Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Disasters and Ecosystems: Resilience in a Changing Climate

Disasters are increasing worldwide. Population growth, environmental degradation and climate change will likely exacerbate disaster impacts in many regions of the world. What role do ecosystems play in reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change? This is the topic of an exciting new Massive Open Online Course that will go live in January 2015. It was developed jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Center for Natural Resources and Development (CNRD) and the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (CUAS), Germany. This is UNEP’s first MOOC, developed through its engagement with universities worldwide including the Global Universities Partnership on Environment for Sustainability (GUPES).

The MOOC covers a broad range of topics from disaster management, climate change, ecosystem management and community resilience. How these issues are linked and how well-managed ecosystems enhance resilience to natural disasters and climate change impacts are the core theme of the course.

The MOOC is designed at two levels: the leadership track, with the first 6 units providing general introduction to the fundamental concepts, which is suitable for people from all backgrounds who wish to have a basic undertaking of the topic. The second level, or expert track comprises 15 units with more in depth learning on the various tools of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The course is delivered by both scientists and practitioners. In addition there are guest lectures from global leaders and experts, such as Achim Steiner, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Julia Marton-Lefèvre, former Director General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Rajendra Pachauri of Teri University and affiliated with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and Margareta Wahlström of the UN International Strategy on Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge through quizzes, real life and fictitious problem-solving exercises, additional reading materials, videos and a discussion forum. An Expert-of-the-Week will be available to respond to questions and interact with students. Students will receive weekly newsletters with up-to-date news on ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and adaptation.

The course is invaluable for universities around the world, where faculty members can use it to update their curriculum and use the lectures and teaching materials for blended learning for their own courses. At the same time, the MOOC format also allows those currently outside the university system to learn about the new developments in the area of disasters and climate change, without having to enroll in a university or pay for an online course. Those who successfully complete the course will be provided with a course certificate.

For pre-enrollment, course schedules and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, visit: www.themooc.net