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.
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
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
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.