Lecture
The Role of Policy in Addressing the Climate Crisis
Dr. Mijin Cha explores how policies from regulations to market mechanisms can address climate change through a justice lens. She emphasizes just transitions, critiques carbon-focused approaches, and highlights the role of social movements in shaping equitable climate action.
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Learning Objectives
The learning objectives for this lecture are to:
- Understand how climate change intersects with systemic inequality
- Define climate justice and distinguish it from mainstream climate approaches
- Identify key types of climate policy (e.g., regulations, market-based tools)
- Understand the meaning and importance of a just transition
- Critically evaluate dominant climate narratives and their limitations
- Recognize the role of social movements in shaping equitable climate policy.
Dr. Mijin Cha is an assistant professor at UC Santa Cruz specializing in climate justice, just transitions, and labor–climate coalitions. She serves on the boards of Greenpeace USA Fund and the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment.
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