Early-career researchers from around the globe gather in Dublin to examine transition to low carbon economy
ReSToRE summer school brings together interdisciplinary researchers from developed and developing countries
Renewable energy sources are replacing fossil fuels as society confronts the climate emergency. This transition highlights the connections between society, human wellbeing, and Earth’s resources. It also raises complex questions about equity, justice, and sustainability according to iCRAG, the SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences, which is coordinating the second Researching Social Theories, Resources, and Environment (ReSToRE) International Summer School at UCD this week (1st to 5th July).
The summer school brings together a group of 45 early-career geologists and social scientists from 11 developing and 9 developed countries to explore interdisciplinary and global discussion on how to reconcile different views about Earth’s resources.
Jointly organised by iCRAG and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), the summer school is held under the patronage of UNESCO and its participants come from countries including Nepal, Namibia, Zambia and many more.
Speaking on the first day of the summer school, Director of the ReSToRE International Summer School, Dr Geertje Schuitema, said: “Our programme will draw from the social sciences, humanities, and natural and physical sciences to examine how we might transition to a low-carbon society in ways that are socially acceptable, economically affordable, and technically feasible.
“We are pleased to bring together international experts with early-career researchers and professionals from different countries at the ReSToRE summer school this week to explore these critical challenges. We hope to provide a space for sharing and mutual learning, and an opportunity to debate how best to provide the earth resources needed to support society into the future.”
Topics that will be addressed during ReSToRE include identifying the just transition, marine spatial planning for offshore wind, building resilient communities and the demands for water and energy that mining brings.
Commenting on the programme, Director of iCRAG, Professor Murray Hitzman, said: “The topics that will be discussed this week are of global importance as we strive towards a more sustainable future. The diversity of our ReSToRE participants is a central strength of the summer school, allowing us to hear different perspectives, and to build on the experience and skills of individuals from around the world.”
The week-long summer school (from Monday 1st to Friday 5th July 2024) will be led by international scholars and practitioners. Public talks will be available to be watched online.
Further information, including the summer school programme, is available at: https://www.icrag-centre.org/restore/.