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Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries

Approx. 29 hours to complete

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Course Summary

In this course, you will learn about the ecological and energetical transitions happening in southern countries, with a focus on Latin America and Africa. You will explore the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in these regions.

Key Learning Points

Understand the ecological and energetical transitions happening in southern countries
Learn about the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Latin America and Africa
Explore case studies and examples of successful sustainable development projects

Learning Outcomes

Understand the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in southern countries
Evaluate case studies and examples of successful sustainable development projects
Gain knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development efforts

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of environmental issues
Interest in sustainable development

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Notable People in This Field

Climate Activist
Climate Activist

Related Books

Description

The Agence Française de Développement and the Ecole normale supérieure are launching the third edition of the MOOC “Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries".

This edition will be launched simultaneously in 3 languages: · In english : Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries · In french : Transitions énergétique et écologique dans les pays du Sud https://www.coursera.org/learn/transitions-energetiques-pays-du-sud/ · In spanish : Transiciones energéticas y ecológicas en los países del Sur https://www.coursera.org/learn/transiciones-energeticas-y-ecologicas-en-los-paises-del-sur This MOOC is at the junction between the development of Southern countries and sustainable development. It has: 1) a macroeconomic and financial dimension, developed by Gael Giraud and Alain Grandjean; 2) an ecological and climatic dimension, developed by David Claessen and ENS speakers; and 3) a focus on Southern countries, developed by AFD speakers. Here are the learning goals for the entire training program: Goal 1: Be able to understand the relationship between the energy transition, the ecological transition, the role of energy in our economy, our economic development model, and financing issues. Goal 2: Know how to advocate for and lobby on issues and on the need to change reality in order to implement strategies and action plans. Goal 3: Be able to make a link between the Energy transition and financing solutions, and between comprehension and action. No one questions the imperative need to ensure development based on personal well-being and a fair distribution of wealth. The Challenges of a Transition for All Until now the development of Northern countries has been based on an increasing exploitation of energy resources and a greater freedom of trade and exchange at the global scale. We now know that such a model is no longer sustainable, due to global warming and to the overexploitation of resources, which lead to health, social, and environmental disasters. The Role of Developing Countries With that in mind, how can we ensure fair and equitable growth for all? What role do countries from the different regions in the South have to play in this complete upheaval of the current economic, trade, and political models in order to achieve an effective energy and ecological transition? A MOOC to Respond to these Questions This free online training offers complementary perspectives from several specialists of issues related to climate change and the development of Southern countries. They will share their very practical understanding of the current crises and the answers that can be provided. Participants will learn from studies by: • Researchers from the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris • Field experts from the Agence Française de Développement, a funding agency that has been committed to helping developing countries for 75 years, • Carbone 4 founder Alain Grandjean, who will share his experience, in particular on the economic and financial aspects. Here is the program: 1. Our development model is ecologically unsustainable 2. The dominant economic models hinder the energy and ecological transition 3. The energy transition path: decarbonizing GDP 4. The model of an ecological transition to new prosperity 5. Governance of the energy and ecological transition 6. Financing the energy and ecological transition

Outline

Welcome!
Teaser
Presentation of the Training
Presentation of the Forums

Our development model is ecologically unsustainable
Our way of development remains unequal - Gaël GIRAUD
The raid on natural resources is accelerating - David Claessen
Climate change is underway - Michael Ghil
The South is vulnerable to 'natural' disasters aggravated by climate change - Emeline Combi
Consumerism is a culture of waste and garbage - Marie-Dominique Loÿe et Claude Kergomard
Natural resources are common goods to be managed for the benefit of all - David Claessen
OVERVIEW week 1
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Statistical and Cartographic Report on Waste in the World
Additional resources
Case Study Week 1: The State of Natural Resources
Our way of development remains unequal
The raid on natural resources is accelerating
Climate change is underway
The South is vulnerable to 'natural' disasters aggravated by climate change
Consumerism is a culture of waste and garbage
Natural resources are common goods to be managed for the benefit of all
quiz week 1

