Advanced Diploma in Environment and Society

Lately, a global issue has been gaining social weight and political ground on both the world and national agendas. We are referring to the environmental question and the problem of climate change. These issues no longer belong exclusively to the world of academics, or even scientists, but now concern all societies and individuals. We emphasize this because the state of nature, expressed in environmental degradation and pollution and in the problem of climate change, affects the lives of all living beings, and especially those of human beings. Rarely has such a great danger loomed over the human species, placing it in a situation of immense vulnerability. Climate change in Latin America will undoubtedly increase our inequality, multiply our vulnerabilities, and, in fact, is already making us much poorer.

Some scientists and thinkers have dubbed the era we live in the Anthropocene, to underscore the human impact on nature and the complications this new age of Earth will bring. Modernity, in all its phases, has been built upon fossil remains; like a biblical giant with a head of gold and a chest of silver, but feet of clay, it has created a new and paradigmatic world based on the exploitation of nature. Probably no thought was given to the impact that human actions would unleash on nature, and even less to the response nature would give to our actions. A response so grave that it has endangered and jeopardized the development and existence of life, and that of our species.

It is important to note that this problem does not belong solely to the field of natural science research. It has now transcended this field to become an inherent problem for society and political action. This compels us to adopt an interdisciplinary perspective to understand the complexity of the phenomena we face. The social sciences initially believed the issue was outside their purview, but we know that climate change and environmental pollution are closely linked to the ways in which societies have been structured in the modern world. We are facing a phenomenon typical of modernity and of utilitarian and irresponsible practices that place the apex of human activity on the human subject, and only on the human subject. This anthropocentric view is responsible for the use of fossil fuels and their effects, which generate global warming and alter the natural conditions for life.

Despite what is known, the actions taken are quite minimal and very weak. Without a shift in the energy matrix, the use of coal, oil, and gas remains unchanged. The use of renewable energies does not reach 5% globally. Conflicts and wars continue over territories with fossil fuel deposits such as oil and gas, and it seems that the discourse in favor of combating climate change goes one way, while on the other, nations cling to the use of dirty and polluting energy. This Diploma program offered by CLACSO seeks to contribute to global and Latin American efforts to establish a new paradigm that combines a healthy environment with the development of life in general, and human life in particular.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

To introduce students to issues related to environmental problems and climate change. Our goal is that, by the end of the Diploma program, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the topics involved and will be able to formulate an informed position regarding this immense challenge facing humanity. It is clear that we all urgently need to combat this scourge that threatens our existence, but it is equally clear that the objective is to thoroughly understand what it is all about, and for this, it is essential to study it with great seriousness. Beyond the definitions, the importance of understanding in depth what is happening and taking appropriate measures to successfully navigate this situation is undeniable.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. To present a range of issues and problems that have arisen due to environmental degradation. The first challenge is understanding its complexity. Environmental issues can only be properly appreciated through an interdisciplinary and multifaceted view of reality. Climate change, to take one example, is the first indication that we are experiencing a shift in nature, and its persistence in recent decades compels us to seriously reflect on the various scenarios and indicators that are being altered as a result of this change. But, as a consequence, we observe many more changes. We perceive and confirm modifications in the landscape, the territory, the atmosphere, and different forms of life, and we also become aware of their effects on human society.
2. The program addresses diverse topics by integrating various dimensions and approaches, such as spatial-territorial, social, biological, and environmental perspectives. Themes like biodiversity, sustainable development, bioethics, and the rights of nature, as well as the links between gender and nature, will shape the reflections in the Diploma modules. We will attempt to combine these with an examination of the impact of global warming on various agricultural and extractive activities, as well as on the ecosystems of the Amazon, the insular Caribbean, and the Andean region.
3. To offer a debate on public policies surrounding social and environmental issues. Public policies should be geared towards (i) proposing appropriate, environmentally friendly alternatives and technologies to address specific problems; (ii) seeking nature-based solutions; (iii) designing sustainable development policies based on a new energy matrix and renewable energies that eliminate the use of fossil fuels; and (iv) building a new civilizational model that allows for the development of human life alongside all living forms on Earth.  
4. To support and advise the academic and research initiatives of students enrolled in the course. This means providing information and data, working materials and documentation, appropriate and specialized bibliography, as well as facilitating the creation of networks for collaboration and exchange on the various topics the Diploma program offers. A key objective will be for participants to understand that environmental issues extend beyond their local and national concerns, and that a Latin American spatial and territorial perspective will be crucial for addressing the planet's environmental challenges.

The Higher Diploma in Environment and Society is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students; teachers at all levels; activists and members of trade unions, social movements and political parties; public officials; members and managers of non-governmental organizations and professionals interested in the subject.

• Antonio De Lisio (CENDES-UCV, Venezuela)
• Patrícia Binkowski (UERGS, Brazil)
• Aline Reis Calvo Hernandez (UERGS, Brazil)
• Armando Fernández Soriano (CUBARTE, Cuba)
• Jacqueline Laguardia Martinez (UWI, Jamaica)
• Eduardo Rueda Barrera (Pontifical Javeriana University, Colombia)
• Ximena María Castro Bernardini (PUCP, Peru)
• Urphy Vásquez Baca (PUCP, Peru)
• Juan Pablo Olsson (UBA, Argentina)