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Carol Elston,
Jon Lovett,
Leanda Johnson,
Rob Pheasant,
Ellie Dunn,
Leanda Hamilton,
and
Sophia XU
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in justice and environmental decision-making; no previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in environmental management, or wish to learn more about it, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLenvirojustice to talk about this course on social media.
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in justice and environmental decision-making; no previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in environmental management, or wish to learn more about it, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLenvirojustice to talk about this course on social media.
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in justice and environmental decision-making; no previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in environmental management, or wish to learn more about it, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLenvirojustice to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
- Understand the way that thought experiments can be used to generate fundamental principles.
- Have knowledge of the two principles of justice used in the Theory of Justice.
- Be introduced to the approach of John Rawls, often regarded as the greatest moral philosopher of the 20th Century.
- Understand the difference between economic approaches based on the ‘hidden hand’ of a free market, and institutional economics, in which transaction costs are considered to be important.
- Appreciate the factors that reduce transaction costs.
- Be introduced to Douglass North, who is often regarded as the father of modern institutional economics.
- Understand the practical difficulties of applying the principle of equality to decision-making.
- Be able to perform a simple test to show how collective modes of choice can be logically inconsistent.
- Be introduced to Ken Arrow, who demonstrated the difficulty of rational choice in social welfare.
- Be able to recognise the application of Rawls’ principles of justice to policy.
- Understand the violation of the second principle of justice when applied to saving for future generations.
- Appreciate that the solution to intergenerational justice is to have fairness in the present generation.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/m5h45e/environmental
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Reviews summary
Theoretical foundations of environmental justice
According to students, this course provides a strong introduction to the philosophical and economic foundations of environmental justice and resource management. Learners found that the course explains complex ideas clearly, particularly difficult concepts like Rawls' principles and institutional economics. While providing a solid theoretical grounding, some noted a limited focus on practical, hands-on environmental management techniques, making it more suited for those interested in the 'why' and the frameworks rather than 'how-to'. The course is well-structured, though opinions on the engagement of assignments and lectures vary.
Course material/assignments vary in engagement.
"Content was interesting but sometimes felt a bit dry."
"the assignments weren't very engaging."
"Professor was engaging."
"Some readings were less engaging than others."
Builds a robust foundation in theory.
"Excellent introduction to philosophical concepts in env justice."
"A solid theoretical grounding."
"If you want to understand the ethical and economic frameworks behind env policy, this is great."
"It really changed how I think about collective decision making."
Difficult concepts are made clear.
"Lectures were clear, readings were helpful. Made complex ideas accessible."
"The section on Arrow's theorem was eye-opening. The instructor explained challenging concepts brilliantly."
"Very informative course... While highly theoretical, it's essential knowledge. Well-structured."
"The explanations of complex concepts like Rawls and Arrow's theorem were surprisingly easy to follow."
More academic than hands-on management.
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, wished for more practical case studies on management."
"Didn't feel like it directly helped my environmental management job, more academic."
"Expected more on actual environmental management, less abstract theory. Not practical."
"Not a 'how-to' course for managers, but gives crucial context. Be aware it's theory-heavy."
Activities
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Environmental Challenges: Justice in Natural Resource Management.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Environmental Challenges: Justice in Natural Resource Management will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m5h45e/environmental
Reading list
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Considered a foundational text in the environmental justice movement, this book provides a historical and sociological analysis of environmental racism in the American South. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of how race and class intersect with environmental issues and is often used as a core text in academic courses.
This introductory textbook provides a foundational understanding of environmental justice principles and concepts. It covers topics such as environmental racism, unequal access to resources, and participatory decision-making.
This collection of essays and articles explores the history, theories, and contemporary manifestations of environmental racism. It features perspectives from scholars, activists, and policymakers, providing a comprehensive overview of the issue.
This practical guide provides step-by-step guidance on how to apply environmental justice principles to policies, programs, and projects. It covers topics such as stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and policy evaluation.
Examines the intersection of environmental justice and sustainable development, emphasizing the need for socially equitable and environmentally responsible approaches to development.
Explores the connections between climate change and environmental justice, emphasizing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities. It provides insights into the ethical and policy implications of climate justice.
Focuses on environmental justice issues in Latin America, examining case studies and policy initiatives in countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. It explores the unique challenges and opportunities for promoting environmental justice in the region.
Offers a comparative perspective on environmental justice, examining policies and practices in different countries around the world. It explores the legal, social, and political dimensions of environmental justice, highlighting commonalities and variations across jurisdictions.
Explores the emerging right to a healthy environment, examining its legal, ethical, and political implications. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for recognizing and implementing this right globally.
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Offers in-depth research and case studies illustrating how environmental racism is embedded in urban planning and policy. It is crucial for deepening one's understanding of the systemic causes of environmental injustice and is highly relevant for students and professionals in urban studies, sociology, and environmental policy.
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Tracing the origins and growth of the environmental justice movement, this book highlights the role of grassroots activism through compelling case studies. It's excellent for understanding the historical context and the power of community organizing in fighting environmental injustice.
Analyzes the disproportionate impact of disasters and the government's response on African American communities, providing historical context and compelling data. It highlights the intersection of environmental injustice and disaster vulnerability.
Introduces the concept of intersectional environmentalism, linking environmental justice with racial and social equity. It's a contemporary take on the topic, offering practical steps for creating a more inclusive and sustainable future, making it relevant for a wide audience, including those new to the topic.
Provides a vital history of Indigenous resistance to environmental injustice and land dispossession. It argues for an "Indigenized environmental justice" framework and is essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities and their historical and ongoing activism.
Directly addresses the intersection of climate change and racial injustice, arguing that the climate crisis reinforces existing racial inequalities. It's a crucial read for understanding contemporary environmental justice issues within the context of climate change.
An anthology of essays and poetry by women leading on climate, this book offers diverse perspectives and solutions for the climate crisis, with a strong emphasis on justice and equity. It's valuable for understanding contemporary approaches and the role of women in the movement.
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Provides a historical analysis of how concepts of race and hygiene have shaped environmental inequalities in the U.S., linking the idea of whiteness with cleanliness and its impact on marginalized communities. It's useful for understanding the deep historical roots of environmental racism.
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Focusing on the politics of garbage in Chicago, this book examines how waste management disproportionately affects vulnerable communities and highlights the activism against environmental injustice. It's a strong case study for understanding urban environmental justice issues.
This historical work analyzes the influence of race, class, and gender in the American conservation movement, revealing often overlooked narratives of marginalized groups. It provides essential background for understanding the broader environmental movement within which environmental justice emerged.
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This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of environmental justice, covering legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks. It examines the history, principles, and challenges of environmental justice, with a focus on the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m5h45e/environmental
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Time
10 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institution
University of Leeds
Instructors
Carol Elston
Jon Lovett
Leanda Johnson
Rob Pheasant
Ellie Dunn
Leanda Hamilton
Sophia XU
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