IR5418 Critical Climate Justice

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Module description

This module aims to give students a critical theoretical understanding and practical analysis of the meaning and significance of climate justice within the international system. The module will examine the impact of historic, and ongoing, colonialism upon the climate crisis, outlining the ways in which marginalised communities have been, and continue to be, impacted by environmental change. It will trace the roots of the environmental and climate justice movements, outlining the ways in which resistance to neoliberal governance frameworks has developed, as well as the key actors moving forward. In addition, the module will consider the meaning and politics of a 'just' transition; the problems with neoliberal sustainability narratives, and the ways in which anti-racist education connects to climate justice learning. This module will be of interest to critical theorists, to those with an interest in policy, as well as to those aiming for a place in the world as a practitioner.

Intended learning outcomes

• Understand climate justice from a critical perspective and how it relates to wider theoretical schemas - both non-Western and Western.
• Understand the varying definitions of, and theoretical approaches to, climate justice, and critically analyse their context and impacts.
• Consider the parameters of climate change research and how these might impact justice narratives.
• Explain the ways in which the climate justice movement is related to other justice movements, e.g. racial justice, disability justice, gender justice etc.
• Critically examine climate change within its historical context, including an understanding of colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacy.