The Age of Sustainable Development

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sustainable-development

Introduction

### Course Review: The Age of Sustainable Development **Course Overview** If you are looking for a comprehensive and insightful course on the multi-faceted topic of sustainable development, "The Age of Sustainable Development" on Coursera is an exceptional choice. Taught by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a renowned economist and expert on sustainable development, this course provides a deep dive into the challenges that the world faces today and explores pathways towards achieving economic growth that is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. **Syllabus Highlights** The course is structured into a series of engaging modules, each focusing on critical components essential to understanding sustainable development: 1. **What is Sustainable Development?** Professor Sachs sets the stage with an overview of the critical challenges we face globally, framing sustainable development as the answer to these challenges. 2. **Inequality Around the World** Here, students will learn about the roots and measurements of inequality, fostering an understanding of its complexities both between and within nations. 3. **A Short History of Economic Development** This module traces economic development from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, providing context for current trends in modern economic growth. 4. **The History of Inequality** Building on previous discussions, this section examines the factors contributing to disparities among nations and communities. 5. **The MDGs and the End of Extreme Poverty** Professor Sachs discusses the Millennium Development Goals, presenting strategies and potential pathways to eradicate extreme poverty. 6. **Growth within Planetary Boundaries** Students explore critical planetary boundaries that must be respected to ensure sustainable growth and environmental protection. 7. **Human Rights and Gender Equality** This module delves into the ethical dimensions of inequality, focusing on how gender and human rights issues intersect with sustainable development. 8. **Education** Professor Sachs evaluates the current state of global education and emphasizes its vital role in achieving sustainable development. 9. **Universal Health Coverage** The course covers challenges to health equity and pathways to ensuring health care accessibility for all. 10. **Sustainable Food Supply and the End of Hunger** This section addresses the urgent global issue of food security and strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture. 11. **Sustainable Cities** Professor Sachs explores the concept of sustainable urban development, examining the patterns of urbanization and resilience. 12. **Curbing Climate Change** Students are introduced to climate science and understand the necessary negotiations and policies needed for mitigation. 13. **Saving Biodiversity** This segment reviews the threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, stressing the importance of conservation. 14. **The SDGs** The course concludes with a discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlining what is required to achieve these ambitious objectives. **Why You Should Enroll** "The Age of Sustainable Development" is more than just a course; it is an enlightening journey into the heart of one of the major issues of our time. Here are some key reasons to consider enrolling: 1. **Expert Instruction**: Professor Sachs is not only an academic but also a practitioner in the field, infusing the course with real-world relevance. 2. **Comprehensive Content**: The syllabus covers a wide array of topics, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of sustainable development. 3. **Flexibility**: As an online course, it allows you to learn at your own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals or students. 4. **Engaging Format**: The course features a mix of lectures, readings, and resources, keeping you engaged and motivated. 5. **Global Perspective**: Understand global issues from various angles, including economic, social, and environmental perspectives—crucial for anyone looking to make an impact in this field. **Final Thoughts** If you are passionate about making the world a better place and are keen to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable development, "The Age of Sustainable Development" is highly recommended. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply an interested learner, this course may be the catalyst you need to take impactful strides toward contributing to a sustainable future. Enrollment is just a click away, so join this enlightening course and be part of the solution to the pressing issues we face today!

Syllabus

Course Materials

Information about the general course structure and reading list can be found here.

Professor Sachs provides an overview of the challenges the world faces, and introduces the topic of sustainable development.

Professor Sachs delves into the reasons for and the measurements of inequality between and within countries.

Professor Sachs provides a history of economic development, starting with the Industrial Revolution and ending with the current state of modern economic growth.

Professor Sachs analyzes the intersecting roles of various factors that contribute to some countries advancing while others do not.

Professor Sachs outlines the pathways for achieving the end of extreme poverty.

Professor Sachs details the various planetary boundaries and their implications for growth dynamics.

Professor Sachs delves into the ethics of wealth, poverty and inequality as well as the forces that widen inequalities.

Professor Sachs provides an overview of the state of modern education, and what needs to be achieved for sustainable development.

Professor Sachs provides an overview of the challenges and pathways to achieving universal health coverage.

Professor Sachs provides an overview of food security, farm systems, and ecology and reviews what can be done to achieve a sustainable global food supply.

Professor Sachs looks into what makes a city sustainable, the patterns of urbanization, and pathways for urban resilience around the world.

Professor Sachs provides an introduction to the science behind climate change, and describes the negotiations and policies that are necessary to mitigate and prevent the consequences.

Professor Sachs reviews the various threats to the world's ecosystem and biodiversity.

Professor Sachs recounts the history of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and describes what is necessary to achieve them.