Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures

The Energy Justice: Fostering More Equitable Energy Futures course, offered by Dartmouth College through Coursera, is a beginner-level online program designed to explore the intersections of energy systems, social justice, and environmental equity. Instructed by Amanda C. Graham, it addresses how energy transitions can combat structural inequities, drawing on concepts from environmental justice and climate action. With 1,891 enrollments and a 4.8 rating from 31 reviews, the course spans three modules, requiring about 8-10 hours, and emphasizes positionality, energy systems as sociotechnical, and practical tools for fostering equitable futures. It is suitable for those motivated to integrate justice into energy policy and practice, with no strict prerequisites beyond basic energy knowledge.

Core Content

The curriculum is divided into three modules that progressively build understanding of energy justice. Module 1 introduces the imperative for addressing energy injustice, defining energy justice through lenses like energy security and structural inequity, with roots in environmental justice and discussions on racism and historical contexts. Module 2 examines energy systems as human and social, personal energy mapping, and core principles including distributive, procedural, recognition, restorative, and voice-centering approaches. Module 3 presents case studies from regions like Chile, Texas, California, and urban energy efficiency, alongside tools like the Initiative for Energy Justice's Workbook and Scorecard, culminating in reflections on applying energy justice in professional and civic life.

Key Skills

Participants develop competencies in systems thinking for analyzing energy as sociotechnical, policy analysis for advocating just transitions, and advocacy for community development and social justice. The course builds abilities in recognizing structural inequities, applying energy justice tenets like distributive and procedural principles, and using tools for diagnosing injustices. Graduates gain practical expertise in evaluating case studies, crafting personal energy maps, and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into environmental policy, enabling them to address energy-related disparities effectively.

Target Learners

This program is tailored for beginners interested in energy, environmental policy, and social justice, including professionals in energy sectors, policymakers, activists, and community leaders seeking to understand and combat energy inequities. It suits those with some background in energy or related fields aiming to foster equitable futures, as well as students and advocates motivated by climate action and structural change, without requiring advanced expertise.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online via Coursera, the course is self-paced with flexible deadlines, featuring 20 videos, 41 readings, 11 assignments, and 2 discussion prompts across three modules. It includes interactive elements like interviews, case studies, and peer discussions, taught in English with subtitles. Learners can audit for free or pay for a certificate to access graded assessments and a shareable credential.

Additional Benefits

Completers earn a certificate from Dartmouth College, enhancing LinkedIn profiles and demonstrating expertise in energy justice for career advancement in policy, advocacy, or environmental roles. Participants join Coursera's global community for ongoing discussions and benefit from resources like readings on revolutionary power and energy democracy, supporting lifelong application in equitable energy transitions.

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