Climate Science & Environmental Sustainability Education
An-Najah National University (ANNU) is firmly committed to advancing climate literacy, environmental responsibility, and sustainability-driven innovation as core pillars of its academic mission. Climate science and environmental sustainability are systematically embedded across accredited academic programs, credit-bearing courses, and professional micro-credentials to equip graduates with the scientific knowledge, technical competencies, and leadership skills required to address global environmental challenges.
ANNU invests strategically in sustainability education to prepare future leaders, engineers, scientists, planners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs capable of accelerating the transition toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient society. Sustainability principles are integrated across multiple faculties through interdisciplinary curricula, applied laboratory and field training, environmental research initiatives, and community engagement programs.
Through structured learning pathways spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education levels, ANNU ensures that students develop competencies in climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy systems, environmental governance, circular economy strategies, water and waste management, sustainable urban development, and ecosystem protection.
All programs and courses are fully accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, operate within a structured credit-hour system aligned with internationally recognized academic standards (ECTS-compatible framework), and lead to officially recognized undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
An-Najah National University offers a diverse range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs that directly address climate science, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and sustainable development. These programs provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical expertise to understand environmental challenges, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable resource management at local, regional, and global levels.
Undergraduate Programs
BA in Energy & Environmental Engineering
This program focuses on renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, environmental impact assessment, and climate mitigation technologies. Students gain practical and theoretical knowledge in solar, wind, bioenergy, and sustainable energy system design aligned with SDG 7 and SDG 13.
BA in Planning Engineering & City Technology
Addresses sustainable urban planning, smart city technologies, green infrastructure, and climate-resilient urban design. The program integrates spatial analysis, sustainability assessment, and environmental policy considerations.
BA in Architectural Engineering
Emphasizes sustainable building design, energy-efficient structures, green materials, and climate-responsive architecture. Students learn environmental building performance modeling and sustainable construction standards.
Includes water resource management, sustainable infrastructure, environmental engineering, and climate adaptation strategies in infrastructure systems.
BA in Agricultural Engineering
Focuses on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation systems, soil conservation, and food security under changing climate conditions.
Covers climatology, environmental geography, spatial analysis, climate modeling, and sustainable land-use planning.
Specializes in GIS, remote sensing, climate monitoring, environmental mapping, and geospatial technologies for sustainability planning.
Addresses sustainable crop production, integrated pest management, soil health, and adaptation of agricultural systems to climate variability.
Postgraduate Programs (MSc / PhD)
MSc in Clean Energy Conservation Engineering
Advanced training in renewable energy technologies, energy storage, decarbonization strategies, and climate mitigation solutions.
MSc in Water & Environmental Engineering
Focuses on water security, wastewater treatment, climate adaptation in water systems, and sustainable environmental engineering solutions.
Provides interdisciplinary training in climate change science, environmental monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability policy.
MSc in Disaster Risk Management
Addresses climate-related hazards, resilience planning, risk modeling, and sustainable disaster preparedness.
MSc in Nutrition and Food Technology
A sustainability-oriented program that links food systems, public health, and environmental impacts. It addresses sustainable nutrition, food quality and safety, food processing technologies, and strategies to reduce food loss and waste—supporting climate-resilient and resource-efficient food production.
MSc in Profitable Agribusiness
This program focuses on sustainable and climate-smart agribusiness, combining economic viability with responsible resource use. It covers sustainable value chains, agrifood marketing, farm management, food security, and entrepreneurship, with attention to climate risks affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods.
MSc in Geomatics
An advanced program in GIS, remote sensing, spatial data analytics, and geospatial modeling for sustainability. Students apply geospatial tools to climate monitoring, land-use change analysis, environmental assessment, disaster risk mapping, and evidence-based planning.
MSc in Sustainability & Building Technology
Specializes in green building certification, energy modeling, sustainable materials, and low-carbon construction systems.
MSc in Sustainable Engineering in Production
Focuses on sustainable manufacturing, circular economy principles, industrial energy efficiency, and low-carbon production systems.
PhD in Sustainable Energy Technology
Research-driven doctoral program advancing innovation in renewable energy systems, decarbonization technologies, and energy transition policy.
MSc in Urban & Regional Planning Engineering
Focuses on climate-resilient planning, sustainable mobility, environmental governance, and integrated land-use management.
