Environmental sustainability

Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates — All 10,000+ Courses at 40% Off

One annual plan covers every course and certificate on Coursera. 40% off for a limited time.

This course explores how sport is connected to the major environmental challenges of the twenty first century, particularly climate change and pressure on natural resources. Through environmental perspectives and examples from the sports ecosystem, learners will analyze how sporting activities, infrastructure, and major events generate environmental impacts and how the sector can evolve toward more sustainable models. From understanding the carbon footprint of sport to exploring the role of the circular economy, the course connects global environmental challenges with the realities of sports organizations. Throughout the lessons, you will discover how climate change affects sport practice, how to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of sport, and how to protect the natural environments where many sports activities take place. You will also learn how to design and implement environmental strategies within sports organizations, from diagnosis and planning to monitoring and continuous improvement. By the end of the course, you will understand how to integrate environmental sustainability into sports management and contribute to a more responsible future for sport and the planet.

Syllabus

Sport and climate change

Understand the critical relationship between sport and climate change, from immediate impacts on daily practice to long-term disruptions of major events. This module covers climate science fundamentals, sectoral pathways to net zero, and provides frameworks for measuring and reducing sport's carbon footprint through evidence-based strategies.

Sport and the circular economy

Explore circular economy principles as solutions to resource depletion and pollution challenges in sport. This module examines the transition from linear to circular models, covering eco-design strategies, lifecycle extension techniques, and practical approaches to measuring and reducing the material footprint of sports practices and events.

Sport and the natural environment

Investigate the complex interactions between sports activities and natural environments, from infrastructure development to outdoor sports practices. This module addresses ecological impacts, environmental integration strategies, regulatory frameworks, and explores how sports organizations can become powerful advocates for biodiversity conservation through education and strategic partnerships.

Environmental management in a sports organization

Develop practical skills in environmental management for sports organizations through systematic diagnosis, strategy development, and performance monitoring. This module provides tools for environmental impact assessment, governance structures for sustainability implementation, and comprehensive approaches to reporting and continuous improvement that build organizational credibility and momentum.