GLOBAL FUTURES EDUCATION

Face Challenges. Find Solutions.

Creating Your Futures Readiness

ABOUT image
Global Futures Education is a platform that provides high-level online education for professionals and executives wanting to confront and manage the intensifying global challenges of the 21st Century and to find solutions that enable them to take leadership.

Global Futures Education was founded by Professor Jennifer Gidley, PhD as an extension of her international futures consultancy and almost decade-long leadership of the world’s foremost futures organisation, a UNESCO partner. The insights that inform and enrich the programs were developed over decades of research and are introduced in Jennifer’s highly successful Oxford University Press book The Future: A Very Short Introduction, now in multiple translations and required reading in university futures studies courses worldwide.

Welcome to the Global Futures Education program. Each online course draws together over 100 learning resources including videos, articles, reports and other digital assets from a vast trove of authoritative sources. The courses are curated into a coherent, accessible matrix within a highly professional, and easy-to-use LMS Learning Platform, which can be white-labelled for organisations wanting to use their own branding.

These Courses are regularly updated, and will allow anyone to gain key knowledge and understanding that fast-tracks career opportunities and personal relevance in a rapidly changing and risky world. What makes these Courses so valuable in a crowded marketplace is the high-level, yet practical, insights that uniquely provide a balance between known exponential challenges and existing solutions.

Those who complete these Courses will join others internationally at a similarly high level, who have advanced their futures-readiness through Jennifer's co-curation of the European Commission's “Future Forward” project, run in collaboration with TED-Ed.

The Global Futures Education program comprises three comprehensive online courses totalling 36 lessons to be rolled out over 6-12 months:
1. Global Futures of Climate. LAUNCHED.
2. Global Futures of Socio-Cultural Systems. COMING SOON.
3. Global Futures of Geo-Political Systems. COMING SOON.

Each course includes 12 lessons. To develop critical and integrated thinking, the paradox modality is used with 50% of the lessons demonstrating the challenges and 50% introducing the counter-trends and emerging innovative solutions. Most importantly these courses provide solutions to all of the challenges we face.

The first course to be rolled out by Global Futures Education is “Global Futures of Climate” because our climate crisis is the most pressing of the challenges we face.

Find out more about Global Futures of Climate.

Or ENROL.

Author * Educator * Psychologist * Futures Researcher

FOUNDER & COURSE CREATOR image
Hello, and welcome to Global Futures Education! I'm Jennifer Gidley.

After forty years of professional and academic experience as an innovative educator, psychologist, and international futures researcher, the most important task I see is providing an up-to-the-minute series of courses to help people face the grand global futures challenges and find solutions to them.

My concern. I'm concerned that we live in a world where the escalating climate crisis has become very frightening for many young people. Even climate scientists are beginning to say they are frightened by the intensity and acceleration of heat domes, rain bombs, unprecedented floods and wildfires, and slowing ocean currents.

My motivation. I'm motivated by the urgency with which we must act to implement the solutions at hand if we are to regenerate a habitable planet. My commitment is to use my decades-long experience and knowledge to create the “Global Futures of Climate” Online Course.

My inspiration. As a mother of two adult children, and three grandchildren, I'm inspired to ensure they have a liveable world in which to grow up. I want to know that I have done everything I possibly can to protect their vulnerable futures.

My hope. My most earnest hope is that there is still time to turn the climate crisis around, and that we all act with knowledge, integrity and speed. I offer this climate education program in this hope.

As the longest-serving President (2009-2017) of the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) I gained valuable insights from the highest levels of global thinking into the complexity and wide impacts of climate crisis and other pressing global challenges. WFSF is the global peak body for futures studies scholarship and a key partner of UNESCO and UN-ECOSOC.

During this engagement I was fortunate to be immersed in the critical new thinking that futures researchers bring to the world, as I led an Executive Board drawn from eleven countries, and a network of 300 futures scholars from over 60 countries. Thanks to acquiring UNESCO funding my team pioneered the development of futures empowerment leadership programs for young future leaders in several developing countries. I actively promoted talented young women futurists, many of whom have become leading professional academics and corporate advisors.

Through my consulting, research and speaking with think tanks from the UAE to Iran, from London to Washington DC, my global networks give me access to experts, including world-leading scientists, thought leaders, academic institutions, and high-level global organisations.

