Introduction
Engineering education needs to be renewed considering the rapidly increasing climate change, plastic pollution, and unsustainable resource use. The “take-make-dispose” linear model has been shown to be unethical and environmentally unsustainable.
In addition to technological solutions, a fundamental change in professional mindsets is required to address today’s global crises. In this lesson, engineering students learn about the fundamental environmental problems that plastics pose as well as the shortcomings of the existing economic system. In technical practice, it highlights the importance of ecological responsibility, anticipatory skills, and systemic thinking.
Students are encouraged to investigate the ways that plastic affects global systems, ranging from the extraction of materials to the improper handling of waste. Students will gain an understanding of the larger implications of engineering decisions by investigating climate, pollution, and resource depletion issues. The lesson goes on to discuss methods for rethinking systems to make them more circular and climate neutral.
Future engineers are expected to be responsible change agents and sustainability innovators. They gain the essential knowledge and abilities to create a regenerative future as a result of this educational journey.
Enjoy the Learning Journey!
EDU4Plastic Team
Lesson Learning Outcomes
After completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:
Analyze circular economy and climate neutrality the context of education for sustainable development
- Describe the limitations of the “take–make–dispose” model and explain its environmental, social, and climate implications.
- Interpret the relevance of the European GreenComp framework for integrating sustainability competencies into engineering higher education.
Apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills in designing actions aimimg to reach circular and carbon-neutral society
- Distinguish between traditional and transformative engineering roles in the context of CE and CN.
- Identify key sustainability competences from the GreenComp framework.
- Assess how specific engineering decisions contribute to circular and regenerative systems.
Use evidence-based approaches to understand circular economy and climate neutrality systems
- Locate and critically evaluate scientific, institutional, and policy-based sources on plastic pollution, resource use, and climate impacts.
- Interpret data and trends regarding plastic production, waste, and recycling from global and European statistical reports.
