Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures

Dartmouth College via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/energy-justice

Introduction

**Course Review: Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures** In our rapidly changing world, the connection between energy systems and social justice has never been clearer. The course "Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures" on Coursera stands as a beacon for individuals passionate about creating a fairer, more inclusive energy landscape. This enticing course is meticulously designed for sustainability enthusiasts, environmental professionals, and anyone motivated by social equity in the context of energy. ### Overview The course poses thought-provoking questions that resonate deeply with those who have contemplated the role of energy in social structures. For instance, it asks: - Are you motivated by the idea that social justice can be served by the energy transition, but feel uncertain about how this can be achieved? - Do you want to enhance your ability to identify and act against injustices in the energy sector? - Are you a professional in sustainability or environmental fields eager to contribute to the design of fair energy systems? - Do you wonder how to empower your community in their energy decisions? If these inquiries pique your interest, then this course is tailored for you. ### Course Structure and Content The course unfolds over a series of modules, each building on the last to equip students with the necessary knowledge and tools to advocate for energy justice effectively: 1. **Introduction to the Course and the Landscape of Energy Justice**: This module establishes the core objectives, providing an overview of energy justice while encouraging participants to reflect on their positionality. By discussing the historical roots of energy justice and its relationship with broader environmental justice movements, learners are appropriately situated to understand the imperative of combating energy injustice. 2. **Energy Systems and Justice Frameworks**: Going beyond the technical aspects of energy systems, this module introduces participants to the human and social dimensions of energy. By exploring and applying core principles of energy justice, learners are equipped to critically analyze their own energy systems and contexts. 3. **Creating More Just Energy Systems**: This practical module incorporates various case studies that highlight energy justice and injustice. It provides a treasure trove of tools and resources for students to address energy inequities in their work and communities, thus preparing them to integrate energy justice approaches into their professional and civic endeavors. ### Why You Should Take This Course - **Relevance**: The course is timely and highly relevant as societies worldwide grapple with equitable energy transitions, driven by climate justice and sustainability movements. - **Diverse Perspectives**: Engaging with case studies and examples from researchers and practitioners enriches the learning experience, illustrating real-world applications and solutions. - **Empowerment**: Participants leave this course with actionable insights, tools, and frameworks to drive change in their communities. The focus is not solely academic; it is rooted in practical impact. - **Community Engagement**: Enrollers will likely connect with like-minded individuals, fostering networking opportunities and collaborative learning experiences. ### Conclusion "Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures" is not just an online course; it is a vital step toward understanding and addressing the energy injustices prevalent in our world today. If you are passionate about integrating social justice into energy transitions and want to be a catalyst for change, this course is highly recommended. By embracing the teachings within, you’ll be empowered to inform your community’s energy decisions, push for systemic change, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable energy future for all. Enroll today and begin your journey toward sustainable social equity in the energy sector!

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course and to the Landscape of Energy Justice

This module lays the groundwork for the course, overviewing objectives and approach, meeting one another, and taking a look at our own positionality. It also establishes the imperative for combating energy injustice and defines energy justice, exploring its roots in environmental justice and as a response to structural inequity.

Energy Systems and Justice Frameworks

This module presents energy systems as human and social (as well as physical), invites students to explore their own energy systems, and explores and applies core principles of energy justice.

Creating More Just Energy Systems

This module draws on researchers and practitioners to present varied case studies of energy justice and injustice, identifies and reviews a range of tools and toolkits useful for addressing energy injustice, and helps launch students on the next stage of integrating EJ approaches in their own professional and civic lives.

Overview

Are you motivated by the idea that social justice can be served by the energy transition, but are not sure how to make this happen? Do you want to grow your ability to recognize - and do something about - injustice in the energy space? Are you a sustainability or environmental professional eager to help design just energy systems? Do you wonder how to help advance equity in your community’s energy decisions? This course is for you! Energy is the lifeblood of the modern way of life. Yet not

Skills

designing and redesigning energy systems to put justice at the center recognizing energy injustice applying concepts and tools to advance energy justice

Reviews

This course was great! I learned so much about environmental and energy justice from a diverse group of experts. Would highly recommend this course!

A great introduction to the concept of energy justice, historical significance, and current case studies/policies.

The course topic is very unique. The case studies and toolkit are really interesting.

Course was very thought provokng. Signed up as audit, but vould not complete w/o paying for certificate;