Global sustainability challenges

This unit, together with MSI5120, sets the context for considering the interactions and interdependence between nature and society, and the basic principles of sustainability (environmental, social and economic). It provides the scientific basis for understanding contemporary global environmental change for major issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, waste and pollution, and more. It also introduces basic principles of major responses such as the circular economy and Net Zero strategies.

Core concepts covered in the unit include those of scale, systems and complexity. You will develop the ability to confidently describe major sustainability challenges and responses, validate the robustness of scientific understanding of these, and develop strategies to deepen and maintain your understanding of selected issues on an ongoing basis in their career.