Skip to main content
Unit of study_

WORK3210: Climate Change and Work

2024 unit information

Climate change presents fundamental challenges to the organisation of work and industrial relations. Beginning with the British industrial revolution and then through the long and continued reliance on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive production methods in industry, supply chains and transportation systems, work-based actions have changed the climate. Recognizing the impacts of climate change, some workplaces are shifting to low-carbon and sustainable forms of production, and new 'renewable' industries are emerging. These developments are prompting a re-thinking and re-evaluation of work. To explain these issues, this unit explores theories of work, capitalism and nature, exploring concepts such as the Anthropocene, just transition, green jobs, and the 'green new deal'. It goes on to examine the relationships between business, government and civil actors like trade unions, and community groups in both resisting and driving changes in work amid the climate crisis. It does so attentive to the differences within and between countries in how work, industrial relations and climate change itself are experienced and understood.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Business (Business School)

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
Completion of at least 48 credit points
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
None
Assumed knowledge:
? 
WORK1003 and (WORK1004 or WORK2201) and WORK2203 and WORK2205

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Evaluate the relationship between climate change and work and employment relations, using relevant theories of work, capitalism, and nature
  • LO2. Critically assess different workplace and policy solutions that can assist societies, businesses, and other stakeholders to shift to more low-carbon and sustainable forms of production
  • LO3. Devise and communicate evidence-based solutions to work-related climate change challenges

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

Find your current year census dates

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.