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Adrian Martin, Iokiñe Rodríguez, Nicole Gross-Camp, Vasudha Chhotray, Hannah Gray, Brendan Coolsaet, Teresa Armijos, Gareth Edwards, Oliver Springate-Baginski (Educator), and Stephen Amiss

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 This course is designed for people who are already working on environmental problems or are familiar with environmental issues. It seeks to address environmentalists around the world although a background on international development will be useful. You can use the hashtag #FLenvjustice to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

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 This course is designed for people who are already working on environmental problems or are familiar with environmental issues. It seeks to address environmentalists around the world although a background on international development will be useful. You can use the hashtag #FLenvjustice to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Why environmental justice?
  • Justice as multi-dimensional
  • Principles of justice
  • Is justice political?
  • Odisha case study
  • A political activist’s perspective
  • EJ Atlas
  • Water justice
  • Forest governance from a local perspective
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Climate justice
  • Forest governance from a global perspective
  • Participatory video
  • Life plans

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Reviews summary

Academic look at environmental justice

According to learners, this course offers a solid academic grounding in the complex field of environmental justice. Students found the content to be thought-provoking and appreciated the inclusion of real-world case studies like Odisha. The multidisciplinary approach, touching on politics, law, and social issues, was a highlight for many. While some felt the pace was challenging or that it required significant prior knowledge, overall feedback suggests it provides a valuable foundation for understanding the topic.
May be challenging without background.
"As someone relatively new to environmental studies, I found some parts quite challenging. It seems to assume a certain level of familiarity."
"The course description is accurate; if you don't have a background in environmental issues or development, you might struggle with the pace and depth."
"While valuable, it feels geared more towards those refining their understanding rather than complete beginners."
Found materials like videos effective.
"The video lectures were engaging and easy to follow, breaking down complex ideas effectively."
"I enjoyed the mix of videos, readings, and activities. The participatory video module was a unique highlight."
"The course uses different formats which helped keep my attention and learn in different ways."
Integrates various fields effectively.
"I loved how the course wove together aspects of environmental science, politics, law, and social justice. It felt very comprehensive."
"The course explores environmental justice from multiple angles, which is crucial for understanding its complexity."
"It's not just about the environment; it's about power, equity, and activism, and the course handles this breadth well."
Uses real-world examples to illustrate concepts.
"The Odisha case study was particularly insightful and brought the abstract concepts of justice down to earth."
"I appreciated the different case studies presented; they made the material much more relatable and easier to grasp in practice."
"Looking at specific examples like water justice and forest governance through real-world lenses was very effective."
Prompts critical thinking on key issues.
"The course really makes you think critically about what justice means in an environmental context."
"It challenged some of my preconceived notions and opened my eyes to new perspectives on climate and biodiversity."
"I found myself constantly reflecting on the materials and how they apply to current events."
Provides a strong introduction to core concepts.
"This course gives you a really good academic overview of environmental justice. It covers the history, principles, and political aspects."
"I found the course content to be very thorough and well-structured. It built my understanding step-by-step from foundational ideas."
"It really helped me organize my existing knowledge and fill in gaps I didn't realize I had about the theoretical underpinnings."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Environmental Justice. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Environmental Justice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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