Northern perspectives on sustainability

Welcome to the online course Northern Perspectives on Sustainability!

Scientists’ message concerning the state of the planet has become ever more alarming. Global problems, such as climate change or disappearance of species, are difficult to solve locally. Considerable changes are taking place, and especially in the northern regions, things proceed at an unprecedented rate.

Besides enabling us to grasp the state of the Earth, science also has capacity to engender change. Through science, it is possible to examine intricate problems related to sustainability from various perspectives.

Nature, particularly the forest, on this course functions as an environment enabling you to acquaint yourself with academic and artistic viewpoints advocated by ULapland to promote sustainable development. Although the content focuses on social scientific environmental research and environmental art, you get a chance to listen to experts from all four faculties of the university, the Arctic Centre, and the Multidimensional Tourism Institute.

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For whom is the course intended?

The course is intended particularly for university students. It can also be utilised, for example, in upper secondary school studies as supplementary material in biology, geography, or fine art.

On the course, we will explain the special characteristics of ULapland’s  environmental research and art focusing on northern regions. We describe theoretical and artrtistic principles related to the focal areas of environmental research. You will learn to apply your new knowledge to addressing topical sustainability issues, especially those concerning norhern regions, and to weigh issues related to sustainability and sustainable development based on scientific knowledge. Having completed the course, you will understand how sustainable development is connected to your own field of science or art and your duties especially from the northern perspective.

How to complete the course?

You may complete the course online according to your own timetable. The 2-ECTS course consists of five modules with the following themes: sustainability transition competence, the multispecies world, urban nature, sustainability legislation, and nature culture, forests and art.

When you have completed the course, you can print a certificate for yourself.

Students of ULapland can contact their faculty coordinator after the course: Education/Ilkka Ratinen, social sciences/Outi Rantala, art and design/Maria Huhmarniemi and Law/Tomi Tuominen.