Course presented by the University of Galway:

Equity and Sustainability Transitions

Sustainability transitions are fundamental changes required in socioeconomic and technical systems (such as energy, food or transport systems) to reduce disruptions and enhance opportunities associated with climate change. Sustainability transitions must be advanced in a way to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability to meet the needs of the next generation. Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities and benefits in these processes. Given the need to implement ambitious environmental and climate objectives, this Summer School explores how sustainable transitions can be advanced with equitable distribution of benefits and burdens.

This interdisciplinary blended course ambitiously covered such themes for up to 30 postgraduate students and ran in 2023 and 2024. It includes a pre-sessional virtual component and a week of intensive in person teaching in Galway, including a one-day field trip. Students learn from lectures, field work, observation, interdisciplinary group work and class discussions. The virtual learning component is focused on discussing and contrasting readings on equity and sustainability transitions. Typically, students have attended from both the Global North and Global South, thus providing an opportunity to learn from different perspectives on how climate change is already adversely affecting different regions and the inherent inequity across population groups. The assessment is based on participation during the Summer School, a final reflective essay, and creative group work.

Contact: Dr Una Murray (Geography), Una.murray@universityofgalway.ie