Careers in virtually every sector of the economy can benefit from a background in sustainability, since this concept is so all-encompassing. For example, manufacturing businesses can gain by shifting to more sustainable supply chains; farmers can increase the appeal of their products and the resilience of their crops by adopting organic agricultural practices; and even the world of finance has seen growing demand for impact investing and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) portfolios.

Opportunities are also flourishing in the most innovative sectors of the “green” economy. According to the 2020 U.S. Energy & Employment Report, there are now more Americans employed in the solar industry than the coal industry. Indeed, one of the most successful startups of the 21st century, Tesla, is dedicated to selling non-polluting electric vehicles and solar panels. There are also opportunities for entrepreneurial endeavors in areas such as sustainable fashion, bio-based materials, and other innovative products.

Yes! Coursera offers a wide range of online courses and Specializations in the field of sustainability including topics such as corporate sustainability, green business strategy, and sustainable cities. You’ll receive a high quality education taught by top leaders in the field and have the opportunity to collaborate with students from around the world.

The ability to take classes remotely from such top-ranked schools as Columbia University, Duke University, and the University of Colorado allows you to do the same coursework and earn the same credits as on-campus students at a significantly lower cost - and with a lower carbon footprint, thanks to all that avoided travel.