Fighting Climate Change – Mapping the pathway with social movements

The actions adopted by national governments to reduce GHG emissions remain insufficient to keep global warming below 1.5 C. In the face of such inaction, and the ongoing rise of populist politics worldwide, we see a renewal of interest in the role of social movements to addressing climate change. But how can addressing environmental problems be accomplished without undermining the needs of working, marginalized or otherwise disadvantaged groups in society? 
The widely publicized Yellow Vest protests in France offer a strong case-in-point. 

To shed light on this urgent issue we welcome internationally renowned climate change activist and founder of 350.org Bill McKibben, together with climate change activist and Swedish labor and transport union representative Ulf Jarnefjord, for a public lecture and panel discussion. Bill and Ulf will be joined on the panel discussion by researchers from the organizing Pufendorf IAS Advanced Study GroupCivil Society and Sustainability Studies(CIVICSUS).

Bill McKibben is one of the world’s leading environmentalists. He has been an influential author and educator for 30 years, and his book The End of Nature was one of the first-ever books written to inform a general audience about climate change. Over the last ten years, he initiated and built the first planet-wide, grassroots climate change movement, 350.org. In 2014 he was awarded the Right Livelihood Award. 

Ulf Jarnefjord is a member of the International Transport Workers Federation’s climate network and leader of their climate training program. Ulf acted as an observer for the ITUC (World Trade Union) during the COP negotiations, and is responsible for work on international standardization.  He is also co-author of the Swedish Trade Union Federation’s climate strategy program.

The event is organized by the Pufendorf IAS Advanced Study Group Civil Society and Sustainability Studies (CIVICSUS)​​​​​ in collaboration with Lund University Agenda 2030 Graduate School

The Pufendorf IAS advanced study group Civil Society and Sustainability Studies (CIVICSUS) aims to bring together civil society actors and an interdisciplinary team of researchers and educators to explore this core question and its ramifications: How can a scientific understanding of sustainability challenges contribute to social movements for sustainability?

Read more about the Advanced Study Group

The event is open to everyone, although seats are limited. No registration needed.