Environmental problems and solutions often create unequal benefits and burdens, making environmental justice a central challenge for sustainability. This course explores how societies can pursue environmental change that is both effective and fair.
Participants will engage with philosophical theories of justice, debates on values and decision-making, and the perspectives of communities, Indigenous peoples, activists, and policymakers. Through real-world cases from fields such as climate adaptation, conservation, energy transitions, or urban inequalities, students examine competing understandings of justice and their practical implications. Combining theory, empirical examples, practitioner perspectives, and a site visit in Amsterdam, the course offers an interdisciplinary and highly interactive learning experience.
Please note: final course dates and tuition fees for Summer 2027 will be published on this website by the end of November.
Course overview
- Course dates: 5-9 July 2027 (Session 1b)
- Attendance: In-person
- Forms of tuition: Lectures, practicals, excursions, self-study and group work
- Forms of assessment: Group presentations (100% of course grade)
- See the course curriculum
Course level
- Minimum level: Master's
- English language requirement: C1 level (IELTS 7) or higher
- See the entry requirements
Workload
- Credits: Equivalent to 2 ECTS
- Contact hours: 23,5
- Self-study hours: 15
Lecturers
- Dr. Marije Schaafsma and Dr. Ina Lehmann
- Faculty of Science (BETA), Institute for Environmental Studies, IVM
Fees
- To be confirmed for 2027
Key Highlights
- Diverse Perspectives: Compare philosophical standards of justice with the lived experiences and activism of Indigenous groups, local communities, and grassroots movements.
- Value Systems & Ethics: Analyse how cultural, economic, and spiritual values shape environmental decision-making and land-use disputes.
- Global & Local Case Studies: Investigate real-world conflicts surrounding energy transitions, conservation displacement, and urban inequality.
- Interactive & Interdisciplinary: Learn from cross-departmental faculty and guest practitioners bridging the gap between theory and governance.
- Student-Led Research: Apply key frameworks and analytical tools to an environmental justice case study of your choice.
- Amsterdam Field Visit: Experience environmental justice in practice with an urban design site visit in Amsterdam.
Why Study Environmental Justice?
Policies perceived as fair gain stronger community support and achieve lasting success. By understanding who bears the costs, who reaps the benefits, and whose voices shape environmental governance, you will gain essential analytical tools for careers in sustainability, policy, advocacy, and environmental planning.