My experience in developing online courses in futures thinking and foresight includes two Australian universities, an online American university, an Iranian Think Tank in Tehran, and most recently the European Commission Future Forward project in collaboration with TED-Ed. All this informs the Global Futures Education programs.

I am currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, in The Institute for Sustainable Futures.

You can read more about my academic and professional credentials, services and publications, on my website.
ONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL FUTURES OF CLIMATE imageONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL FUTURES OF CLIMATE image

"Record-breaking heatwaves. Devastating wildfire season. Unprecedented decline in sea ice. June 2023 has just been declared the hottest month on record, a stark reminder of the intensified impact of climate change and El Niño."
- UN Environment Program (UNEP), July 2023.

Welcome to "Global Futures of Climate”, the first Course in our series on Global Systems designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions.

This self-paced, online Climate Education Course is scientifically-based, and incredibly well researched to give you a deep understanding of our emerging world, providing a solid basis for you to build your personal, professional, and family futures. The innovative solutions offered align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To help you make sense of media biases and social media disinformation, we give you unfiltered evidence and straight answers on options, so that you can take powerful leadership at many levels, from enterprise to personal career in such roles as CEO, executive director, mentor, project manager, community leader, or professional consultant.

Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules: Climate Change, Energy Systems, and Ecosystem. There are two lessons in each, examining the challenges, and addressing the alternatives. The Full Course incorporates the three Modules. Alternatively you can buy the Modules individually.

Why you should take the Course:
  • Learn from Jennifer’s valuable expertise from the highest levels of global thinking into the complexity and wide impacts of Climate Crisis. 
  • Join an international cohort of futures-ready citizens informed about the real challenges of climate change and how to find solutions. 
  • Acquire knowledge to make informed decisions about climate futures that will affect your enterprise, family and community. 
  • Boost your career opportunities at a time when most corporations are beginning to realise they need to be climate literate. 
  • Build your enterprise by drawing on insights from Jennifer’s 30 years’ experience as an international futures consultant.
The Course Content incorporates over 100 learning resources, including:
  • 12 Lessons over 3 Modules: Climate Change, Energy Systems, Ecosystem.
  • Four lessons per Module, two on the challenges, two addressing the solutions.
  • 12 Instructor videos (one per Lesson) to guide you through the Course Content and Resources .
  • Over 40 expert videos (climate and ocean scientists, EC, UN, OECD, European Parliament, Carbon Brief, WWF, World Bank, Universities)
  • Over 50 expert articles/reports (NASA, UN, IPCC, UNFCC, UNSDGs, State of the Planet, Blue Carbon Initiative, Greenpeace, Universities, UNDP, Global Commission for Adaptation, to name a few).
  • 36 reflection questions to journal your progress.
  • 60 fun quiz Qs to test knowledge gained.
  • Certificate of Completion.
TO ENROL in the full Course or any of the Modules, click here.

This brief video gives an introduction to the Global Futures of Climate (Online) Course, what you can expect to gain, and a bit more about me, the Course Creator.

To enrol in the Global Futures of Climate Course Click here.


Old & New Energy Systems Module 2 (Lessons 5-8) introduces the challenges of antiquated energy systems plus viable alternatives for making life on earth more sustainable, resilient, and healthy. We dive deeper into the detailed causes of global warming, focussing on how greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere that overheat the planet are primarily linked to burning fossil fuels. We then explore ‘carbon sequestration’ strategies include planting and preserving forests, and Blue Carbon strategies of restoring coastal seagrass meadows, marshes, and mangroves. Module 2: Energy Systems – Learn about renewable energy systems with this online course. Discover your sustainability potential! On completion you will receive a Certificate of Completion (Global Futures of Climate Module 2: Energy Systems) from Global Futures Education. IMPORTANT NOTE: The full Course and the individual Modules are currently being offered as a BETA Testing Course at a heavily subsidised fee. The courses are complete but we would like participants who enrol to provide some brief feedback by way of a short survey after completing the course. Please email with any questions. ask(a)globalfutureseducation.com WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Enrol by clicking on 'Add to Cart'. At next page click "Make an Order". Complete your personal details and payment. Within 24 hours you will receive an access email. Follow the link shown on the email to access your Course. Register with your email and a password, and enjoy unlimited access.

