One of the biggest challenges facing our society today is that growth and prosperity come with a huge environmental cost. Is there an alternative way to thrive? The United Nations thinks so, and in 2015, they created “a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” The result led to 17 sustainable development goals “which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.” This course will explore 7 of these goals through the lens of a scientist. We will explore the science behind what we know and how we know it. Then we will explore how cutting-edge science being done today might offer solutions for the future.

How does “chemistry” fit in? Chemistry is the study of matter, which includes everything in our environment – both living and non-living. Today’s chemists are helping overcome sustainability challenges, including providing access to enough food and clean water, developing biodegradable plastics, as well as the capability to capture and store renewable energy. As a consequence, each section of this course will involve learning some fundamental chemical principles (e.g., how greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and warm the planet). 

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, every student will demonstrate a solid understanding of:

• The impact of humans on planet Earth: What are some examples of how the Earth's ecosystems are changing as a result of human behaviors?
• The need for each of the 7 UN’s sustainable development goals studied. Why are each of the 7 SDGs necessary and important?
• The role that science and scientists are playing in addressing these goals: How have scientists (and engineers) been contributing to a more sustainable future?