This course focuses on the critical study of the institutions, actors and processes that shape environmental policy as well as on the formulation of environmental policies at local, national and global level. Learners will examine how political ideologies, interest groups, the scientific community, the media, national and international actors shape the perception of environmental issues, influence decision-making and promote (or not) the implementation of specific policies. Key topics covered in this course include climate governance, biodiversity protection, environmental justice, sustainability transitions, and natural resource management policy.

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Possess advanced knowledge of environmental governance frameworks, policy tools, and regulatory approaches, including their historical and socio-economic contexts.
• Analyze and evaluate complex environmental policy issues using relevant theoretical and empirical tools.
• Plan and evaluate policy actions for the protection of the environment, while taking into account political, economic and social constraints and contexts.
• Communicate effectively their specific environmental knowledge to different audiences, translating technical information into actionable policy recommendations.
• Manage and address social conflicts on environmental management and protection issues, recognizing value priorities, the dimension between interests, and the dimensions of intra- and intergenerational justice.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be adequately equipped to undertake leading, advisory or advocacy roles in public administration, local government, international organizations, NGOs or private sector companies, contributing to the development, evaluation and implementation of sustainable and socially just environmental policies.