Challenges in Teaching Environmental Politics and Governance: Perspectives from Latin America and Africa
Organized by South-South Committee
In Latin America and Africa, we encounter regions abundant in socio-biodiversity and yet plagued by profound inequality and the relentless exploitation of natural resources for exportation. These regions boast rich natural and cultural diversity, yet they grapple with socio-economic disparities and environmental degradation stemming from extractive industries. Besides, both regions are disproportionately affected by global environmental changes. In both contexts, traditional environmental politics teaching materials often seem disconnected from students' lived realities, highlighting the pressing need to bridge this gap in environmental education. Educating people about socio-environmental degradation is crucial for fostering critical citizenship and transforming production, consumption, and governance patterns to sustain life and dignity for all. However, considering the region's contexts, addressing the depth of crises and generating adequate responses pose significant challenges of different dimensions (epistemological, theoretical, empirical, methodological, etc.).
This session aims to delve into the complexities of teaching environmental politics and governance, particularly within Latin America and Africa. Two professors will lead the discussion, each offering a brief presentation on the topic and posing thought-provoking questions to the audience, involving:
- Understanding the challenges of teaching GEP in the Global South, specifically in Latin America and Africa.
- Exploring pedagogical strategies to engage students effectively and foster critical thinking about socio-environmental issues.
- Reflect on educators' role in addressing socio-environmental crises and promoting collective action among students.
- Sharing experiences about teaching GEP within diverse cultural, political, and socio-economic contexts.
The session will be structured as a facilitated conversation (Campfire Session), allowing ample time for audience participation and engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their own experiences, insights, and questions related to teaching GEP in the Global South.
