International Futures Strategic Forecasting Foundations — Natural Systems Track

This is the Natural Systems track of the International Futures Strategic Forecasting Foundations badge, the second credential level offered by the Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures. 

You will begin with the shared Foundations core. Course 1 introduces the complete IFs analytical workflow: examining historical data, displaying a Current Path forecast, building an alternative scenario, and comparing results. Course 2 develops the conceptual foundation needed to interpret, explain, and apply IFs responsibly, including forecasting and foresight, systems thinking, model validation, and the appropriate uses and limits of models. 

In Course 5, you will apply these foundations to natural systems, including food and agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the environment. You will examine how changing diets affect food demand and resource use, distinguish energy resources from reserves to understand why energy transitions unfold over decades, assess infrastructure as a foundation for development, and study how the carbon cycle and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways support analysis of climate and development futures. 

Learners who complete this track will be able to analyze and interpret how resource systems, infrastructure, and environmental pressures can shape long-term development and will be prepared to continue toward the Level 3 Professional Certificate. 

Estimated learning hours: 35-45 hours