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Global Governance of the Earth System

Earth system governance research begins with observations of our intricate and ever-changing world, along with the earth system it encompasses. The past decade has witnessed tremendous changes, with both natural and human systems experiencing an accelerated scale and pace of transformation. Particularly in developing urban areas, air pollution has dire consequences for human health and the environment. Moreover, global trends often obscure localized issues and the unequal distribution of environmental pressures and impacts, such as food insecurity, water stress, and vulnerability to natural disasters.

As a result, the empirical context for earth system governance is rapidly evolving, becoming increasingly complex and dynamic compared to a decade ago. Another aim of the course is to identify new relevant themes and concepts, reflecting both a changing empirical context and a changing scientific enquiry.

The course will explore significant trends and drivers of change that are expected to shape the next decade of global envirnmental governance. It acknowledges the coexistence of multiple worldviews and recognizes that drivers and directions of change are often complex and fluid.

Lectures

A lineup of 16 guest lecturers from the ESG Project’s community will engage in discussions on pressing existing issues while addressing new global trends and imperatives for broader societal transformation. The course includes an introductory lecture, five lectures on the research lenses of the ESG research framework, two policy-oriented lectures on climate and ocean governance, and a review of the role of law. Each lecture is delivered by two leading experts, providing diverse perspectives for a comprehensive learning experience.

Infographic ESG

Examples of cross-cutting research questions

Schedule

Tuesday, 3 September 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 1: Introduction – Key Governance Challenges
Tuesday, 10 September 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 2: Architecture and Agency
Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 3: Democracy and Power
Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 4: Justice and Allocation
Tuesday, 1 October 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 5: Anticipation and Imagination
Tuesday, 8 October 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 6: Adaptiveness and Reflexivity
Tuesday, 15 October 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 7: Application 1 – Marine Biodiversity Conservation
Tuesday, 22 October 2024 10:00–12:00 CEST Lecture 8: Application 2 – Climate Engineering
Tuesday, 29 October 2023 10:00–12:00 CET Lecture 9: The Role of Law in Governance Transformation

Lecturers

Rakhyun E. Kim
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Carole-Anne Sénit
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Frank Biermann
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Julia Tschersich

Julia Tschersich
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Marie Claire Brisbois
University of Sussex, United Kingdom

Florian Rabitz
Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania

Aarti Gupta
Wageningen University, Netherlands

Joost Vervoort
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Jonathan Pickering
University of Canberra, Australia

Miranda Boettcher

Miranda Boettcher
SWP Berlin, Germany and Utrecht University, Netherlands

Jeroen Oomen
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Ellycia Harrould-Kolieb
University of Melbourne, Australia

Hyeyoon Park
University of Sterling, United Kingdom

Annisa Triyanti
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Louis Kotzé
North-West University, South Africa

Catherine Blanchard
Utrecht University, Netherlands

Registration

Deadline: 27 August 2024

Registering for the Global Level Governance and the Earth System course will grant you access to all lecture sessions through Microsoft Teams.

While the course lectures are accessible online and for free to external students, it is primarily designed for Utrecht University (UU) students. UU students will benefit from exclusive opportunities to attend supplementary workshops/tutorials and complete assignments, which won’t be available to external participants. Additionally, please be aware that certificates or credits will not be provided to external participants upon course completion.