Course: DE/GROWTH: Human Ecology, Economy, Community

Description: An invitation to social and environmental practitioners, community workers and activists working in Scotland to collaboratively explore how the principles of degrowth and radical human ecology can inform and catalyse change. A 10-week programme, delivered as a partnership between Enough! Scotland and the Centre for Human Ecology, including a 4 night residential learning retreat and field trip at the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. 

In times marked by an accelerating climate crisis, we explore together what degrowth could look like in Scotland, through a framing of human ecology and systems thinking. We understand ‘degrowth’ as meaning intergenerational social, ecological and migrant justice through decolonisation and equity within planetary limits – and this includes growth of socially and ecologically beneficial activity. The aim of this course is to create ripples to embed principles and practices of degrowth and human ecology among community and climate activists across Scotland. The course consists of a weekly online session with a talk followed by discussion, as well as readings for self-directed study. A key component of the course is to co-create a community of practice and peer-learning , which will be supported through a series of online peer group meetings and an in-depth 3.5-day (4 nights) residential in Ullapool. We draw upon methods taken from popular education and anti-oppression practices, peer-coaching and practical and immersive exercises.

The course takes place in the 50th anniversary year of the founding of the Centre for Human Ecology and the publication of Limits to Growth. We look forward to forming a learning community with you.

8 online sessions: Each session will consist of a presentation on key themes in degrowth and human ecology, followed by a facilitated group discussion and break-out groups to digest the material. 

Peer group meetings: There will be three additional online peer group meetings at times to be agreed by each group, and time dedicated to peer groups at the residential, in person.

Contributors: Bronagh Gallagher, Lorenzo Velotti, Luke Devlin, Alastair McIntosh, Dr Mairi McFadyen, Roland Playle and Dr Svenja Meyerricks, with others to be announced

Who is the course for? A key aim of the course is to develop the knowledge and capability of degrowth and human ecology principles among community and climate activists in Scotland. Participants are encouraged to either be normally resident in Scotland, or have another significant connection or interest. 

Costs: Course fees are set on a sliding-scale, meaning you can choose the fee you are able to pay and we trust that this is the right amount for you. If you are in a position to pay the base cost rate or more either from your own income or from organisational training budgets, it will enable us to offer the course to others in the future. We also do not want finances to be a barrier to accessing the course and you are invited to pay what you are able to. All course fees go 100% to supporting the course and our educational charitable work as an educational co-operative.

How to register: Only course participants who have completed the application form here and who have received an email confirming their place should complete registration. You should, if applicable, pay the course fee that you have indicated you are able to in your application. If this has changed, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. 

Once registration is completed, you will receive further information, including your login details for the digital learning enviroment for the course (Moodle), and more about the residential and course structure.