Ecosystem Collapse & Reboot Module 3 (Lessons 9-12) explores ecosystem collapse on land, plus in the Ocean that globally governs all climate. By examining multiple feedback loops that create tipping points, we trace the collapse of interlinked ecosystems that govern our planet. We explore the consequences of mass species extinction, which is already happening, and viable alternatives to business-as-usual. Lastly, we look at emerging practical strategies such as urban farming, regenerative agriculture, seaweed farming, and aquaculture. Unlock the secrets of nature in Module 3: Ecosystem. Learn how to identify, protect and sustain key elements of the environment. On completion you will receive a Certificate of Completion (Global Futures of Climate Module 3: Ecosystem) from Global Futures Education. IMPORTANT NOTE: The full Course and the individual Modules are currently being offered as a BETA Testing Course at a heavily subsidised fee. The courses are complete but we would like participants who enrol to provide some brief feedback by way of a short survey after completing the course. Please email with any questions. ask(a)globalfutureseducation.com WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Enrol by clicking on 'Add to Cart'. At next page click "Make an Order". Complete your personal details and payment. Within 24 hours you will receive an access email. Follow the link shown on the email to access your Course. Register with your email and a password, and enjoy unlimited access.

Welcome to "Global Futures of Climate”, the first Course in our series on Global Systems designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions. This self-paced, web-based Course is incredibly well researched to give you a deep understanding of our emerging world and provides a solid basis for you to build your personal, professional, and family futures. The innovative solutions offered align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules: Climate Change, Energy Systems, and Ecosystem. There are two lessons in each, examining the challenges, and addressing the alternatives. The Full Course incorporates the three Modules. Alternatively you can buy the Modules individually. WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: > Learn from Jennifer’s valuable expertise from the highest levels of global thinking into the complexity and wide impacts of Climate Crisis. > Join an international cohort of futures-ready citizens informed about the real challenges of climate change and how to find solutions. > Acquire knowledge to make informed decisions about climate futures that will affect your enterprise, family and community. > Boost your career opportunities at a time when most corporations are beginning to realise they need to be climate literate. > Build your enterprise by drawing on insights from Jennifer’s 30 years’ experience as an international futures consultant. On completion you will receive a Certificate of Completion (Global Futures of Climate) from Global Futures Education. This Full Course incorporates Modules 1, 2 & 3, at a discounted fee. Alternatively you can buy the Modules individually. Allow around 3-4 hours to complete each Lesson. IMPORTANT NOTE: The full Course and the individual Modules are currently being offered as a BETA Testing Course at a heavily subsidised fee. The courses are complete but we would like participants who enrol to provide some brief feedback by way of a short survey after completing the course. Please email with any questions. ask(a)globalfutureseducation.com WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Enrol by clicking on 'Add to Cart'. At next page click "Make an Order". Complete your personal details and payment. Within 24 hours you will receive an access email. Follow the link shown on the email to access your Course. Register with your email and a password, and enjoy unlimited access.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

For over 20 years Jennifer's innovative programs have centred on creating courses in futures studies and foresight, delivered directly, or virtually, and licensed by corporations or educational institutions.

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FUTURES & FORESIGHT

"Futures Studies is the art and science of taking responsibility for the long-term future consequences of our decisions and actions today." - Jennifer M Gidley: ' The Future. A Very Short Introduction.'

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SPEAKING & CONSULTING

An international Futures Consultant & Speaker in Europe, Americas, Middle East & Asia for decades, Jennifer's inspiring human-centred insights speak to all audiences, enabling practical strategies for creating better futures.

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Climate Education * Climate Futures * Ocean Futures

SPEAKING ON CLIMATE image
Jennifer brings a refreshingly warm, open and down-to-earth personal style to her speaking. Her scholarship, wide experience, maturity and deep understanding of people’s needs is valued by her international clients.

Based in Australia, Jennifer has presented across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. She has developed a unique virtual style and can design for you virtual Keynotes, Workshops, Webinars, and pre-recorded Videos.

