Introduction to Climate Justice and Equity

Introduction to Climate Justice and Equity

Learn how climate equity and justice can help the most vulnerable people address the effects of climate change.

Define climate equity and its effect on vulnerable populations
One of the biggest injustices resulting from climate change is inequity, with those least responsible for the current climate emergency often suffering most.

On this four-week course from the University of Glasgow, you’ll examine the concept of climate equity. You’ll learn how climate justice seeks to address this imbalance and what steps can be taken to work towards a sustainable future for all.

Discover the need for climate reparations and disasters funds
Those most affected by climate change are often least likely to have the funds to introduce sustainable measures.

You’ll consider different approaches to helping the Global South tackle climate change, from debt cancellation, equitable finance, and climate compensation.

Reflecting on who is responsible for driving climate equity and how climate reparations can be advanced, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of the global, political, and economical factors impacting climate justice.

Analyse the shortfalls of current government climate pledges
Using real case studies, you’ll analyse how international level targets and national initiatives fall short of keeping global warming from reaching dangerous levels.

You’ll examine government pledges in the context of your own country and those of your fellow learners, allowing you to assess the level of commitment towards fighting climate disaster.

Examine key climate justice issues affecting sustainable development
You’ll explore key concepts including conflict and climate, energy, education, and sustainable farming and their impact on helping deliver climate justice around the world.

You’ll finish this course with a thorough understanding of climate equity and why immediate climate action must be taken to protect the future of the environment and the most vulnerable populations.

Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Identify how climate change is impacting vulnerable populations globally
Assess the level of commitment needed to keep climate change from breaching dangerous levels in the context of environmental and social justice
Evaluate complex trade-offs that need to be considered for developing nations to prosper
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for a range of learners including business owners, policymakers, consultants, NGO managers, teachers, activists, and charities, who want to understand the importance of taking immediate climate action.

Who will you learn with?

Ben Murphy

Ben Murphy is Education Officer for the Centre of Sustainable Solutions. His primary experience has been in climate change education and climate justice, both teaching and research. Ben’s work aims to engage and educate people about the value of the natural world, as well as the importance of integrating social justice into environmental narratives. As a mountain leader, Ben volunteers with a number of community groups, engaging young people in sustainability and the natural environment. He is leading the 'Climate Equity' course at the Centre and is supporting two ‘Teaching Sustainability’ courses