Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/economia-circular
In today’s world, facing the dual challenges of climate emergency and resource scarcity, it’s imperative to fundamentally rethink our economic models. For too long, economic development has been synonymous with continuous growth, often at the expense of natural resources and with little regard for the environmental consequences. This is where the concept of the Circular Economy (CE) emerges as a critical solution.
Coursera’s offering, ‘La Economía Circular: ¿un mito o una posibilidad?’ (The Circular Economy: A Myth or a Possibility?), provides a comprehensive and accessible entry point into this vital subject. The course aims to equip learners with the knowledge and tools to understand and implement circular economy principles across various systems.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an introduction to the core concepts of the circular economy and its historical roots. It emphasizes that while the term might seem recent, the underlying ideas have been explored for decades by researchers focused on sustainability. This module lays a solid foundation, explaining what CE truly means and the diverse fields that contribute to its definition.
The second module delves into the ‘necessity of advancing towards more circular systems.’ It highlights the compelling data driving the push for circularity, particularly in Europe, and connects it to global commitments like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. This section effectively contextualizes the urgency and global relevance of the circular economy.
Moving into practical application, the course then explores ‘identifying improvements through systems analysis.’ Here, learners are introduced to fundamental principles like the conservation of matter and the laws of thermodynamics, crucial for quantitatively analyzing CE strategies. The power of these concepts in reducing waste, emissions, and optimizing resource use is clearly articulated.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to ‘product analysis,’ specifically focusing on ‘ecodesign’ and ‘life cycle assessment (LCA).’ The ecodesign module showcases real-world examples of how products, systems, and even cities can be designed for environmental improvement from the outset. The LCA module demystifies concepts like carbon footprints, explaining how this powerful tool evaluates the environmental impact of products and processes, and how it supports strategies like reuse, repair, and recycling.
Overall, ‘La Economía Circular: ¿un mito o una posibilidad?’ is an excellent course for anyone interested in building a more sustainable future. It successfully bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application, offering valuable insights for consumers, manufacturers, technologists, and policymakers alike. The blend of video lectures, readings, and quizzes makes for an engaging and effective learning experience. I highly recommend this course for its clarity, depth, and relevance in addressing the critical environmental and economic challenges of our time.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/economia-circular