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University of Glasgow

Navigating Energy History: Workers, Communities, Environmental Impact and Climate Change

University of Glasgow via FutureLearn

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Overview

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Examine Britain’s energy shifts and global impact with the University of Glasgow

Learn how Britain’s energy transitions from coal to renewables illuminate today’s sustainable challenges. Discover invaluable insights through historical analysis and firsthand accounts, enabling you to navigate the complexities of the modern energy sector.

Understand the history of Britain’s energy transitions

On this short course, you’ll explore the evolution of Britain’s energy sector since 1945. You’ll learn how shifts from coal to nuclear and oil have shaped societal change and influenced global energy trends.

Examine worker perspectives on energy sector shifts throughout the ages

Delve into the experiences and responses of workers during major transitions in the energy sector. You’ll analyse how these shifts affected employment and community dynamics, providing lessons for today’s energy professionals.

Learn to assess the interplay of politics, personal narratives, and renewable energy adoption in Britain

The short analyses the evolution of Britain’s energy politics by investigating key policies and political manoeuvres that have shaped the energy economy. You’ll examine the interconnections between environmental concerns and energy politics over the decades.

As the course progresses you’ll listen to oral testimonies from energy workers and activists, which provide firsthand narratives that reveal the personal and communal impacts of historical energy shifts. These accounts offer a human perspective on policy decisions and technological advancements.

Completing this course will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Britain’s energy history and its relevance to contemporary energy challenges. By drawing lessons from the past, you’ll be prepared to engage with the future of the energy sector, advocating for just, equitable, and sustainable transitions.

This course is designed for energy professionals, environmentalists, students, and anyone keen on understanding the history of energy transitions.

Syllabus

  • Energy in History
    • Introduction
    • Studying Energy in History
    • The Coal Age
    • The Nuclear Age
    • Additional Learning
  • Energy Workers
    • Introduction
    • Coal and Community
    • From Miners to Nuclear Workers
    • Offshore and Onshore Worlds
    • Additional Learning
  • Who Does Energy Belong To?
    • Introduction
    • Electricity
    • It's Scotland's Oil?
    • Additional Learning
  • Environmentalism and Just Transitions
    • Introduction
    • Just Transitions
    • Just Transitions in Scotland
    • Additional Learning
    • Conclusion

Taught by

Ewan Gibbs

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