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Amanda C. Graham

Are you motivated by the idea that social justice can be served by the energy transition, but are not sure how to make this happen?

Do you want to grow your ability to recognize - and do something about - injustice in the energy space?

Read more

Are you motivated by the idea that social justice can be served by the energy transition, but are not sure how to make this happen?

Do you want to grow your ability to recognize - and do something about - injustice in the energy space?

Are you a sustainability or environmental professional eager to help design just energy systems?

Do you wonder how to help advance equity in your community’s energy decisions?

This course is for you!

Energy is the lifeblood of the modern way of life. Yet not everyone has equal access to its benefits, and the environmental and social costs of producing, transporting, and using it are not evenly distributed. In this course you will explore the idea and practice of energy justice: what does it look like? Why are societies struggling to achieve it? What do we mean by sociotechnical energy systems, and how can we make them more equitable?

The purposes of this course are (1) to introduce individuals and organizations to the concept of energy justice and where it comes from, and (2) to help them build a toolkit to identify and leverage opportunities to increase fairness and equity in energy-related decisions and actions. After completing this course, learners should be better equipped to recognize and confront energy injustice in their personal and professional lives, and to help envision and foster energy justice in society.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define energy justice and explain its relationship to environmental justice, climate justice, and energy democracy

• Define structural inequity and describe the impact of historical racism on today's energy systems

• Describe the social complexity of energy systems as well as their major physical elements

• Identify and explain key energy justice principles and frameworks

• Distinguish between multiple forms of injustice in energy systems and analyze potential remedies

• Discuss energy injustice and structural inequality with fluency

• Identify and assess energy injustices in personal, professional and civic contexts

• Design strategies to integrate energy justice into professional work and civic life

• Advocate for energy justice as an essential element of energy transitions and climate change mitigation

• Envision more just energy futures

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course and to the Landscape of Energy Justice
This module lays the groundwork for the course, overviewing objectives and approach, meeting one another, and taking a look at our own positionality. It also establishes the imperative for combating energy injustice and defines energy justice, exploring its roots in environmental justice and as a response to structural inequity.
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Energy Systems and Justice Frameworks
This module presents energy systems as human and social (as well as physical), invites students to explore their own energy systems, and explores and applies core principles of energy justice.
Creating More Just Energy Systems
This module draws on researchers and practitioners to present varied case studies of energy justice and injustice, identifies and reviews a range of tools and toolkits useful for addressing energy injustice, and helps launch students on the next stage of integrating EJ approaches in their own professional and civic lives.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Designed for professionals in sustainability and environment
Suitable for individuals seeking knowledge in energy justice
Relevant for those interested in equity in energy decisions
Teaches principles and frameworks for addressing energy injustice
Builds strategies for integrating energy justice into work and civic life
Requires no specific prerequisites or background knowledge

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures with these activities:
Participate in a peer discussion group
Engage in discussions and exchange perspectives
Show steps
  • Join a peer discussion group focused on energy justice.
  • Actively participate in discussions.
  • Share insights and perspectives.
Review the basics of environmental justice
Reviewing the basics of environmental justice will help you understand the historical context of energy justice and the connections between the two.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on environmental justice
  • Watch a video lecture on environmental justice
  • Take a practice quiz on environmental justice
Review energy systems and their major physical elements
This review will help you understand the basics of energy systems and their components, which will be essential for understanding the complexities of energy justice.
Browse courses on Energy Systems
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on energy systems
  • Watch a video lecture on energy systems
  • Take a practice quiz on energy systems
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice energy justice principles
Reinforce understanding of core principles
Show steps
  • Identify key principles of energy justice.
  • Develop scenarios that illustrate these principles.
  • Analyze scenarios to identify potential solutions.
Explore case studies of energy injustice
Gain insights from real-world examples
Show steps
  • Review case studies of energy injustice.
  • Identify recurring patterns and themes.
  • Discuss potential solutions and strategies.
Participate in a peer-led discussion group on energy justice
Participating in a discussion group will allow you to learn from others and share your own perspectives on energy justice.
Show steps
  • Find a peer-led discussion group on energy justice
  • Attend a discussion group meeting
  • Participate in the discussion
Volunteer with an energy justice organization
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to real-world change
Show steps
  • Identify energy justice organizations in your community.
  • Contact organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Regularly participate in volunteer activities.
Volunteer with a local organization working on energy justice
Volunteering will allow you to get involved in the fight for energy justice and make a real difference in your community.
Show steps
  • Research local organizations working on energy justice
  • Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering
  • Attend a volunteer orientation
  • Start volunteering!
Contribute to an open-source project related to energy justice
Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to learn from others and make a real difference in the fight for energy justice.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project related to energy justice
  • Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing
  • Start contributing to the project
Design an energy justice toolkit
Develop practical tools for implementing energy justice
Browse courses on Sustainable Energy
Show steps
  • Identify key components of an energy justice toolkit.
  • Research and select specific tools and resources.
  • Create a user-friendly interface for the toolkit.
  • Pilot the toolkit with a small group of users.
Write a blog post about energy justice
Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your understanding of energy justice and communicate it to a wider audience.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific aspect of energy justice to focus on
  • Research the topic thoroughly
  • Write a draft of your blog post
  • Get feedback on your draft from a peer or instructor
  • Publish your blog post
Enter a competition or hackathon focused on energy justice
Participating in a competition or hackathon will allow you to test your skills and knowledge of energy justice while also collaborating with others.
Show steps
  • Find a competition or hackathon focused on energy justice
  • Form a team
  • Develop a solution to the challenge
  • Submit your solution
Design a toolkit for identifying and addressing energy injustice
Designing a toolkit will allow you to apply your knowledge of energy justice to a real-world problem.
Show steps
  • Identify the specific problem that you want to address with your toolkit
  • Research existing toolkits and resources
  • Develop a plan for your toolkit
  • Create the toolkit
  • Test the toolkit with a group of users

