Climate change is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. All environmental problems are intricately interconnected with the social conditions and with the economic activities of society. None of the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved in isolation. Properly addressing climate change (goal 13), for example, requires progress in eliminating poverty and hunger (goals 1 and 2), achieving better education and gender equality (goals 4 and 5), progress with clean and affordable energy (goal 7), with responsible production and consumption (goal 12), and making great strides toward peace, justice, and strong institutions (goal 16).
The UN Sustainable Development Goals will be one of the topics discussed in the up-coming 7-week online course by the Wilmette Institute on Sustainable Development and the Prosperity of Humankind.
In this course, we will learn to perceive the word prosperity from a new perspective, meaning the condition where the basic needs of all the people of the world are being met and where everyone has the opportunity to develop their full potential and is empowered to contribute to the well-being of humankind. After looking at the origins and definition of sustainable development, we will study the economic, social, and environmental issues that humanity faces in achieving sustainability and discuss the spiritual principles that can help us find solutions. We will look at the importance of education reinforced with spiritual values for helping each of us detach ourselves from Western materialistic civilization; reexamine our present lifestyles; and begin to live more sustainably in accordance with spiritual teachings. The course materials were designed from a Baha’i perspective, but they are interfaith in spirit; people from all faiths will enjoy the spiritual approach to this vital topic. The course will run from 1 September to 19 October. Scholarships are available for those who need them.
FACULTY: Arthur Lyon Dahl, Christine Muller, and Laurent Mesbah
For more information and to register, click here.