A new online course focuses on the most common myths about sustainable consumption. The course is free of charge and open to everyone worldwide.
The course is offered as a MOOC, Massive Open Online Course, making it open to all, regardless of background, location or previous education.
Developed at IIIEE, Lund University, as part of the Mistra Sustainable Consumption research program, it is designed for anyone who wants to understand why progress toward sustainable consumption has been slow, despite growing awareness and engagement.
Twelve most widespread myths
The course explores twelve of the most widespread myths about sustainable consumption. Each myth is explained in terms of its origins, why it persists and its consequences for society, health and the environment. Based on expert interviews and research materials, participants gain a deeper understanding of the factors that keep these myths alive.
Political factors can be obscured
Over five weeks, the course offers fourteen lessons including short video lectures, interviews, readings, quizzes and a final assignment. A central part of the course is highlighting the structures that shape our consumption patterns. Common assumptions, such as believing that more information is enough or that technology alone can solve problems, can obscure the political, economic and social factors that actually influence our choices. The course provides tools to identify these obstacles, understand how systems work and what is needed to achieve real change.
COURSE:
The course launches on November 25 via Coursera and is completely free. Read more and register with this link:
Dispelling myths about sustainable consumption – Coursera
CONTACT:
Oksana Mont
Professor in sustainable consumption governance, The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics at Lund University
oksana.mont@iiiee.lu.se