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Portugal

Sustainability and Environmental Justice (Summer)

Learn how integrated resource management contributes to environmental sustainability and justice in Portugal.

At a Glance

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

Overview

Why study abroad in Portugal?

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.

Highlights

  • Experience life in Lisbon, where traditional heritage meets high-tech innovation and progressive thinking.
  • Gain insights into the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus within the Portuguese context.
  • Participate in site visits to waste and wastewater treatment plants, renewable energy facilities, and advocacy groups and NGOs.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking, beach exploration, and visits to natural parks.

Prerequisites

None.

program map

Excursions

Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation

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. 

Water, Energy, and Food

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.

Social Movements

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.

Academics

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Analyze how Portugal’s sustainability initiatives contribute to the achievement of targeted UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  
  • Understand the interdependencies among waste, water, energy, food, and biodiversity to address sustainability challenges. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of environmental conflicts and efforts towards environmental justice in Portugal. 
  • Advocate for environmental equity by understanding power dynamics and policy-making processes. 
  • Explore AI applications for environmental challenges and assess ethical considerations for informed decision-making. 

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

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.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course information, including course codes, credits, overviews, and syllabi.


Key Topics

  • "The right to nature" and neoliberalism
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  • Environmental in/justice
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  • Environmental best practices and sustainability
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  • Water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus approach
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  • Mediterranean economy
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  • Artificial intelligence and ethics of technology

Sustainability and Environmental Justice Project

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

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:

  • Module 1 introduces sustainability models, including the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, and examines Portugal’s progress towards UN sustainable development goals.
  • Module 2 investigates the WEFE Nexus in the Portuguese context, exploring integrated management of water, energy, food, and ecosystems for sustainable development.
  • Module 3 addresses environmental justice and injustice, examining power dynamics between policymaking, neoliberalism, and environmental movements.
  • Module 4 provides a historical and analytical overview of environmental conflicts in Portugal, including the role of advocacy groups and NGOs in advancing environmental justice.
  • Finally, Module 5 explores the dual roles of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing societal resilience and raising ethical concerns, discussing its applications in environmental monitoring and management.

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.

Housing

Lisbon

You will stay in a student residence with your own room. There will be a kitchen for you to prepare your meals, a washing machine in the building, wi-fi, and a common area. Apartments are about a 30–40-minute commute to classes via subway to campus. Students will have opportunities to engage with the Portuguese community through voluntary work, field visits, and a cooking workshop.

Career Paths

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

Faculty & Staff

Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice (Summer)

Cátia Magro, PhD bio link
Cátia Magro, PhD
Academic Director
Joana Dionísio, MS bio link
Joana Dionísio, MS
Program Coordinator
  • How students play key roles in Portugal research projects

    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.

    Read more