Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future for All with Jennie C. Stephens

In this thought-provoking episode of The Mind Takeaway Podcast, we welcome back Jennie C. Stevens, a climate justice scholar and activist, as we delve into her latest book, "Climate Justice Universities". Jennie shares her journey from academia in the United States to her new role in Ireland, highlighting the urgent need for transformative change in higher education to address the climate crisis. Together, we explore the concept of climate justice universities, envisioning a future where academic institutions serve as powerful agents for systemic change rather than perpetuating the status quo.

Throughout our conversation, Jennie discusses the importance of radical acts of resistance within academia, the need for unlearning outdated knowledge frameworks, and the critical role of emotional and relational knowledge in leadership. We also touch on the challenges posed by corporate interests in higher education, the implications of exnovation, and the necessity of integrating diverse perspectives, including feminist and indigenous viewpoints, into our understanding of climate justice.

As we reflect on the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues, Jennie emphasises the importance of collective action and the potential for hope in the face of climate anxiety. This episode is a call to rethink our approach to education and activism, encouraging listeners to engage with these pressing issues and consider the transformative possibilities that lie ahead.

Timestamps:

01:05 Jenny's transition from the USA to Ireland and her motivations

03:30 The concept of climate justice universities and its significance

06:45 Radical acts of resistance in higher education

09:15 The importance of emotional and relational knowledge in leadership

12:50 The impact of corporate interests on academic institutions

15:30 Understanding exnovation and its relevance to climate action

18:40 The need for unlearning outdated knowledge frameworks

21:15 Feminism and its role in reshaping climate justice discourse

24:00 The significance of integrating diverse perspectives in academia

27:30 Collective Action and the Climate Justice Universities Union

30:00 Closing thoughts on hope and the future of climate justice

References

Jennie C. Stevens Website

Books

Climate Justice and the University

Diversifying Power

Maynooth University