Climate change is an ongoing and escalating health and social justice emergency that results from human behaviour. In this interdisciplinary course, we will explore the drivers of human behaviours that contribute to climate change, and the systems that shape them. Then, we will discuss how to address these systems and behaviours, drawing on insights from behavioural science, public health, systems science, and economics, among others.
In lectures and group activities, we will also address issues such as climate justice, discourses of denial and delay, individual behaviour change vs. systems change, postgrowth and wellbeing economics, and how to communicate effectively about climate change. Throughout the course, we will consider the difficult emotions that can be associated with climate change, and how to create active hope.
Addressing climate change climate change allows societies to prioritise wellbeing, through interventions that simultaneously improve health, sustainability, and social justice. This course is designed to equip you with knowledge, tools and resilience for contributing to healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable societies in both private and professional life.
Learning objectives
After this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the role of psychological processes in climate change
- Describe systems factors that shape human behaviours contributing to climate change
- Apply communication strategies to talking about climate change without harming relationships
- Discuss co-benefits of addressing climate change for creating healthier and happier societies
