Sustainable and circular economy

7.9.2026 - 22.11.2026

5 cr

Online

The economic sustainability challenge. When is an economic system sustainable? Relevant economic concepts.
The circular economy and its basic principles. How is a circular economy sustainable? Practical applications and examples of a circular economy.
Alternative ways to solve the economic sustainability challenge. Steady state economics, degrowth, post-growth. Opportunities and challenges.
Not just economics - systems thinking as an approach. The ecological, social and cultural conditions and foundations for a sustainable and fair future economic system.
Local solutions to sustainability challenges. Local sustainable economic initiatives as inspiration

Contains

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No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

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Additional information:

Scope

5 cr

Code

SU00CA12

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand what makes an economic system sustainable and discuss economic sustainability from different points of view.
• Describe and explain the basic principles and limitations of the circular economy, understand why circular economy is needed, analyze situations where circular economy is a suitable solution and describe practical examples and possibilities with circular economy.
• Understand and describe the basic assumptions and theories behind alternative sustainability solutions in ecological economics and analyze the ecological economics' perspective on sustainability.
• Be familiar with local sustainability-promoting economic initiatives.

General skills: To read scientific texts, reports and assessments and discuss them, especially from a sustainability point of view. To write an academic essay that relates to sustainability and economics.

Organiser

Åbo Akademi University

Belongs to themes:

Sustainable development and growth

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