations’ renewable energy policies and carbon-neutral commitments (EU, China, US, Africa, Latin America).

Video (5 min): “The Global Energy Transition — From Fossil Fuels to Renewables.”

Quiz (3 min):

Lesson 3: The Role of Individuals, NGOs, and Local Communities (10 min)

Reading (5 min): Examples of how grassroots organizations and local governments drive climate action (e.g., clean energy cooperatives, urban gardens, youth movements).

Activity (5 min):

Discussion: “Identify a climate action initiative in your region and explain how it contributes to sustainability.”

MODULE 4: Portfolio Project

Total Duration: ~25 minutes

Lesson 1: Sustainability in Action – Portfolio Project

Assignment Title: Propose a Community-Based Sustainability Initiative in Your Area

Instructions:

Write a 300-word proposal for a sustainability or climate action project relevant to your community or region.
Your proposal should:

Identify an environmental or social sustainability issue (e.g., waste, flooding, energy).

Describe a community-based or organizational solution.

Include key stakeholders and partners.

Define success indicators (e.g., less waste, reduced emissions, awareness campaigns).

Submission Options:

Upload a written file (PDF or text)

Record a short video pitch (max 2 minutes)

Optional: Publish to your GitHub, or LinkedIn

Completion & Certification

Complete all lessons, quizzes, and the final portfolio project.

Minimum passing score: 70%.

Issued Certificate of Completion (Tier 1 – Free Foundation).

100% self-paced — accessible on mobile and desktop.