Career center

Learners who complete Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers oversee sustainability initiatives and programs for companies and organizations. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact and increase the social and economic sustainability of their organization. This course may be useful in helping Sustainability Managers understand the social and environmental impacts of energy production and use, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Energy Efficiency Consultant
Energy Efficiency Consultants help organizations and individuals reduce their energy consumption and costs. They assess energy use, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop and implement energy efficiency measures. This course may be useful in understanding the social and environmental impacts of energy production and use, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Researcher
Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including energy, climate change, and social justice. They may work for universities, government agencies, or think tanks. This course may be useful in understanding how to conduct research on energy justice issues, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address issues that are important to them. They may organize campaigns, advocate for policies, or provide direct services. This course may be useful in understanding how to engage communities in energy justice issues, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developers manage the development and implementation of renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. They work with landowners, government agencies, and utilities to ensure that projects are sited, permitted, and constructed in a timely and cost-effective manner. This course may be useful in understanding the social and environmental impacts of energy production and use, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and make recommendations to policymakers. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful in understanding how to analyze energy justice issues, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental issues. They may start their own businesses or work with existing businesses to develop innovative solutions to problems such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. This course may be useful in understanding how to use business to promote energy justice, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the causes and effects of climate change, and develop and evaluate policies and strategies to mitigate climate change. This course may be useful in understanding the role of energy production and use in climate change, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Energy Policy Advisor
Energy Policy Advisors provide advice to government officials on energy policy issues, such as energy security, climate change, and renewable energy. They may also work for think tanks or non-profit organizations to research and analyze energy policy issues. This course may be useful in understanding the political and economic context of energy production and use, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts design and implement policies and regulations that protect the environment, using knowledge of natural sciences, social sciences, economics, and public policy. This course may be useful in understanding the societal and economic impacts of energy production and use, which is vital knowledge for an Environmental Policy Analyst. Additionally, the course will facilitate practice in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the development and implementation of programs for nonprofit organizations. They may work on a variety of issues, such as poverty, education, or environmental protection. This course may be useful in understanding how to manage energy justice programs, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Energy Journalist
Energy Journalists report on energy issues for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may cover a variety of topics, such as energy production, consumption, and policy. This course may be useful in understanding how to communicate energy justice issues to the public, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers represent clients in cases involving environmental law, such as pollution, climate change, and natural resource management. They may also work for government agencies or non-profit organizations to develop and enforce environmental regulations. This course may be useful in understanding the legal and regulatory framework for energy production and use, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and social studies. They may also teach special education or English as a Second Language. This course may be useful in understanding how to teach energy justice issues to students, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.
Philanthropy Officer
Philanthropy Officers oversee the development and implementation of fundraising programs for nonprofit organizations. They may also work with donors to identify and support projects that are aligned with the organization's mission. This course may be useful in understanding how to raise funds for energy justice initiatives, and will help build a foundation in energy justice principles and frameworks. The course will also help build skills in identifying and analyzing energy-related injustices, and developing strategies to address them.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures.
This reader provides a foundational understanding of the field of environmental justice, including its history, key concepts, and legal framework. It is valuable for its diverse perspectives and case studies, which help to illustrate the complexities of energy justice.
Examines the interconnections between climate change and social justice, and explores strategies for building a more just and equitable clean energy future. It is particularly relevant for its focus on the role of civil society and grassroots movements in推动energy justice.
This reader presents a collection of essays and articles that explore the history, theory, and practice of environmental justice in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field and offers insights into the many ways that environmental injustice manifests itself and can be addressed.
Argues that access to energy fundamental human right and explores the legal and policy implications of this recognition. It provides a valuable framework for understanding the obligations of governments and other actors to ensure that everyone has access to the energy they need to live a dignified life.
Provides a critical analysis of the relationship between energy and social justice, arguing that the current energy system is unjust and unsustainable. It offers a Marxist perspective on the issue and explores alternative approaches to energy production and distribution that could help to create a more just and equitable world.
Provides a clear and concise overview of the economics of climate change, offering a practical framework for understanding the costs and benefits of different mitigation and adaptation strategies. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the economics of climate change and its implications for energy justice.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the science of climate change, its impacts, and the options for mitigation and adaptation. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the latest scientific consensus on climate change and its implications for energy justice.
This reader presents a collection of essays and articles that explore the concept of climate justice, its implications, and the challenges of achieving it. It offers a comprehensive overview of the field and provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about climate justice and its relationship to energy justice.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of energy poverty, its causes, and its consequences. It offers a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the challenges of energy access and the need for energy justice.

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