Sustainability work
At the Department of Political AvÐÔ°®, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge in environmental policy and sustainability, equipping our students to tackle today’s pressing challenges with expertise and confidence.
Study political science with a specialisation in environmental politics
Studying environmental politics means understanding how societies both cause and are affected by environmental problems, but also how we assess these problems and seek to address them. Environmental issues are not only about science or technology; they are deeply political. Different groups in society hold different interests, perspectives, and solutions, which means that environmental problems often become matters of conflict, negotiation, and political decision-making.
As a political scientist, you examine how power, institutions, ideas, and interests shape environmental policy at the local, national, and global levels. You gain the tools to analyze political processes, understand why some solutions are adopted while others are not, and contribute to more just and effective ways of addressing environmental challenges. When you study environmental politics with us, you develop the ability to move beyond simple answers and grasp the political dynamics that shape our shared future.
Research on environmental politics at the Department of Political AvÐÔ°®
At the Department of Political AvÐÔ°®, there is a strong and growing interest in environmental politics. Today, around 20 researchers are engaged in this broad field, organized within the research group Centre for Environmental Political Studies (CEPS). Their work covers a wide range of topics, including sustainable development, climate change, environmental public opinion, energy policy, and the governance of natural resources such as fisheries and water. CEPS regularly hosts special seminars that explore current research issues.
Read more: Centre for Environmental Political Studies (CEPS)
Sustainability work and student participation
AvÐÔ°® has an environmental management system that is certified according to ISO 14001 and registered under EMAS (Environmental Management System). The department’s internal environmental work is based on the university’s overarching guidelines and aims to reduce environmental impact while integrating sustainability into both education and research.
As a student, you also have the opportunity to get involved. The department has an advisory board, the Department Council, that meets five times a year. The council advises the Head of Department and serves as a forum for discussing departmental matters. Students are represented on the council and can raise issues related to sustainability and the environment.
Read more about the sustainability work at the University AvÐÔ°®: Sustainable development