Event Details

Sustainability EducationJoin us for the Winter Facing out, Facing in: Lecture and discussionWe welcome, Professor Stephen Sterling, Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Education in the Centre for Sustainable Futures at Plymouth University,Concern, Congruence & Contribution: re-purposing higher education in unprecedented timesThis presentation will argue that we live in ‘watershed times’ - of threat, urgency and opportunity that define our age...

Sustainability Education

Join us for the Winter Facing out, Facing in: Lecture and discussion

We welcome, Professor Stephen Sterling, Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Education in the Centre for Sustainable Futures at Plymouth University,

Concern, Congruence & Contribution: re-purposing higher education in unprecedented times

This presentation will argue that we live in ‘watershed times’ - of threat, urgency and opportunity that define our age. This has deep implications for re-thinking the purpose and role of education and learning - and for re-thinking our being in the world.

An ecological or systemic view will be outlined which embraces shifting global trends, and perception and worldview - and the need and possibility of moving further towards pedagogy and curriculum that can engender more sustainable patterns in our lives, in business, and society whilst working in favour of the future. The presentation will draw on current debate and recent experience of embedding sustainability into higher education, using the key themes of Concern, Congruence and Contribution as a framework for exploration.

Dr Nigel Watson, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Governance, Lancaster University

Searching for sustainability in a ‘wicked’ and ambiguous world: Opportunities for fresh thinking and learning in Higher Education

It is now more than thirty years since the World Commission on Environment and Development published Our Common Future – setting out a bold new vision and pathways towards a healthier, more productive, more equitable and ultimately sustainable world. Despite early optimism, many people believe that progress has been far too slow due continued patterns of conventional economic growth, failures to reform our systems of governance, public apathy and organisational resistance to change. At the same time, we have become all the more aware of our predicament and the reality of seemingly intractable ‘wicked’ problems such as climate change – coupled with ambiguity regarding how society should respond.

While the challenges can appear overwhelming, this presentation argues that there are also enormous opportunities. For universities in particular, there are opportunities for critical thinking regarding meanings of sustainable development and generating fresh ideas and proposals regarding pathways towards more sustainable futures. Using the concept of a ‘sustainability col-laboratory’, the presentation will outline proposals regarding how we might rise to the challenges and help to establish Lancaster as a leading community for sustainable development thinking, innovation and practice.

About the Facing Out, Facing In: education enhancement lecture & discussion series

Facing Out, Facing In: education enhancement lecture & discussion series is a two part lecture and discussion series, which explores leading higher education pedagogies along with connections and possibilities for Lancaster University’s strategic aims.

Facing Out: We welcome leading education researchers and experts to present a sector view on specific areas, followed by an internal colleague respondent offering a Lancaster perspective and view.

Facing In: We extend the topic discussion, a sequel session facilitates participants to connect with colleagues across the institution to share, exchange, develop their understanding and practice of the topic.