Desertification: Problems and Solutions (FutureLearn)

Desertification: Problems and Solutions (FutureLearn)

What happens when fertile earth degrades? Discover the complex problem of desertification and consider potential solutions. Get an introduction to desertification and other related environmental issues. Desertification is when previously healthy or fertile land degrades and becomes desert. But how does this happen? And why is it a major issue for our world?

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Get answers with this course introducing desertification and related issues including soil depletion, dust bowls, dust storms and global warming.
Not only will you understand the process of desertification, you will also use critical thinking and creative problem-solving to address the causes and consequences of desertification, applying the 6-step ‘FPS model’.

What topics will you cover?

  • Research global issues surrounding desertification, including global warming, soil depletion, dust bowls, and environmental degradation
  • Use the 6-step Future Problem Solving model to identify challenges, generate and evaluate solutions, and develop an action plan for reversing desertification
  • Use the 4 Cs of learning and innovation to brainstorm potential solutions related to desertification: creativity, critical thinking/problem-solving, communication, collaboration

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify causes and consequences of desertification around the globe
  • Apply the 6-step Future Problem Solving (FPS) model to identify challenges, generate and evaluate solutions, and develop an action plan
  • Demonstrate the 4 Cs of learning and innovation--creativity, critical thinking/problem solving, communication, and collaboration--to generate potential solutions to desertification
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