This course investigates and explores the challenges related to metals supply, both scarcity and environmental impacts, and the conditions and consequences of a circular economy for metals. The course was prepared in collaboration with Leiden University, Netherlands and is based on the reports of the Global Metals Flows Working Group of the UNEP’s International Resource Panel.
The course syllabus will consist of the following topics: Week 1: Introduction to metals; Week 2: The metals challenge: scarcity, environmental impacts, criticality; Week 3: Metal stocks and flows Week 4: Re-use and recycling: urban mining; Week 5: Towards a circular economy.
The course consists of a number of weekly video lectures, complementary clips, expert statements and illustrative examples. The course will also be supported by practical assignments. There will be weekly quizzes and a final exam. There will also be a digital meet and greet possibility with members of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) International Resource Panel (IRP).