BENS7002 Towards Sustainable Development Goals: the Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (JSS31) (3 cr)

Content

The course gives an overview of the field of environmental studies; particularly how to reach sustainable development goals and global challenges, covering the central themes of Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Food (SDG 2) and Energy (SDG7). These areas (SDG goals) are highly intervened with each other or with the 14 other SDGs, both North but particularly in the South. During the course, the alternative pathways and the challenges are going to be introduced by giving an opportunity to familiarize the student with practical examples and innovative solutions of the circular economy. Accordingly, a knowledge of outrage factors affects the success of sustainability strategies, especially among an uninformed public.

The following areas will be covered during the course:

• Towards sustainability in the area of safe and sustainable water supply and sanitation, circulation of the water, organic matter and nutrients to the agriculture and energy production without compromising health and environmental carrying capacity.
• Water, sanitation, food, and energy all have associated risks (especially health risks).
• Outrage and risk attitudes affect the choices we make, especially when risks are involved.

• Apply the skill learned in the analysis of social, environmental, and economic aspects of water, food and energy Nexus.
• Apply the skills learned to be the agents of change at the personal level and in the society to achieve long-term sustainability in the water, sanitation, food and energy Nexus.
• Collaborate with students and other course participants with varied experiences and perceptions and from different socio–economic, geopolitical and climatic zones through assignments and group works.

Moodle learning environment is used to provide learning materials (lectures and reading materials), discussion, group works, quizzes, assignments and platform for informal collaboration.

At least a B.Sc student in Environmental or Natural Sciences, Environmental or Civil Engineering, Educational, Health or Social Sciences.

Course material will be produced in the 31st Jyväskylä Summer-School (modules 1-10). This follows the pattern of successful combination of simultaneous contact workshop/ seminar and the creation of material for virtual courses.

The course will deepen collaboration between universities in Finland and in other countries. So far, the main international partner has been California State University, Northridge, CSUN and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, JKUAT, but other cooperating universities are welcome within Erasmus+ programs. Digital material will be produced during the contact week in the Jyväskylä Summer School. A new version of web-based course “Nexus” offers a possibility to a wider audience to learn skills better to understand the importance of society’s infrastructure that provides basic human Sustainable Development Targets, this time particularly the needs of water, food, energy, heath, and safety.