This topic explains the core concepts of sustainable development and ESG. You will explore the definition of sustainability, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the three ESG pillars—environmental, social and governance. It also introduces global agreements and bodies such as the IPCC, UNFCCC, COP, and the Paris Accord. Key strategies like circular, green, and blue economies, sustainable finance, nature-based solutions and green jobs are presented. The topic concludes with reporting frameworks and the challenge of greenwashing.

This topic focuses on the language of climate change and its impacts. It covers global warming, the climate crisis and climate emergency, before examining issues like climate finance, climate overshoot, and climate security. You will understand the difference between mitigation and adaptation, why the 1.5°C target matters compared to 2°C, and the importance of a just transition that balances environmental goals with social equity.

This topic introduces key terms related to greenhouse gases and carbon management. You will explore concepts such as carbon footprint, carbon neutrality and net zero. It also explains carbon dioxide removal, the difference between removal and carbon capture & storage, the role of carbon markets and sinks and the broader process of decarbonisation.