93249 - Energy and Environmental Ethics T

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing the course, the student has the basic knowledge for a critical analysis of the technical and organizational issues of energy production, transport and distribution, both from fossil fuels (natural gas, coal and oil) and from renewable sources (hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, solar, biomass), as well as the tools for studying the production of the main secondary energy sources (electricity, standard fuels, hydrogen, biofuels, etc.). The student will also familiarize with the national energy balance, the issues of energy storage (natural gas, etc.), energy security, sustainable mobility, green fuels, smart grid, power-to-gas, energy efficiency, zero carbon. Finally, the course provides the logical and technical tools to critically address the main themes of contemporary ethical reflection in the environmental field: the relationship between man and nature; protection of the biosphere and the rights of future generations; historical-cultural roots of environmental disasters; tragedy of the commons; natural resources and environmental sustainability; global warming and climate destabilization; energy transition and dynamics of resilience; demographic increases and imbalances. At the end of the course, in the context of the above industrial activities the student can: - Examine independently the various aspects of technological, environmental and safety management. - Carry out a comparative assessment of the activities and interactions related to environmental projects or industrial plants. - Critically perform comparative assessments between projects or industrial facilities in the energy sector. - Evaluate the main types of environmental impact (also in terms of costs/benefits) and sustainability. - Analyse the environmental, engineering and sustainability characteristics of energy systems, to design the future in an ethical environmental key.

Course contents

This year, 2026/2027, the course has a new teacher, and the content, knowledge, and skills to be acquired will be substantially different from those of previous years.

Unfortunately, it has not been possible to update the previous section; therefore, students are asked to refer primarily to this section concerning the course content.

In summary, by the end of the course, students will have developed a greater awareness of the environmental crisis of our time, a solid and objective understanding of possible solutions, and an appropriate vocabulary for discussing these issues. Particularly desirable outcomes include genuine engagement, a sense of responsibility, and a strong commitment to environmental and social sustainability issues that can be applied both in students' future professional careers and in their personal lives.

The course content will focus primarily on renewable energy, environmental ethics, and social ecology.

Main Topics:

The Social and Environmental Crisis of Our Time

Caring for the planet and our "common home".

The evolution of environmental and ecological thought and research.

Anthropocene, Econocene, Capitalocene, planetary boundaries, and ecological footprints.

The real meanings behind current definitions of today's crisis, anthropogenic responsibility, assessment models, and measurement methods.

Critiques and limitations of the concept of sustainable development. Definition provided by the Brundtland Report. The three pillars of sustainability: Environmental, Social, Economic

The 2030 Agenda and the role of the United Nations.

Environmental Justice. Fair distribution of environmental benefits and risks. Social and environmental inequalities.

Vulnerable communities and climate change. Local and global dimensions of justice.

Climate Change Ethics. Historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions. Intergenerational equity.

Adaptation and mitigation. Efficiency and sufficiency.

Energy Transition

Renewable energy: technologies, materials, scientific and technical aspects, and environmental and social impacts.

Energy and non-energy raw materials.

Wars related to oil and access to raw materials.

Energy Poverty, Consumption, and Sufficiency

Principles of equity and social justice in access to resources.

Reducing resource and energy consumption as a means of improving quality of life and enhancing the autonomy of individuals and societies, while reducing inequalities and economic dependency.

The concept of a critical threshold in technological development and its associated social benefits.

Ecodesign, Circular Economy, and Sharing Economy

The contribution of technology to minimizing impacts and maximizing social value throughout the entire life cycle of products

Readings/Bibliography

The use of lecture notes and teaching materials made available and recommended by the iteacher during the course will be essential.

Students are also encouraged to read the following texts:

Ivan Illic, Energy and Equity

Paola Govoni, Maria Giovanna Belcastro, Alessandra Bonoli, Giovanna Guerzoni, "Ripensare l'Antropocene - Oltre natura e cultura" Carocci Editore

Margherita Venturi, Vincenzo Balzani "Quale Energia? Le fonti rinnovabili per un futuro sostenibile" Carocci Editore

Teaching methods

The course is structured in oral classroom lessons in which the subjects of the course program are presented. In addition, specific seminars and workshops will be provided where the professor will be joined by industry experts to promote more knowledge of the topics. Teaching laboratories will be organized according with a multidisciplinary approach in order to promote students' knowledge and engagement.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an in-depth study of a specific topic and the preparation of a presentation by students, who will be asked oral questions on all the topics covered in class.


During the course, students will also be required to produce short individual assignments to test their critical and methodological skills. Students will also be invited to present in-depth discussions on a topic of their choice. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ability to navigate sustainability issues and the broader cultural contexts of the discipline. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in class, along with their critical use, and demonstrating mastery of the specific language will be evaluated with excellent marks.

Teaching tools

Presentations ppt.

Videos e films

Cineforum

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Bonoli