MSc in Geography
A postgraduate program that develops expertise in climate science, environmental change, and spatial analysis. Topics typically include climatology, climate change impacts, hydrology, ecosystems, environmental management, and the application of GIS/remote sensing to support sustainable development and resilience planning.
PhD in Engineering Systems Management and Sustainability
A research-based doctoral program that advances sustainability in complex systems and institutions. It focuses on sustainable engineering management, systems thinking, resource efficiency, low-carbon transitions, risk and resilience, and policy-informed decision-making for infrastructure, industry, and public services.
In addition to specialized degree programs, An-Najah National University integrates climate science and environmental sustainability across a wide range of credit-bearing courses offered by multiple faculties, including Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Architecture, Law, and Planning. These courses provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection, pollution control, sustainable infrastructure, water and waste management, and environmental governance.
Through laboratory work, field studies, case studies, and applied projects, these courses contribute to building strong climate literacy and sustainability competencies among students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Example of Climate Science /Environmental Sustainability Courses
|
Course Name |
Expanded Course Description |
Credit Hours |
Related Faculty |
|
Air Pollution Control |
Provides advanced coverage of air pollution sources (transport, industry, energy), pollutant measurement and monitoring methods, atmospheric dispersion principles, and the selection/design of control technologies (e.g., filtration, adsorption, scrubbers). Students evaluate mitigation options in line with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environment Social Impact Assessment |
Introduces tools and frameworks to evaluate both environmental and social impacts of development projects. Emphasizes baseline studies, stakeholder engagement, impact prediction, mitigation planning, and monitoring indicators to support responsible decision-making and sustainable project implementation. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Chemistry |
Applies core chemistry concepts to environmental systems, focusing on pollutant types, chemical transformations, sampling strategies, and analytical techniques. Students examine air pollution chemistry, purification and disposal methods, pollution detection approaches, and interpretation of laboratory results for environmental decision-making. |
3 |
Science |
|
Environ't Planning & Impact Analysis |
Focuses on planning approaches that integrate environmental assessment into development decisions. Covers EIA-related tools, air and water quality assessment, sustainability indicators, scenario analysis, and strategies for sustainable urban and regional planning that reduce environmental risks. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Air Pollution |
Examines major air pollutants, their sources and impacts on health and ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, and atmospheric transport/dispersion modeling. Uses applied case studies to evaluate mitigation strategies and emission-reduction policies. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Buildings and Climate Change Mitigation |
Explores how the building sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and how mitigation can be achieved through passive design, efficient systems, low-carbon materials, and performance evaluation. Students assess practical strategies for reducing emissions and improving sustainability in buildings. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Chemical Pollution & Industrial Safety |
Addresses chemical (and where relevant radiological) pollutants, exposure pathways, monitoring techniques, and industrial safety management. Students learn prevention and control measures, risk reduction, emergency procedures, and compliance practices supporting safer and more sustainable industrial operations. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Climate Change Mitigation for Buildings |
Focuses on climate mitigation strategies within buildings, including energy efficiency, thermal performance, renewable energy integration, and emissions reduction approaches. Emphasizes design and operational decisions that enhance resilience and reduce carbon footprints. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Climate Change Risk Mitigation and Adaption |
Covers climate change fundamentals and links them to risk assessment and adaptation planning. Students examine vulnerability, exposure, and resilience concepts, evaluate adaptation options, consider renewable energy solutions, and analyze impacts of extreme weather on infrastructure, water, and communities. |
3 |
Engineering & IT / Science |
|
Climatology |
Provides scientific study of climate systems, climatic classification, variability and long-term trends, and climate data analysis. Students explore applied climate research and how climate science supports planning, risk management, and sustainability strategies. |
3 |
Science |
|
Coastal Management |
Introduces integrated coastal zone management, marine ecosystem functions, pollution risks, conservation strategies, and governance/legal frameworks. Students assess sustainable use of coastal resources and management responses to climate-related pressures such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion. |
