Introduction to Sustainability

Introduction to Sustainability from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offered through Coursera, provides a comprehensive foundation in sustainability science and practice. Taught by Dr. Jonathan Tomkin, this self-paced course explores the key principles of environmental sustainability, examining the complex interactions between human society and natural systems. The 8-module curriculum covers population dynamics, ecosystems and biodiversity, water resources, energy systems, climate change, agriculture and food systems, environmental economics, and sustainability policies. Part of the Illinois Sustainability Certificate program, this course is ideal for beginners seeking to understand the scientific basis of environmental challenges and solutions. Available in 20+ languages with subtitles, the course features video lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussion forums. Free to audit with optional paid certificate available for credential verification and LinkedIn sharing.