Credits
6
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 17 – Jul 30
Program Countries
Portugal
Program Base
Lisbon, Portugal
Critical Global Issue of Study
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
Learn how integrated resource management contributes to environmental sustainability and justice in Portugal.
6
None
English
Jun 17 – Jul 30
Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
Explore Portugal’s unique approach to environmental and social equity, challenging conventional economic principles around growth, technology, and sustainability. From the program’s base in Lisbon, you’ll learn about national and city urban planning policies that ensure people of all income levels have equal access to parks, recreational spaces, and zero-carbon public transportation. This program’s coursework utilizes a Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus lens to explore how integrated resource management contributes to both environmental sustainability and justice.
Through site visits and volunteer opportunities, you will gain firsthand experience with environmental and social justice organizations. You’ll visit organizations like ZERO, a national climate crisis advocacy group; Refood, which works to reduce food waste at the food distribution level; Movimento ALP, a non-profit focused on ocean pollution awareness and action; and Banco de Bens Doados, which collects and donates reusable goods to people in need. Throughout the program, you’ll also explore high-tech solutions for resource management and study how policies have positively or negatively impacted local communities.
None.
Arrábida Natural Park: This park is a protected area in Portugal, founded in 1976. It has a unique combination of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, featuring rare plant species and diverse wildlife. Here you will understand the importance of preserving biodiversity and the challenges of managing protected areas.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: Known for its lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and rich cultural heritage, Sintra provides a comprehensive view of the political processes involved in preserving multi-use parks that contain natural spaces and historical sites.
Monsanto Forest Park: As the “lung of Lisbon,” Monsanto is a municipal protected forest of nearly 1,000 hectares and an excellent example of urban green space contributing to city sustainability. Learn about the role of urban parks in improving air quality, providing recreational opportunities, and supporting local wildlife.
Lisbon Metropolitan Area Waste Treatment Plant: At this site visit, you’ll learn how waste is processed, sorted, recycled, and disposed of as you gain a deeper awareness of waste production and the challenges it presents.
Lisbon Metropolitan Area Wastewater Treatment Plant: Here you’ll understand how wastewater is treated and returned to the environment, which is a key component of environmental conservation and social justice.
Solar and wind farms: You’ll visit privately run solar and wind farms to learn about renewable energy technologies, their operational principles, and their roles in reducing carbon emissions. You’ll observe these installations in operation and understand the integration of renewable energy into the grid, challenges in energy storage, and the benefits of sustainable energy systems.
Urban agriculture: Explore alternative food production methods and innovative solutions for sustainable urban living. Learn how food production can be adapted to urban environments and scaled to meet the needs of growing urban populations.
ZERO: An environmental NGO that works on current projects and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. See how advocacy work is conducted, including policy influence and public awareness campaigns.
Banco de Bens Doados (Donated Goods Bank): This organization is dedicated to redistributing surplus goods to those in need, providing a practical example of reducing waste and promoting social equity. You’ll gain insight into the logistics of collecting, sorting, and distributing donations, emphasizing the importance of efficient resource management and personalized care.
Refood: This organization’s mission is to reduce food waste and combat hunger, demonstrating a successful community-driven approach to sustainability. Here you’ll observe and participate in the collection and redistribution of food, understanding the operational challenges and the importance of community engagement.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.
The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Sustainability and Environmental Justice Project – syllabus
(IDST3060 / 3 credits)
In this seminar, students select and analyze a relevant sustainability and environmental justice issue in consultation with program faculty. Through hands-on projects in Lisbon, students examine how social and environmental justice intersect within the WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) nexus, highlighting the interconnectedness of equitable access to resources and sustainability across communities and ecosystems. Each student conducts research to produce an original academic project and presents their results to the class. The course gives students the opportunity to engage on a deeper level with one of the topics covered in the Seminar Course, while, at the same time, developing their academic skills. Support is provided throughout the project by program faculty, particularly in aiding students in finding resources in Portugal. This course runs parallel to the Environmental Systems, Justice & Technology Seminar throughout the duration of the program.
Environmental Systems, Justice, & Technology Seminar – syllabus
(ENVI3010 / 3 credits)
This seminar is structured into five modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of sustainability, environmental systems and justice:
Through site visits and classroom sessions, students will be exposed to high-tech solutions for resource management and will learn about the surrounding areas and how policies have protected (or failed to protect) the people living nearby. These site visits will also allow students to engage with local activists and municipal leaders, providing critical perspectives on the over-reliance on technology in mainstream sustainable development narratives and the technocratic approaches to sustainability that often lead to environmental conflicts and injustice. The course aims to cultivate a community of stakeholders among students dedicated to sustainable development and social equity.
Students on this program may consider career paths in various sectors including:
Environmental engineering
Public policy
Advocacy
Public relations
Sustainable energy
Sustainable agriculture
Environment agencies
International development
Government and administrative institutions
Conservation
Environmental International Relations
By participating in fieldwork, contributing fresh ideas and perspectives, and collaborating with research teams, study abroad students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a variety of research projects.