3 |
Science |
|
Ecology |
Introduces ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, trophic interactions, energy flow, and biogeochemical cycles. Emphasizes the role of ecosystems in sustainability, environmental stability, and climate regulation. |
2 |
Science |
|
Energy & Environment |
Examines environmental impacts of energy generation (fossil and renewable), emissions and pollution pathways, and sustainable energy solutions. Students analyze cleaner production, energy efficiency, and transition strategies supporting environmental sustainability. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Chemistry |
Examines chemical processes in natural and polluted environments, focusing on contamination in air, water, and soil. Students study pollutant behavior, environmental fate, and treatment approaches, with emphasis on practical interpretation of chemical data for environmental management. |
3 |
Science |
|
Environment Impact Assessment |
Introduces EIA processes and key regulatory concepts, including screening, scoping, baseline data collection, impact identification, mitigation measures, and monitoring plans. Students learn how EIAs support sustainable development and responsible project approval. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environment Preservation |
Examines human–environment interactions, resource depletion, pollution challenges, and sustainability solutions. Students discuss conservation approaches, responsible consumption/production, and practical strategies for protecting environmental resources and ecological balance. |
3 |
Science |
|
Environmental Engineering |
Covers engineering and scientific approaches to pollution prevention and control. Topics include environmental chemistry and microbiology, water purification, wastewater treatment, and air pollution control, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure and public health protection. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Impact Assessment |
Develops applied skills in assessing impacts of projects, policies, and energy systems. Includes hands-on case studies on impact prediction, alternatives analysis, mitigation design, and follow-up monitoring, linking assessment outcomes to sustainability performance. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Law |
Covers national and international environmental regulations and legal tools for pollution control, environmental protection, and sustainability policy. Students examine compliance, enforcement mechanisms, environmental rights/responsibilities, and legal approaches supporting sustainable governance. |
3 |
Law |
|
Environmental Legislations & Town Planning Law |
Integrates environmental legislation with town planning and development regulation. Discusses pollution control, water management, permitting, and planning governance, highlighting how legal frameworks guide sustainable urban growth and environmental protection. |
3 |
Law / Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Science |
Examines relationships between humans and the environment through scientific and policy lenses. Topics include pollution impacts, ecosystem pressures, sustainability challenges, and solutions supported by evidence-based policy and environmental management tools. |
3 |
Science |
|
Indoor Environmental Quality |
Studies indoor pollutants, ventilation and air exchange, thermal comfort, and health impacts. Students learn assessment methods and control strategies to improve indoor environments through building design and operational practices aligned with sustainability and wellbeing. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Industrial Pollution Control |
Analyzes industrial waste streams and control technologies for sectors such as petrochemicals, energy production, and manufacturing. Students evaluate treatment systems, emission reduction approaches, cleaner production options, and sustainability-oriented industrial environmental management. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Introduction to Environmental Design |
Introduces environmental design principles across architecture and urban planning, focusing on site-responsive design, resource efficiency, climate considerations, and sustainable spatial strategies that reduce environmental impacts and enhance livability. |
2 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Microclimate and Environmental Design |
Analyzes interactions between built environments and local climate (heat islands, wind flow, shading). Students explore design strategies that improve thermal comfort, reduce energy demand, and support resilient, climate-responsive urban form. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Pollution and Risk Management |
Covers pollution sources, monitoring and detection, purification/treatment approaches, |
||
|
Climate Change Science |
Provides scientific foundations of climate change including greenhouse gas cycles, radiative forcing, climate modeling, IPCC frameworks, and regional climate projections. |
3 |
Science |
|
Renewable Energy Systems |
Covers solar, wind, biomass, and hybrid energy systems, including system design, performance analysis, and environmental impact assessment. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Energy Efficiency in Buildings |
