Environment and Climate Research Hub

MOOC Environmental Emergencies

An interdisciplinary online course (MOOC) coordinated by the Environment and Climate Research Hub of the University of Vienna.

Overview | Course Structure | Register now | FAQs | Unit Previews

Understand the Crisis – Be Part of the Solution

We are living in times of unprecedented environmental change. Climate disruption, species extinction, and pollution are no longer distant threats – they are present realities. But with knowledge comes the power to act. 

This free course invites you to explore the environmental challenges shaping our world – and to discover your role in creating meaningful solutions. Through engaging video lessons and expert insights from across disciplines, you'll gain a broad, critical, and hopeful perspective on our shared planetary future. 

One-of-a-Kind

This MOOC is unique, taking a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the three biggest environmental crises facing our planet: climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, and pollution. It covers subjects ranging from cultural studies and political science to aerosol physics. It is taught in English with German subtitles and is open to students of all disciplines and fields of study, as well as all interested citizens. It covers the fundamentals of the major environmental and climate issues of our time. 

Course Structure

The MOOC consists of 1 introduction module and 4 thematic units:

  1. Climate Change
  2. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
  3. Environmental Pollution
  4. Integrating Perspectives (includes a final summary & outlook)

Each unit contains short video lessons and complementary materials. Units are self-contained – explore them based on your interests or dive into all for the full experience.

wooded mountain with clouds and fog
Join us and explore the environmental challenges shaping our future – and discover how we can shape them in return. (Course launch: 1 October 2025)

The Future Is In Our Hands!

Register now

FAQs for the MOOC

  • Students from all fields
  • Teachers, multipliers, and professionals
  • Curious minds concerned about our planet's future  

No prior knowledge required – just your interest in understanding global change from a planetary perspective.

  • A multidisciplinary introduction to climate, ecosystems, and pollution
  • Insights from leading scientists at the University of Vienna (all ECH members)
  • Cross-cutting perspectives across Natural sciences, Social sciences and Humanities
  • Tools to think critically and act responsibly in a rapidly changing world

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the key drivers of environmental emergencies
  • See connections between global problems and local realities
  • Navigate complexity and contribute to sustainable change

Unit 1: Climate Change

  • Course Introduction
  • The Anthropocene: Climate, Nature and Human Responsibilities
  • A Shared History: Environmental Activism and the Sciences
  • Understanding Climate Change: The Role of Atmospheric Trace Gases and Aerosols
  • The Carbon Cycle and the Global Climate System
  • Earth System Science: Tipping Points and Feedback Loops
  • Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change
  • Climate as a Social Phenomenon: Perceiving and Addressing Environmental Change
  • Climate Anxiety and Coping

Unit 2: Biodiversity Loss

  • Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Challenges in the Anthropocene
  • Terrestrial Biodiversity Loss: Drivers and Implications
  • Plant Biodiversity and Anthropogenic Impact
  • Ocean Warming and Threats to Marine Biodiversity
  • Planetary Boundaries Being Crossed: Interlinks and Differences Between Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycles
  • Environmental Politics and Agreement-Making in Ocean Protection
  • Agriculture as Major Pressure on Planet Earth: Feeding 10 Billion People

 Unit 3: Environmental Pollution

  • The Social Life of Waste
  • Plastic Planet: How Pollution Impacts Our Lives and Environments
  • Forever Chemicals: From Silent Spring to Global PFAS Pollution
  • Curse and Necessity: Metals in the Environment
  • The Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis
  • The Exposome and Its Impact on Human Health
  • The Potential of Private Law in the Context of Environmental and Climate Emergencies
  • The Dust We Breathe: Culture, Health and the Planet in Crisis

 Unit 4: Integrating Perspectives

  • Cities in the Light of Crises: Opportunities to Adapt and Transform
  • Governing the Socio-Ecological Transformation
  • Behaviour Change: From the Individual to the System
  • Environmental Justice: Imperial and Solidary Modes of Living
  • Environmental Action: Evidence and Participation
  • The Politics of Net-Zero in Sustainability Transformation
  • Course Summary & Outlook

  • 5 units total
  • English with German Subtitles
  • Flexible, self-paced learning
  • Each video: ~10 minutes
  • Estimated total effort: ~6 - 8 hours

 

Unit Previews

Explore all units