York University’s new Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living empowers individuals to take action in righting the future for a more sustainable world. Aligned with the University Academic Plan Building a Better Future, York upholds sustainability – environmental, social, and fiscal – as a vital compass for decisions and initiatives.
Launching during SDG Week Canada, this first-of-its-kind series offers faculty, staff, students and members of the public the opportunity to learn about sustainability from six of York’s world-renowned experts. Recognized as a sustainability leader in post-secondary education, York designed the innovative series as a free, open access program featuring “microlectures” that focus on a diverse range of topics related to sustainability.
Those who complete the series, correctly answer test questions and commit to put their learnings into practice will earn a digital badge and become an “ambassador in sustainable living.” As an ambassador, individuals can inspire others to do the same, amplifying the impact.
It’s a small commitment that aims to drive big change.
“Creating an equitable and resilient future requires all of us to become involved and make our planet’s sustainability an immediate priority,” says York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “Participating in the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living and earning the sustainable living ambassador badge demonstrates a commitment to building a cleaner, more prosperous and just future, and will inspire others to make small changes that can have a big impact."
Participants can:
- learn how microplastics journey through and impact our ecosystems (Shooka Karimpour, assistant professor, Lassonde School of Engineering);
- unravel the relationship between energy and economic growth (Lina Brand-Correa, assistant professor, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change);
- explore why the most vulnerable amongst us often face the highest flooding risks (Usman Khan, associate professor, Lassonde School of Engineering);
- discover the difference between a hazard and a disaster in context of emergency management (Eric Kennedy, associate professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies);
- consider how colonialism has impacted the way disasters impact Indigenous communities (Yvonne Su, assistant professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies); and
- dive into the reasons our lakes are rapidly warming (Sapna Sharma, associate professor, Faculty of Science).
The Microlecture Series is a way that anyone, anywhere in the world can learn from York’s academic leadership and research expertise.
Each one of us has an important role in creating a more sustainable world. York community members are encouraged to watch the Microlecture Series and become an ambassador in sustainable living. Join York University in creating positive change.