Focuses on thermal performance, insulation, HVAC optimization, and energy auditing to reduce building energy demand and emissions. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Sustainable Urban Planning |
Examines land-use planning, transport systems, green infrastructure, and climate-resilient urban development strategies. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Green Infrastructure Design |
Introduces nature-based solutions, stormwater management systems, and urban ecological networks to enhance sustainability. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Carbon Management & Accounting |
Covers carbon footprint assessment, greenhouse gas inventories (Scope 1–3), emissions reporting, and decarbonization strategies. |
3 |
Engineering & Business |
|
Sustainable Development Principles |
Introduces SDGs, sustainability indicators, environmental ethics, and socio-economic dimensions of sustainable development. |
3 |
Science / Humanities |
|
Environmental Risk Assessment |
Focuses on hazard identification, exposure assessment, toxicology principles, and risk characterization for environmental pollutants. |
3 |
Science |
|
Hydrology & Water Resources Management |
Studies hydrological cycles, watershed management, groundwater systems, and climate impacts on water resources. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Modeling & Simulation |
Introduces numerical modeling tools for air, water, and climate systems to support environmental decision-making. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Sustainable Transportation Systems |
Examines low-carbon mobility, electric transport systems, emissions reduction, and urban transport sustainability. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Biodiversity Conservation |
Covers ecosystem services, conservation planning, habitat restoration, and biodiversity policy frameworks. |
3 |
Science |
|
Environmental Toxicology |
Studies toxic effects of pollutants on organisms and ecosystems, dose-response relationships, and environmental health impacts. |
3 |
Science |
|
Circular Economy Systems |
Introduces circular production models, industrial symbiosis, life-cycle thinking, and sustainable resource management. |
3 |
Engineering & Business |
|
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) |
Teaches methodologies to evaluate environmental impacts of products and systems from cradle-to-grave. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Sustainable Agriculture Systems |
Focuses on soil conservation, water-efficient irrigation, agroecology, and climate-smart farming practices. |
3 |
Agriculture |
|
Climate Policy & Governance |
Examines international climate agreements, national adaptation plans, carbon markets, and environmental governance tools. |
3 |
Law / Humanities |
|
Environmental Economics |
Introduces economic valuation of environmental resources, cost-benefit analysis, and policy instruments for sustainability. |
3 |
Business |
|
Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability |
Applies GIS tools for environmental monitoring, spatial planning, and climate risk analysis. |
3 |
Engineering & Science |
|
Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring |
Covers satellite imagery analysis for climate change, land degradation, water resources, and disaster risk. |
3 |
Engineering & Science |
|
Sustainable Materials & Green Construction |
Examines eco-friendly materials, embodied carbon, and sustainable construction technologies. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Water Security & Climate Adaptation |
Studies water scarcity challenges, desalination technologies, and resilience strategies under climate stress. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience |
Focuses on hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, emergency planning, and climate-induced disaster preparedness. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Monitoring Techniques |
Teaches sampling methods, sensor technologies, data interpretation, and environmental quality assessment. |
3 |
Science |
|
Sustainable Energy Policy |
Analyzes policy tools supporting renewable deployment, energy transition, and emissions reduction frameworks. |
3 |
Engineering / Law |
|
Green Entrepreneurship |
Encourages sustainable business innovation, clean technology startups, and climate-related enterprise models. |
3 |
Business |
|
Sustainable Water Infrastructure |
Examines sustainable design of water distribution, wastewater reuse, and decentralized treatment systems. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
|
Environmental Ethics & Sustainability |
Discusses ethical dimensions of environmental protection, intergenerational equity, and sustainability leadership. |
2 |
Humanities |
|
Sustainable Supply Chain Management |
Focuses on responsible sourcing, carbon reduction in logistics, and circular supply systems. |
3 |
Business |
|
Smart Cities & Sustainability |
Examines ICT integration, energy-efficient infrastructure, urban data systems, and sustainability performance monitoring. |
3 |
Engineering & IT |
To further strengthen climate literacy beyond degree programs, An-Najah National University (ANNU) offers (and/or develops) short, credit-aligned micro-credentials that provide focused, job-relevant skills in climate science, environmental management, and sustainability solutions. These micro-credentials are designed to be stackable, assessment-based, and industry-relevant, supporting students, staff, and professionals in building verifiable competencies for the green transition.
