Global Arctic (Coursera)

Global Arctic (Coursera)

The GlobalArctic MOOC introduces you the dynamics between global changes and changes in the Arctic. This course aims to highlight the effects of climate change in the Polar region. In turn, it will underline the impacts of a warmer Arctic on the planet Earth. For human civilization, the Arctic stands both as a laboratory and a warning for human kind.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Besides, this course gives course followers an understanding of the key challenges and pathways to sustainable development in the Arctic region.
This course is unique as it gathers several world’s experts for the first time to speak about the Arctic. Their respective inputs from different academic perspectives and disciplines offer a relevant and complete assessment of the Arctic region and its connection to the rest of the planet. At the end of the day, the course intends to offer in full scope the keys to understanding as the Arctic plays as a mirror of the human and geological dynamics.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to the MOOC
Earth system dynamics
This first week aims to overlook the different effects of the climate change in the Arctic. And vice-versa, we will introduce and evaluate the effects of a warmer Arctic on the rest of the planet. Besides, lectures will raise consequences on the biodiversity and negative outcomes with pollutants in the Arctic region.

WEEK 2
Arctic resources and the quest for them
In this second week, lecturers will expose various types of Arctic resources. Indeed, this week will highlight different resources exploited (fisheries, mining and so on) and the rush for new ones including tourism and O&G.

WEEK 3
The evolving image and significance of the Arctic from early colonization to the ultimate industrial frontier
This third week will tackle historical perception of the Arctic in the frame of the Anthropocene era. From early colonization under the Viking rule until the Chinese Polar Silk Road project, lectures will guide you through this evolving and transforming image and significance to the world.

WEEK 4
Actors and governance in the Arctic
Lectures in this fourth week will introduce the different stakeholders shaping the Arctic governance. Overall, lecturers will highlight the interdependency between the Arctic and the global governance and how it interact each other.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Companies and climate change (Coursera) Coursera
ESSEC Business School

Companies and climate change (Coursera)

How can companies act in the fight against global warming? This is a question that is being asked more and more urgently to all economic actors. To shed some light on your thoughts, we have met with four companies of various sizes and sectors of activity that are very committed to the subject. They will share with you their progress in aligning themselves with the objectives of the Paris Accord.

Aug 31st 2026
4 Weeks
The Effect of Fires on People, Property and the Environment (Coursera) Coursera
University of Maryland, College Park

The Effect of Fires on People, Property and the Environment (Coursera)

Fires impact people, property and the environment in all countries around the world. In some cases, the resulting losses are extraordinary, causing hundreds of deaths, widespread damage to property and contents and significant impacts on the environment. More often, fires may cause a single casualty or affect a single home, though the effects are still highly significant to those affected and collectively are substantial. This course will provide an overview of the challenges posed by fire as well as the fire safety solutions that are available to meet those challenges.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Food and Our Environment (Coursera) Coursera
Stanford University

Introduction to Food and Our Environment (Coursera)

This course is designed to help learners around the world become more sustainable eaters. Together, we’ll explore key topics, like how food production impacts the environment and why meat production and protein consumption are often at the center of the debate around sustainability. We’ll introduce the pros and cons of different kinds of agriculture, fishing and food packaging, with a focus on how we can make more environmentally friendly decisions on a daily basis. We’ll also look ahead and explore some of the technology innovations that could become increasingly important as we look at the future of food for a growing global population.

Aug 31st 2026
4 Weeks
Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Edinburgh

Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28 (Coursera)

The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) is being held in Dubai, UAE from 30 November – 12 December 2023. It will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree and accelerate coordinated global action on climate change. This two-week course, which runs in parallel with the COP28 conference, offers you an opportunity to examine what COP28 is, why it’s important and reflect on how you can add your voice to the call for collective action for a sustainable future.

Sep 7th 2026
2 Weeks
Climate change and health (Coursera) Coursera
Imperial College London

Climate change and health (Coursera)

Climate change and health is the third and final instalment of the wider Global Health Challenges and Governance specialisation from Imperial College London's Global Master of Public Health (GMPH). The scope and content of this course has been developed from the ground up by a combined team of academics and practitioners in collaboration with experts from Imperial College’s Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment. Through short video lectures, readings and a wide range of interactive activities, learners will be immersed in the intersection of climate change and health.

Aug 31st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Energy and Environment (Coursera) Coursera
Dartmouth College

Energy and Environment (Coursera)

This course deals with both renewable and non-renewable energy. By applying scientific principles and considering real-world examples, you will examine: 1. Non-renewable fossil fuels with a focus on coal, petroleum and natural gas and the benefits and consequences of using each. 2. Renewable fuels such as wind and solar and identify that even renewable “green” energy sources have impacts as well as benefits. 3. Biodiversity and global change, which are the integrating units of environmental science.

Aug 31st 2026
4 Weeks
Environmental Management & Ethics (Coursera) Coursera
Technical University of Denmark - DTU

Environmental Management & Ethics (Coursera)

Decision-makers often turn to scientists and engineers to assist them to navigate through complex environmental, health and societal challenges pervaded by systemic uncertainty, ambiguity and ethical implications. This course prepares you to meet the requests and demands of current and future decision-makers and in this course, you will analyze ethical challenges associated with environmental dilemmas and apply different decision making tools relevant to environmental management and regulation.

Aug 31st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Indigenous Religions & Ecology (Coursera) Coursera
Yale University

Indigenous Religions & Ecology (Coursera)

At first glance the fields of religion and ecology may seem and unlikely pairing, but a deeper consideration reveals the two have a great deal to contribute to one another and are indeed inextricably linked. Religions recognize the unity and interdependence of humans with nature. Ecological sciences affirm this deep interconnection with the natural world. This partnership can inspire work for the wellbeing of the Earth community

Aug 31st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Working for a sustainable future: concepts and approaches (Coursera) Coursera
Lund University

Working for a sustainable future: concepts and approaches (Coursera)

In this course, participants are introduced to key notions and concepts evolving in sustainability science that are relevant to all, independent to one's work or field of interest. After having completed the course, participants will have a better understanding of the vocabulary used today and should demonstrate the ability to reflect critically to integrate different perspectives of environmental, social, and economic sustainability to their specific area of interest or research.

Sep 7th 2026
5-12 Weeks