The programme included a series of lectures and seminars led by prominent researchers in the field. Key topics included sustainable artificial intelligence, eco-feminism, biomimetic technologies and principles of climate change ethics.

Notable speakers included Mark Coeckelbergh discussing “Freedom in the Anthropocene,” Vincent Blok on “Biomimetic Technology,” and Iwona Janicka addressing “Transformative Practices for Habitable Worlds: Ecofeminism, Anarchism, Solarpunk.”

Participants engaged in discussions that highlighted different perspectives on environmental issues, particularly those brought by students from the Global South. This enriched the academic dialogue and allowed for a deeper understanding of how different backgrounds influence philosophical frameworks regarding environmental interactions.

Practical Case Studies
An important part of the Summer School was a visit to the Polish brown coal mine Turów. Participants were divided into eight groups representing different stakeholders affected by the mine’s operations, including governmental bodies and future generations. The exercise aimed to reach a consensus on the closure of the mine, highlighting the complexity of environmental decision-making. In the end, all groups agreed on the need to close the mine.

Beyond academic pursuits, participants enjoyed a variety of social activities such as hiking in the Jizera Mountains, campfire gatherings, film screenings, chess competitions, philosophical quizzes, and karaoke nights. 

Feedback from attendees indicated that the summer school was a resounding success, fostering international cooperation among young scholars dedicated to addressing climate challenges. The positive reception has led organizers to plan for an annual continuation of this initiative, with the next edition set to be hosted by the University of Wrocław.

The programme of the 2024 Environmental Philosophy Summer School can be found here. 

Photos: Varvara Šatunová