Program Overview

ENVS 476A: Emerald Transitions: Climate, Culture and Sustainability in Ireland

This immersive 11-day field course explores the dynamic intersections between climate change, environmental transformations, and sustainability through the diverse landscapes and communities of Ireland.

Course Overview

The course allows students to:

• Explore diverse ecological and cultural landscapes in Ireland.
• Understand community-led initiatives in conservation, agriculture, and water management.
• Engage with real-world examples of sustainability transitions and environmental planning.

Course Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students must:

• Be an undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of Environment during the Spring 2026 term.
• Be available for all field components.
• Be well-organized and confident in managing condensed coursework over the duration of eleven days.
• Be responsible for their own travel costs.

Course Schedule

The course is a condensed program during the Spring 2026 term, from Sunday, April 26, 2026, to Wednesday, May 6, 2026, inclusive. Field course activities will be conducted in Cork and Dublin.

• Days 1–8 of the field course will take place in Cork City.
• Days 9–11 of the field course will take place in Dublin.

Application Details and Timelines

Students interested in participating in the field course must submit an application by November 16, 2025. Selected applicants can expect to receive invitations to participate in the field course in December 2025. Students who are chosen to participate in the field course will be required to submit a $500 deposit in January 2026 to secure their spot in the course.

Travel Costs

This course requires students to be responsible for their own travel expenses. The course has a fee of approximately $2,500, which includes lodging, transportation, attractions, and some meals. These fees do not include airfare to and from Ireland.

Flight Details

Students will be required to purchase their own airfare to and from Ireland. Flights must arrive in Ireland by April 26, 2026. Students should not purchase flights unless they are successfully accepted and enrolled in the course.

Instructors

The course is taught by:

• Prof. Christine Barbeau, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream & Associate Dean, Teaching, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability.
• Prof. Erin O'Connell, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, and Associate Chair, Undergraduate, Department of Geography and Environmental Management.