The Collaboratory for JUST Innovation and Climate Equity (JUSTICE) at the University of Connecticut serves as a hub for inter- and transdisciplinary social sciences and humanities scholars dedicated to addressing the climate crisis at local, national, and global levels. Our mission is to produce use-inspired, policy-relevant scholarship and social innovations in collaboration with communities and stakeholders, guiding policymakers toward equitable climate futures. We are committed to the affirmative view that success—meeting the science-based goals of the Paris Agreement while achieving meaningful equity—is the only option for healthy, thriving communities.
Our Vision
At JUSTICE, we seek to answer key questions that drive innovative solutions for climate justice:
- How do communities envision pathways to success?
- What knowledge and insights are needed to create policies, planning mechanisms, and art that activate social change to achieve these successes through a lens of justice?
- How can social innovations promoting justice be scaled globally?
By addressing these questions, we aim to provide an intellectual home for activities undertaken by the JUSTICE team, amplifying and expanding their impacts. We strive to position the University of Connecticut as a leader in social and technological solutions to climate change, engaging formally with regional, national, and global research networks.
Our Goals
- Advance Scholarship: Collaborate with local communities and other stakeholders to produce knowledge and insights that guide policymakers in innovating equitable climate futures.
- Innovate Equitable Solutions: Focus on success by achieving the science-based goals of the Paris Agreement and meaningful equity.
- Coordinate Research: Centralize and amplify the diverse activities of our team, ensuring a cohesive approach to climate justice.
- Engage with Networks: Formally engage with research networks to share and scale social innovations globally.
Core Activities
- Writing Retreat: A three-day event aimed at strengthening the intellectual community on JUSTICE issues.
- Symposium: An annual gathering to discuss and share research findings on climate justice.
- Colloquium Series: Regular events featuring speakers and discussions on key topics related to our mission.
Our Approach
We begin from an affirmative view, focusing on the potential for success rather than constraints. By highlighting community assets and innovations, we aim to redefine success in climate action through diverse perspectives. Our approach involves place-based case studies and interdisciplinary research to create a deeper understanding of societal challenges and develop equitable solutions.
Collaborations and Partnerships
JUSTICE collaborates with various programs and centers at UConn, including:
- Energy and Elections Lab
- Atmospheric Sciences Group
- Sustainable Community Food Systems
- Clean Earth Laboratory
- Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2)
- Eversource Energy Center
These collaborations enhance our capacity to address the human dimensions of climate change and support our mission to innovate and implement just climate solutions.
Training and Outreach
JUSTICE is committed to training students and community members to navigate pathways to sustainable, just, and equitable climate futures. We provide workshops, depositories of best practices, and innovative exchanges to ensure our community is equipped to tackle the climate crisis effectively.
Get Involved
We invite scholars, students, policymakers, and community members to join us in our mission. Together, we can create a just and equitable future for all.