The dominant economic models hinder the energy and ecological transition
Measuring economic activity by GDP and prices is incomplete and misleading - Alain Grandjean
As markets are not efficient, cooperation must coexist with competition - Gaël Giraud
The Washington consensus has not promoted sustainable development -Gaël Giraud
The financialisation of the economy is causing instability and capital flight in the countries of the Global South - Gaël Giraud
Expectations of high returns on private financial investments hinder the transitions - Alain Grandjean
Oil, an example of a raw material whose price volatily has major consequences for southern countries - Gaël Giraud
OVERVIEW Week 2
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Further Reading on the GEMMES Model
W2 / Debate-forum activity: Describe the energy situation in your country
Measuring economic activity by GDP and prices is incomplete and misleading
As markets are not efficient, cooperation must coexist with competition
The Washington consensus has not promoted sustainable development
The financialisation of the economy is causing instability and capital flight in the countries of the Global South
Expectations of high returns on private financial investments hinder the transitions
Oil, an example of a raw material whose price volatily has major consequences for southern countries
Quiz week 2

The energy transition path: decarbonizing GDP
The challenges of carbon accounting: What is a climate-compatible project? - Alain Grandjean
How to reduce emissions in the context of GDP and population growth in the South - Gaël Giraud
Energy intensity of GDP and carbon intensity in the countries of the Global South - Slim Dali
The trajectory of New Climate Economy towards 2°C - Alain Grandjean
Sustainable and accessible energy for all in developing and emerging countries - Christian de Gromard
OVERVIEW Week 3
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
W3/ Debate-forum activity: Identify the barriers to the ecological transition in your country
The challenges of carbon accounting: What is a climate-compatible project?
How to reduce emissions in the context of GDP and population growth in the South
Energy intensity of GDP and carbon intensity in the countries of the Global South
The trajectory of New Climate Economy towards 2°C
Sustainable and accessible energy for all in developing and emerging countries
Quiz week 3

The model of an ecological transition to new prosperity
Towards new development indicators: Sustainable Development Goals - Gaël Giraud
The circular economy: achieving a new-found efficiency by breaking ties with the linear logic of extracting resources - Armand Rioust de Largentaye
Changing agriculture to better feed and clothe a growing population - Jean-Luc François
Making respect for the biosphere and biodiversity a priority - Christophe Du Castel
The ecological approach helps to reduce inequalities and poverty traps - Anda David
OVERVIEW Week 4
Additional resources
Additional resources
Resources and additional texts : The Circular Economy: Breaking with the Linear Logic of Extraction and Fostering Sobriety
Additional resources
Additional resources
Towards new development indicators: Sustainable Development Goals
The circular economy: achieving a new-found efficiency by breaking ties with the linear logic of extracting resources
Changing agriculture to better feed and clothe a growing population
Making respect for the biosphere and biodiversity a priority
The ecological approach helps to reduce inequalities and poverty traps
Quiz week 4

Governance of the energy and ecological transition
The central role of public policies in the transition - Alain Grandjean
Cities play a key role in the transition in southern countries - Clément Larrue
The role of international institutions in international emissions regulations - Alain Grandjean
The contribution of multilateral development banks to the governance of transition: the specific role of the French Agency for Development - Gaël Giraud
The role of Development Banks in countries of the Global South - Alexis Bonnel
OVERVIEW Week 5
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
The central role of public policies in the transition
Cities play a key role in the transition in southern countries
The role of international institutions in international emissions regulations
The contribution of multilateral development banks to the governance of transition: the specific role of the French Agency for Development
The role of Development Banks in countries of the Global South
quiz week 5

Financing the energy and ecological transition
The carbon price signal: an essential part of the energy transition - Alain Grandjean
Reducing fossil fuel subsidies - Gaël Giraud
The shift of monetary policy and loans towards green assets - Alain Grandjean
How to finance adaptation? - Alexis Bonnel
The role of multilateral and bilateral development banks in catalysing North South flows - Alain Grandjean
The narrative: a green development trajectory for the countries of the Global South - Gaël Giraud
OVERVIEW Week 6
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
Additional resources
The carbon price signal: an essential part of the energy transition
Reducing fossil fuel subsidies
The shift of monetary policy and loans towards green assets
How to finance adaptation ?
The role of multilateral and bilateral development banks in catalysing North South flows
The narrative: a green development trajectory for the countries of the Global South
quiz week 6

Summary of User Reviews

Ecological and Energetical Transitions in Southern Countries is a highly rated course on Coursera that explores the challenges of sustainable development in the global South. Many users praised the course for its engaging content and expert instructors.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Expert instructors

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and informative content
Instructors with deep knowledge and experience
Flexible pacing and scheduling
Excellent resources and readings
Great opportunity for professional development

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical glitches with the online platform
Limited interaction with instructors and other students
Heavy workload for a short course
Not suitable for beginners in the field
Could benefit from more interactive elements

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