Understanding and Addressing Environmental Challenges

Field of study	Natural Sciences
Duration	2 weeks
Dates	22 June -3 July
Number of credits	3 ECTS
Contact person	Name: Gintarė Sujetovienė Email: Gintare.Sujetoviene@vdu.lt
Course-organising units	Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences
Lecturers	Gintarė Sujetovienė, Diana Miškelytė, Jūratė Žaltauskaitė, Renata Dagiliūtė, Giedrė Kacienė, Irena Januškaitienė
Number of students	Minimum: 10 Maximum: 20
Target group	BA/MA students of Environmental sciences, Biology, Ecology, Sustainability studies and Environmental policy, as well as individuals interested in environmental challenges, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
Entry requirements	Basic knowledge in environmental sciences, strong motivation and English language knowledge at B2 level.
Short description	The course provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary environmental challenges and their impacts on environment and society. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will explore key issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution and the socio-economic dimensions of environmental change. The course combines theoretical lectures with practical, challenge-based learning, enabling participants to apply scientific knowledge to real-world environmental problems. Throughout the course, students will engage in interactive lectures, seminars, group projects, and field-based activities. They will analyse environmental issues at global and local scales, assess the causes and consequences of environmental degradation, and develop evidence-based and sustainable solutions. The course also introduces environmental governance, policy instruments, and innovation as key tools for addressing environmental challenges. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them to contribute effectively to sustainability initiatives in academic, professional, and community contexts.
Course uniqueness	This course combines interdisciplinary environmental knowledge with practical, challenge-based learning. Students not only gain an understanding of key environmental issues but also apply this knowledge in real-world contexts through seminars, laboratory work, and field activities.
Aim	The aim is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key environmental challenges, their underlying causes and impacts, and to develop practical skills for environmental analysis and evidence-based decision-making in real-world contexts, leading to the design of sustainable solutions.
Learning outcomes	Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Explain causes and drivers of key environmental challenges and their social, economic and ecological consequences. Understand and interpret the basic principles of climate change science and evaluate its impacts on natural systems and human societies. Describe and analyse biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and key conservation approaches aimed at protecting natural habitats and species. Assess the main sources and impacts of pollution on environmental quality and human health using selected indicators and case studies. Indicate main environmental policy instruments and other solution-oriented approaches addressing environmental challenges.
Programme structure	Understanding global environmental challenges Climate change science and impacts Biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation Pollution and environmental health Environmental policy and other solutions
Fee