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Science, Maths & Technology
The role sustainable chemistry plays in shaping the planet's future
Discover why research into sustainable chemistry is vital to reduce both the use of resources and the environmental impact of society on the planet.
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Society, Politics & Law
Voices from the Global South: an international field trip
The following learning is from the Geography strand in The Open University level 1 module D113 ‘Global challenges: social science in action’.
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Nature & Environment
Earth Day on OpenLearn
The first Earth Day on 22 April 1970 activated 20 million people from all walks of life to do their bit to protect our planet. More than 50 years on, it is estimated that one billion people worldwide will engage in this year’s Earth Day.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Transport and Sustainability
This free course, Transport and sustainability, explores the issues around sustainable transport and how the role of technology and society can interact to lower the overall impact of transport.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Why do women need abortions?
Roe Vs Wade has been overturned, meaning half of US women will be stripped of their right to choose. Explore our video collection on women's abortion experiences based on Open University research that shows how an unintended and unwanted pregnancy can easily happen, even when using contraception.
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Nature & Environment
Urban trees - could towns and cities become forests?
Dr Philip Wheeler explores how we manage trees in urban environments now and for the future.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
The why and how of green social prescribing in aid of health ageing
Getting outdoors and socialising is so important when it comes to ageing well and in a healthy manner. This article explains more about green social prescribing.
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Society, Politics & Law
Voices from the Global South: confronting climate coloniality
Professor Farhana Sultana delivered a keynote to launch the ‘Voices from the Global South’ project, a collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) (with the Institute of British Geographers), the International Geographical Union and The Open University. It was held at the RGS, London in June 2024. In her keynote Professor Sultana ...
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Nature & Environment
Climate change and renewable energy
Human-induced climate change and resulting extreme weather events are an increasing and serious threat to the Earth’s ecosystems. This free course, Climate Change and Renewable Energy, describes the basic science of the greenhouse effect and how it has been modified by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. It describes the ...
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Society, Politics & Law
Learning from the Global South
Voices from the Global South is a series of six short films made to stimulate thinking about and reflection on the difference that geography makes to understanding the climate crisis and its impact.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Addressing health inequalities in greenspaces to age well: Part II diversity and safety
How can a collaborative response from managers of greenspaces, park users and other stakeholders help address health and wellbeing inequalities?
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Addressing health inequalities in greenspaces to age well: Part I socio-economic and transport access inequalities
Natural spaces are beneficial to health and wellbeing and can help people to age well but there are a number of barriers to these in our society. This article explores these inequalities and what's being done to address them.