Why this subject?

The course provides a multidisciplinary analysis of international cooperation on the environment and how environmental issues are managed at different levels, globally, nationally and locally. There is a particular emphasis on the role of experts in environmental management and how different forms of expertise, including stakeholder knowledge, interact with scientific knowledge.

Theories related to multi-level governance, framing and views on democracy are used to analyse complex social relationships and forms of cooperation surrounding global environmental problems. The course makes links to current research on how aspects relating to the environment and sustainability are dealt with by experts and stakeholders in relation to climate, environmental and sustainability challenges.

Teaching provides deeper insight into the importance of experts and how different types of expertise influence decision-making processes. Examples from literature and teacher-led activities highlight real challenges such as climate change, land management, chemicals management and issues of justice.

Course design

The course is based on lectures and active participation in seminars on campus.