Recent highlights include:
  • Keynote: “Big Picture Futures: A Human-centred Approach to Global Challenges” to Oxford University Press Marketing Summit Global, 2023. 
  • Keynote: “Complex Futures of Education” to School of Computer Science (UTS) School Retreat and Planning Day, 2022.
  • “Why the 21st Century needs more Female Scientists” 2021 World Conference on Science Literacy Virtual. Beijing, China. 2021. 
  • Keynote: “Contrasting Human Futures and the Myth of Techno-Transhumanism” MystTech Conference: Seattle, WA, USA. 2021.
  • “Postformal Education for Complex Futures of Uncertainty and Volatility” 2nd Int Meeting on Higher Education, Chile, 2021.
  • Webinar: “A Short Introduction to the Future Post-Covid” with Dr. Lawrence Jones. Edison Electric Institute. Washington DC.  2020. 
  • Keynote: “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” Opening Keynote, Lecture Series “Knowledge & Futures”, University of Erlangen, Germany, 2017.
  • Keynote: “Evolution of Consciousness and Paradigm Change” 20th Anniversary of the Club of Budapest, Paris, France. 2013.
See Jennifer's professional website for more about her Speaking experience.

See Jennifer's profile on the International Women and Climate Speaker's Database.

See Jennifer's profile on The Futures Agency.

To check Jennifer's availability, in person or virtually:
Email: jennifer(at)jennifergidley.com

A companion volume to the Global Futures Courses

THE FUTURE: A Very Short Introduction image
“Gidley has given us a stunning description of the new field of futures studies and of how we humans can help choose, and shape, the coming future.” 
- Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Wendell Bell, PhD, Yale University.

This ground-breaking book is immensely enjoyable and stimulating for all readers. Its breadth and scope is astonishing as it considers some of the most burning questions of our time: What is The Future?; Is it a time yet to come?; Or is it a Utopian place?; Does the future have a history?; Is there only one future or are there many possible futures?

Gidley asks if the future can ever be truly predicted or if we create our own futures - both hoped for and feared - by our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and concludes by analysing how we can learn to study our futures.

We have always yearned to know what lies ahead, whether threat or safety, scarcity or abundance. Throughout human history, our forebears tried to create certainty in the unknown, by seeking to influence outcomes with sacrifices to gods, preparing for the unexpected with advice from oracles, and by reading the stars through astrology.

As scientific methods improve and computer technology develops we become ever more confident of our capacity to predict and quantify the future by accumulating and interpreting patterns from the past.

Yet the truth is there is still no certainty to be had, because there is no one future. There are as many futures as there are people on the planet. We can all image, design, and begin to create the futures we want: futures that are healthy, equitable and sustainable.

‘The Future’ is the first Oxford University Press book on futures thinking. It is now used in futures studies programs in Universities around the world, and is translated into Arabic, Turkish, Italian and Greek with several other translations now in progress.

REVIEW NOTES

"We all should give Jennifer Gidley a standing ovation. This is an absolutely wonderful source, as a basic textbook about the field, and as a very good short introduction to futures for everyone."
- Emeritus Professor Jim Dator. Editor, World Futures Review

"Brilliant and concise. This book not only raises the issues in a highly readable manner, but also raises awareness, and as such I can recommend it unreservedly."
- David Lorimer. Editor, Network Review

By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD (2021). The challenges we face for near and long-term futures have been called a “crisis of crises,” “wicked problems,” and “grand global futures challenges.” This piece focuses on three grand global futures challenges: growing urbanisation, lack of (or inadequate) international education, and the accelerating climate crisis. These grand global futures challenges will have substantial impacts in the socio-cultural and environmental domains.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD, et al (2009). This paper broadens climate change futures approaches beyond the dominant predictive trends and expert scenarios. However, any participatory futures method chosen to facilitate climate change adaptation must be context-aware in design and implementation to facilitate adaptability and resilience in climate-vulnerable communities.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD (2016). This article explores the breadth of the futures studies field in dialogue with prominent scientific approaches to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and coevolution. First, I take an evolutionary perspective on the development of the futures studies field. Secondly, I apply my typology of five paradigmatic futures approaches to dialogue with climate science.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD (2021). This paper explores the current scientific research on climate change, including mitigation, adaptation, and regenerative co-evolution. It looks at where we need to go to turn things around. In this paper, I hope to have made it clear that mitigation and adaptation alone are nowhere near enough to prevent the catastrophic projected impacts. We must also build adaptive capacity.

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  • Brisbane QLD, Australia

Welcome to Global Futures Education! Introducing you to a scientifically-based Online Course on Facing the Climate Crisis and finding Solutions for Climate Turnaround.