New Minor on Climate Change and Inequality kicks off at University of Groningen

On September 3rd, the University of Groningen launched its new minor programme, ‘Climate Change and Inequality’, with an inaugural cohort of 11 students. The kick-off event was led by two dedicated lecturers, both of whom also developed the minor, Dr Gorazd Andrejc and Dr Iva Pesa, marking the beginning of an interdisciplinary journey into the complex relationships between climate change and global inequalities.

The minor is initiated by the Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate (WOS) and developed together with the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Science and Engineering. This minor aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. Through a blend of theoretical courses and practical projects, students will explore the social, legal, political, philosophical, and epistemological dimensions of climate change and inequality.

The programme is structured into three main parts. The first part consists of a newly developed foundational course that introduces students to global inequality and climate change, as well as approaches to climate justice. The second part offers 2 courses from two other disciplines.The final part, developed by Dr Prajal Pradhan, Dr Iva Pesa, Dr Gorazd Andrejc and Drs. Pauline Bakker, is a challenge-based project, where students will work in interdisciplinary groups to address real-world challenges related to climate change and inequality.

The launch of this minor is a significant step forward in the university's efforts to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time. With its interdisciplinary approach and focus on real-world challenges, the Climate Change and Inequality minor promises to be a valuable addition to the university's curriculum.