Transformative Talk: Reimagining Climate Justice Universities

During this time of accelerating climate disruption and growing economic inequities, many are questioning whether education systems are adequately preparing students for destabilising futures and how academic practices, including research, degree programs, and corporate partnerships might be reinforcing extractive and exploitative structures rather than facilitating societal transformation toward more just, stable and healthy futures for all. 

This discussion will explore the changing role of higher education institutions and how students and academic staff are engaging with transformative ideas and practices.  Critical perspectives on how corporate interests and profit-seeking priorities are influencing academic research and student learning will be discussed. The session will also invite participants to reimagine a restructured higher education system that had reclaimed the public good mission and was committed to advancing transformative climate justice. 

Jennie C Stephens is a feminist climate justice scholar activist and Professor of Climate Justice at the National University of Ireland Maynooth.  She is the author of Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future for All (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024) and Diversifying Power: Why We Need Feminist, Antiracist Leadership on Climate and Energy (Island Press, 2020).