Sustainability Governance (MEE210)

This course centers on energy and environmental governance in different locations around the world. Students develop an understanding of how societies are affected and respond to ecological crises in different ways. The course introduces perspectives that highlight the diverse contexts between a) the global North and South regarding environmental issues, and b) social, political, and economic context and conditions.

As with sustainability, governance is a contested concept, involving changing relationships between actors (states, markets, civil society) across different societal domains, sectors, and scales. This course examines sustainability governance at transnational, national, regional, and local levels, with particular attention to energy and environmental challenges across the globe. Students will explore different governance approaches, including networks, partnerships, multi-level governance, and other forms of collective action, shape sustainability outcomes, such as the green transition and nature conservation.

Sustainability challenges cut across environmental, social, political, and economic domains, ranging from climate change and energy production to nature conservation, food and water systems, resource extraction, pollution, and waste management. The course examines how different political, institutional, socio-economic, and geographical contexts influence governance processes and responses to these interconnected challenges.

Through theoretical and analytical perspectives and empirical case studies, students will critically examine how different governance arrangements shape sustainability policies, decision-making processes, and outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the opportunities, limitations, and implications of different governance approaches in addressing contemporary sustainability challenges.

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies:

Knowledge

Students will have:

• knowledge of central theories and concepts related to energy governance, and how they can be applied.
• knowledge of the varying conditions for energy governance, including environmental impacts, resource distribution, geographical aspects, and socio-political systems.
• knowledge of the various challenges and strategies related to energy governance and environmental impacts across the globe.

Skills

Students will be able to:

• apply and discuss central theories and concepts related to energy governance.
• identify and assess connections between challenges and strategies related to energy governance and environmental impacts.

General competencies

Students will be able to:

• use their acquired skills and knowledge to discuss and analyse issues related to energy governance.
• contribute to furthering strategies for a sustainable society and contribute to a cooperative learning environment.

In order to qualify for the exam, students must pass a mandatory assignment to be carried out in groups of 3-5 students, resulting in a written submission.

All information will be given in Canvas.