Overview

This specialisation familiarises students with the latest scholarly insights, key concepts, and debates in environmental justice, with a strong emphasis on governance.

You will analyse the root causes of environmental injustices, including historical power dynamics like colonialism and imperialism, as well as contemporary challenges such as the energy transition and climate change.

You will critically explore how governance institutions can both harm people and (nonhuman) nature, and how they can be reformed to reduce these injustices.

Future career opportunities

Graduates work at municipalities, consultancies, companies and environmental NGOs such as Friends of the Earth, IUCN, and social enterprises, addressing e.g., energy poverty, or environmental and social governance.

Roles include:

• Policy maker or practitioner on justice and sustainability
• Environmental campaigner

• Researcher or analyst

Research

A few examples to indicate the type of research in this specialisation:

• How can vulnerable communities benefit from a fair and inclusive energy transition?
• How can informal settlements become more resilient to water-related disasters]?
• How do EU just transition policies support regions and workers affected by low-carbon transitions?
• How can environmental decision-making better include marginalised human and nonhuman interests?

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the NVAO (the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation).