University of Sussex Launches UK’s First Climate Justice Degree

The University of Sussex has announced the introduction of the UK’s first undergraduate degree focused on climate justice, set to launch in 2026, The Guardian reported. The BA in “Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development” aims to equip students with essential knowledge in climate politics, activism, and environmental human rights, alongside practical skills for driving change.

Will Lock, a lecturer involved in the course, emphasized a hands-on approach to environmental studies, utilizing the university’s campus forest food garden. The program will feature innovative assessments, including group podcasts instead of traditional essays, allowing students to engage with real-world challenges and communicate complex issues effectively.

This initiative follows a Future Forum survey revealing that 72% of 14- to 18-year-olds desire more rigorous climate change education. Lock noted that students are increasingly motivated to learn about climate justice due to the urgent changes occurring in the world around them, highlighting the relevance of climate issues in contemporary politics.