Environmental Degradation – A Contemporary Global Issue
Open Learning Lesson | Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
🌍 Welcome!
Our planet is changing rapidly. Human activities have a major impact on the environment,
affecting air, water, soil, ecosystems and climate.
In this lesson, you will explore what environmental degradation means, why it happens,
and how we can act responsibly.
- Explain what environmental degradation is
- Identify main causes and effects
- Analyze global and local examples
- Propose sustainable solutions
🎥 Step 1: Watch & Reflect
Watch the short video below:
▶ Environmental Problems – Global Overview
- What problems can you identify?
- Which of them are caused by humans?
📘 Step 2: Learn & Explore
What is Environmental Degradation?
Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment
due to human activities such as pollution, deforestation, overconsumption of resources,
and climate change.
Main Causes:
- Air, water and soil pollution
- Deforestation
- Industrial activities
- Unsustainable consumption
Main Effects:
- Loss of biodiversity
- Climate change
- Health problems
- Extreme weather events
Explore the planet using Google Earth:
Google Earth
🤝 Step 3: Think & Act – Design Thinking
Now it is your turn to think and act.
Share your ideas and learn from others!
- Choose one environmental problem.
- Explain why it is important.
- Propose one sustainable solution.
Post your answer below and read what other students think.
- What idea do you find most interesting?
- How is your solution similar or different?
🧪 Step 4: Online Assessment
You need at least 70% to receive your certificate.
▶ Start the Online Quiz
📜 Step 5: Certification
After successfully completing the quiz:
- You will receive a UNICO Certificate
- The certificate confirms your ESD competences
- You can include it in your school portfolio
- Systems thinking
- Responsibility and action
- Critical thinking
- Future-oriented thinking
🌱 Final Reflection
What is one action you can take this week to protect the environment?
Small actions create big change.
© UNICO – Children’s University | Open Learning for Sustainable Development