Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/transiao-energtica-e-ecologica-em-paises-do-sul
The Coursera course, “Transição energética e ecológica em países do sul” (Energy and Ecological Transition in Southern Countries), offers a vital exploration at the intersection of development in the Global South and the pressing need for sustainable practices. This MOOC, drawing expertise from macroeconomics, finance, ecology, climate science, and development agencies like AFD, provides a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
**Course Breakdown and Key Takeaways:**
* **Week 1: The Ecological Unsustainability of Our Development Model:** This module sets a stark reality check, highlighting how current development models exacerbate inequalities and environmental degradation. It convincingly argues that energy and ecological transitions are the only viable paths to reconcile economic growth with social agendas in both the Global North and South.
* **Week 2: Dominant Economic Models Hinder Transition:** The course delves into the limitations of market fundamentalism, advocating for new indicators beyond GDP to measure well-being. It stresses the importance of accounting for social externalities and environmental costs. Crucially, it underscores that robust financial regulation is essential for Southern countries to secure the budget capacity needed for large-scale transition projects.
* **Week 3: The Trajectory of Energy Transition, Decarbonizing GDP!:** Carbon accounting is presented as a critical tool for aligning actions with climate goals. By internalizing externalities and enabling international comparisons, it fosters transparency and guides investments towards green assets. This week emphasizes how carbon accounting can facilitate country-specific diagnoses and climate accounting projects.
* **Week 4: The Model for an Ecological Transition to New Prosperity:** This module confronts the alarming reality of biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem resilience. It eloquently argues for the preservation of biodiversity, recognizing its indispensable role in providing natural resources and cultural well-being.
* **Week 5: Governance of Energy and Ecological Transition:** The pivotal role of cities in the transition is highlighted, given their significant energy consumption and their concentration of future global populations. The course advocates for a cross-cutting approach, articulating the roles of states, cities, and development banks to ensure sustainable and low-emission urbanization.
* **Week 6: Financing the Energy and Ecological Transition:** This final module powerfully illustrates the economic imperative of investing in transition. Citing the Stern Report, it argues that financing these transitions (estimated at 1% of global GDP) is far more cost-effective than the crippling costs of inaction (over 20% of global GDP to address climate change).
**Recommendation:**
“Transição energética e ecológica em países do sul” is an exceptionally well-structured and informative course. Its multidisciplinary approach, featuring insights from leading economists, environmental scientists, and development experts, makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable development, climate action, and the specific challenges faced by countries in the Global South. The content is presented accessibly, making complex economic and ecological concepts understandable. Whether you are a student, policymaker, researcher, or simply a concerned global citizen, this course offers a clear roadmap and compelling arguments for driving meaningful change. Highly recommended for its depth, relevance, and actionable insights.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/transiao-energtica-e-ecologica-em-paises-do-sul