Example Micro-Credentials (Climate & Sustainability)
|
Micro-Credential Title |
What Learners Gain |
Format & Typical Duration |
Target Audience |
Thematic Area |
|
Climate Change Foundations & IPCC Literacy |
Understand climate drivers, evidence, impacts, and how IPCC assessments are used in policy and planning. |
Online/blended • 15–20 hrs |
Students, staff, professionals |
Climate science |
|
GHG Accounting & Carbon Foot printing (Scopes 1–3) |
Build inventories, calculate emissions, interpret activity data, and create reduction plans. |
Blended + project • 20–30 hrs |
Sustainability teams, engineers |
Decarbonization |
|
Climate Risk Assessment & Adaptation Planning |
Perform vulnerability assessment, risk matrices, and adaptation options appraisal. |
Blended • 20–25 hrs |
Municipal/NGO staff, planners |
Adaptation |
|
Climate-Resilient Water Management |
Assess water stress, demand management, reuse, and resilience strategies under climate variability. |
Blended • 15–25 hrs |
Water/environment professionals |
Water + climate |
|
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Practice |
Apply screening/scoping, baseline design, impact prediction, mitigation, and monitoring plans using real cases. |
In-person workshop • 20–30 hrs |
Engineers, consultants |
EIA |
|
ESIA & Stakeholder Engagement |
Integrate social risk, community consultation, grievance mechanisms, and inclusive mitigation measures. |
Blended • 15–20 hrs |
Project teams, NGOs |
Social sustainability |
|
Circular Economy & Zero-Waste Systems |
Design waste hierarchy strategies, material recovery planning, and circular procurement approaches. |
Blended • 15–20 hrs |
Campus ops, municipalities |
Circular economy |
|
Sustainable Waste Management (MRF, Composting, Energy Recovery) |
Compare systems, choose appropriate technologies, and build operational plans with KPIs. |
Blended + site visit • 20–25 hrs |
Engineers, municipalities |
Waste |
|
Renewable Energy Basics (Solar PV & Hybrid Systems) |
Size PV systems, understand performance metrics, and evaluate environmental benefits. |
Hands-on • 15–25 hrs |
Students, technicians |
Renewables |
|
Energy Auditing & Efficiency for Buildings |
Conduct audits, interpret bills, identify retrofits, estimate savings and emissions reduction. |
Blended + project • 20–30 hrs |
Facility staff, engineers |
Mitigation |
|
Green Buildings & Passive Design Strategies |
Apply passive cooling/heating, daylighting, thermal comfort, and green material selection. |
Studio/workshop • 15–25 hrs |
Architecture/engineering |
Buildings |
|
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) & Health |
Assess IAQ/ventilation, indoor pollutants, and monitoring strategies for healthier buildings. |
Blended • 15–20 hrs |
Facility, health, engineering |
Health + environment |
|
Air Quality Monitoring & Pollution Control |
Use sensors/sampling plans, interpret AQ indices, and recommend mitigation actions. |
Lab/workshop • 15–25 hrs |
Science/engineering |
Air quality |
|
Water Quality Monitoring & Basic Lab Skills |
Sampling, QA/QC, key indicators, data interpretation, and reporting for compliance. |
Lab-based • 15–25 hrs |
Students, lab staff |
Water quality |
|
GIS for Climate & Environmental Planning |
Produce climate-risk maps, land-use analysis, and spatial decision support outputs. |
Lab-based • 20–30 hrs |
Planners, geomatics |
GIS |
|
Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring |
Use satellite imagery for land cover change, heat islands, water bodies, and drought indicators. |
Lab-based • 20–30 hrs |
Geomatics, geography |
Remote sensing |
|
Disaster Risk Reduction & Emergency Preparedness |
Hazard mapping, early warning basics, contingency planning, and resilience frameworks. |
Blended • 15–25 hrs |
DRR actors, students |
Resilience |
|
Sustainability Reporting & ESG Basics |
Build KPIs, draft sustainability narratives, and align reporting with recognized frameworks. |
Online/blended • 15–20 hrs |
Admin staff, researchers |
Governance |
|
Sustainable Procurement & Green Supply Chains |
Integrate environmental criteria into purchasing, reduce lifecycle impacts, track supplier performance. |
Online • 10–15 hrs |
Procurement/operations |
Operations |
|
Sustainability Leadership & Change Management |
Lead sustainability projects, develop roadmaps, stakeholder alignment, and implementation governance. |
Workshop • 10–15 hrs |
Staff, student leaders |
Leadership |
All academic programs and courses listed above are fully accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and operate within a formally structured credit-hour system aligned with internationally recognized academic standards (ECTS-compatible framework).
All courses are credit-bearing and contribute directly toward officially recognized Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
Curricula integrate climate science, renewable energy, environmental protection, sustainability governance, circular economy principles, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) across multiple faculties.
Learning outcomes are assessment-based and designed to equip students with technical, analytical, and policy-oriented competencies required to address climate change mitigation, adaptation, environmental risk management, and sustainable innovation.