Are you passionate about climate action, environmental policy, and the future of sustainable energy? Do you want to understand how the European Union is navigating the transition to a low-carbon society?

GreenDeal-Net has launched a comprehensive, fully free online course titled “Understanding the European Green Deal – History, challenges, and opportunities.” This self-paced MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) offers an in-depth exploration of the EU’s absolute priority to tackle climate change, exploring everything from the initiative’s origins to its internal and external geopolitical impacts.

Important Details

• Provider: GreenDeal-Net (supported by the GOVTRAN network)
• Format: Online, Self-paced (MOOC)
• Duration: Approximately 23–28 hours to complete
• Cost: 100% Free
• Platform: Canvas
• Deadline: Open enrollment (Self-paced)

Benefits and Course Features

Taking this free online course offers significant value for students, policymakers, and climate advocates:

• Fully Flexible: The course is completely self-paced. Start whenever you want and progress at your own speed.
• Comprehensive Material: Covers fundamental questions regarding EU climate and energy policy across 8 detailed modules.
• Interactive Learning: Features engaging quizzes, reflection exercises, and a preliminary knowledge-check quiz.
• Modular Approach: While completing the full course is recommended, you have the freedom to select and follow only the modules that interest you most.

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Eligibility Criteria

This course is open to everyone globally. However, to get the most out of the curriculum, it is highly recommended that participants:

• Have prior knowledge of EU institutions and policymaking.
• Possess a solid understanding of climate and energy-related issues.
• Have a stable internet connection to access the Canvas learning platform.
• Be proficient in English, as the course materials and lectures are conducted in English.

Course Syllabus (Modules)

The curriculum is divided into eight well-structured modules:

1. Setting the scene: The Evolution of EU Climate and Energy Policy from 1990 to 2020.
2. Delving into the European Green Deal: A comprehensive overview of main objectives and instruments.
3. The European Green Deal in Practice: Case studies on sectoral climate legislation (transport and agriculture).
4. The future is now: The EU’s role in the transition to a low-carbon society.
5. Looking in: The internal dimension of EU climate governance amidst societal, natural, and geopolitical challenges.
6. Broadening the debate: Democratic innovations and science-based decision-making.
7. Adaptation to Climate Change: Potential, limits, and barriers to effective adaptation governance.
8. Looking out: The external dimension and geopolitical shifts affecting the EU’s leadership role.

How to Apply

Enrolling in the course is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. If you do not have a Canvas account:

• Go to the registration page.
• Sign up for a “Free Canvas Account.”
• Use the following join code to access the course: T7ACYL

1. If you already have a Canvas account:
   • Simply log in and enter the join code T7ACYL to participate.

For technical issues or direct feedback concerning the MOOC, you can contact the organizers directly at: mooc.greendealnet@vub.be.

For more information, please visit the GreenDeal-Net website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there a deadline to enroll or finish the course? No, this is a self-paced MOOC. You can register at any time and complete the 23-28 hours of coursework at a pace that suits your schedule.

2. Do I need to pay for access to the materials? No, the course is 100% free for all participants globally. All readings, videos, and quizzes are accessible at no cost.

3. Do I have to complete all 8 modules? While the organizers highly recommend completing the course from start to finish for a comprehensive understanding, the modular design allows you to focus only on the topics that align with your specific interests.