Learning Modules

Free interactive on-demand learning resources

Blue Futures Pathways offers a suite of free, interactive, online and on-demand learning resources exploring different aspects of the Sustainable Blue Economy. Each module will prompt you to think about the issues related to our ocean and freshwater systems, and allow you to examine the career pathways of diverse professionals. Topics include marine water, fresh water, wastewater, the cryosphere (frozen water), and much more. Explore case studies, watch videos, engage in on-line discussions, and learn about career pathways as you work through the modules. Carefully created to explore the Sustainable Blue Economy through western science and Indigenous knowledge systems, these free modules will introduce you to inspiring individuals and new ideas.

Our Suite of Learning Modules

One: The Sustainable Blue Economy

Water is all around us in many forms and we engage with it in many ways. This first learning module introduces you to the hydrosphere, the people that work within it and they ways you can engage. Learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, shallow vs deep thinking, and begin to develop a mindset for the Sustainable Blue Economy.

Two: Marine Water

Though 70% of Earth is covered in water, we've only explore 4% of the ocean - and yet it contributes to a huge portion of the global economy. In this module, you'll learn about the challenges our ocean faces, such as pollution and climate change, and how we can create a Sustainable Blue Economy that addresses those challenges.

Three: Fresh Water

We use fresh water every day to water crops, clean our clothes, drink, and even generate power. Because fresh water forms an integral part of the Sustainable Blue Economy, it's paramount that we protect it from pollution and improve fresh water security. Explore this learning module to learn how the Sustainable Blue Economy address those challenges.

Four: The Cryosphere

With almost 70% of Earth's fresh water locked in ice or permafrost, the cryosphere performs many key functions in regulating our climate. With global average temperatures increasing, ice reduction is affecting affect sectors such as tourism, hunting, and fishing. Learn how those working within the Sustainable Blue Economy are addressing challenges such as climate change and sea ice retreat.

Five: Wastewater

Often forgotten, wastewater represents an important component of our hydrosphere because it is the water that we interact with most intimately, and perhaps most carelessly. In this learning module, you'll learn how wastewater impacts the environment around us and how the Sustainable Blue Economy is working to improve the way we deal with our wastewater.

Six: Our Blue Future - What Next?

In this module, we will consider how information, world views, personal values, complex thinking and technology all play critical roles in helping us envision and enact a more sustainable blue future. A future where economic prosperity and well-being are achieved without compromising people, communities, cultures, or the environment. We will talk to industry players and innovative individuals, who are making careers out of solving problems and who can inspire us all to do things differently, thoughtfully and better.

Seven: Marine Transportation

In this learning module we will explore how transportation plays a role within the Sustainable Blue Economy. Looking at the networks of moving people, this learning module will explore how, why and where we travel. Also exploring the history of transportation and how it connects us all, this learning module will introduce you to different ways we travel on water and the opportunities that exist as we become a more sustainable society.

Eight: Renewable Energy

While the industrialized world has spent the last few decades distracted by fossil fuels, a shift is underway to harness the abundant, renewable power within our ecosystems. This module examines how the Sustainable Blue Economy blends Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Western science to transition towards renewable ocean, freshwater, and geothermal energy. Explore how these low-emission sources are protecting our planet and reshaping the future of energy.

Nine: Digital Technology & AI in the Sustainable Blue Economy

This module explores how digital technology and AI can be used to process large amounts of data to help solve the ecological challenges facing the Sustainable Blue Economy. While these tools can help bridge the gap between information and action, they also bring unique challenges that will be examined throughout this module. Discover how these advanced algorithms are driving more thoughtful, data-driven solutions in the ocean and water spaces.

Ready to start learning?

If you are ready to dive into the Sustainable Blue Economy and learn all that it has to offer, click below to register for access to the BFP Learning Modules. Once registered, we’ll send you a link to the Learning Module Dashboard. Should you have any trouble registering or accessing the learning modules, please contact us here.

Special Thanks

We would like to acknowledge the following people who helped create these learning resources:

Lead Content Creator: Dr. Sherry Scully

Lead Graphic Designer: Maria Gallaugher, inkbottledesign.com

French translator: Alex Gauthier

Video editors: Nicholas Castel, Maria Gallaugher

Content reviewers: Kathleen Matari, CarolAnne Black, Hailey Renaud, Ken Paul, Da Chen, Keshia Moffat and Akhil Ramdoya; with input on the 1st module by Shannon Monk and on the 4th module by Heidi Langille and Lynda Brown.

The BFP Learning Modules