Environmental Science & Sustainability

Description

Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Science

• What is Environmental Science?

• Interdisciplinary nature: biology, chemistry, earth science, social science

• Components of the environment: atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere

• Environmental ethics and worldviews

🔹 Module 2: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Structure and function of ecosystems

• Energy flow: food chains, webs, pyramids

• Biogeochemical cycles: water, carbon, nitrogen

• Importance of biodiversity

• Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching, invasive species

🔹 Module 3: Natural Resources and Conservation

• Types of resources: renewable vs. non-renewable

• Forest, water, mineral, and soil resources

• Resource overconsumption and sustainability

• Conservation strategies: afforestation, watershed management, soil conservation

🔹 Module 4: Environmental Pollution

• Types: air, water, soil, noise, thermal, light

• Causes and effects of pollution

• Major pollutants and their health impacts

• Control measures and technologies (filters, wastewater treatment, green tech)

• Environmental laws and regulations

🔹 Module 5: Climate Change and Global Warming

• Causes of climate change: greenhouse gases, deforestation

• Evidence and impacts of global warming

• Climate models and projections

• International climate agreements: Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol

• Role of individuals and businesses in climate action

🔹 Module 6: Sustainability and Sustainable Development

• Definition and principles of sustainability

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Circular economy and zero-waste living

• Sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure

• Sustainable agriculture and permaculture

🔹 Module 7: Energy and Environment

• Conventional energy: fossil fuels, nuclear

• Renewable energy: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy

• Energy efficiency and conservation

• Environmental impacts of energy production

• Energy policy and global energy transition

🔹 Module 8: Water and Waste Management

• Water cycle and freshwater scarcity

• Water pollution and treatment

• Municipal solid waste and e-waste

• Recycling, composting, and incineration

• Plastic pollution and biodegradable alternatives

🔹 Module 9: Environmental Policy and Governance

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Major global and national environmental policies (EPA, UNEP, MoEFCC)

• Role of NGOs and civil society

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)

🔹 Module 10: Human Population and Environmental Health

• Population growth and resource pressure

• Urbanization and environmental challenges

• Environmental diseases and pandemics

• Health impacts of pollution and climate change

• Environmental justice and equity

🔹 Module 11: Green Innovation and Technology

• Green buildings and smart cities

• Sustainable transportation

• Environmental monitoring with IoT, GIS, and remote sensing

• Role of AI and data science in environmental research

🎓 Capstone Project / Practical Work

• Local environmental audit (e.g., school, campus, community)

• Design a sustainability plan for a real-world problem

• Case studies: climate action plans, green startups, policy analysis

• Final presentation/report with impact evaluation

🏅 Optional Certifications / Add-ons

• UN SDG Academy Courses

• Coursera/edX Environment & Sustainability Microdegrees

• Carbon Literacy Certification

• Environmental Management System (EMS) basics (ISO 14001)

🎯 Ideal For:

• High school/college students

• Environmental science or geography learners

• Sustainability consultants, educators, NGOs

• Business and urban planning professionals