2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Jun 27, 2025

2025-2026 Academic Catalog

CES 305 - Climate Justice in Action, Advocacy, and Activism

The accelerating impacts of climate change are not distributed equally, with the most vulnerable communities-often those least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions-bearing the greatest burdens. As a result, climate justice has emerged as a vital framework for addressing the ethical, social, political and economic dimensions of the climate crisis, demanding a rethinking of global governance, resource allocation, and the responsibilities of nations and stakeholders. This core course examines climate justice as a complex and dynamic global discourse embedded within interconnected networks of action, advocacy, and activism. It offers a nuanced exploration of climate justice, critically analyzing the roles and relationships among governmental, civil society, and private sector actors. By framing these issues within the broader contexts of justice, equity, and transformative change, students will critically examine the structural inequalities and power asymmetries that exacerbate climate vulnerability. They will also consider the potential for innovative, community-driven, and inclusive solutions to foster resilience and sustainability. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how justice and equity can be integrated into climate governance at multiple levels-global, national, and local, deploying different modes of learning including case study analysis and interactive discussions.

The curriculum is structured around three interrelated domains of Climate Justice:

Action - The formulation and implementation of climate policies and plans by formal institutions and state actors.

Advocacy - Strategic efforts by a diverse array of non-state actors to shape and influence climate policy through recognized institutional mechanisms.

Activism - Grassroots and nontraditional efforts aimed at addressing systemic climate injustices outside formal policy frameworks.

Course activities include simulating international climate negotiations, crafting a strategic campaign for an upcoming Conference of Parties, and designing a novel climate justice organization. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to interact directly with climate justice practitioners via guest lectures and through active participation in ongoing initiatives, such as public education campaigns, regional climate mobilizations, and COP-related planning processes. The course seeks to foster critical skills and interdisciplinary expertise through an immersive and experiential approach to climate justice work, empowering students to become transformative agents of change.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Annually