Mentoring panel on Digitalisation and environmental change in a socio-legal perspective
Language: English
In the contemporary global context, environmental and digitalisation change are reshaping societies, presenting both significant challenges and opportunities. This Mentoring Session aims to guide junior sociologists in exploring the implications of these transitions for the theoretical and methodological dimensions of socio-legal research.
The panel is designed as a collaborative hub for experienced and early career scholars working or interested in research at the intersection of law, technology and the environment to engage in dialogue on the multiple challenges posed by environmental and digital transformations. It aims to equip emerging scholars with the analytical tools and perspectives needed to advance inclusive and sustainable global development through socio-legal scholarship.
Environmental change demands urgent responses to climate crises and social inequalities, driving a shift towards sustainability. At the same time, digitalisation is catalysing profound societal transformations through innovations such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. These transitions are unfolding in contrasting domains - the immaterial digital space and the material environment- yet they are inextricably linked, affecting governance structures, resource allocation, and the definition of rights and responsibilities. These transitions are likely to challenge legal frameworks and regulatory practices, which need to be adapted to promote equity and justice, rather than deepen existing inequalities. They also challenge socio-legal research. In the face of these challenges, the session will delve into the impact of digitalisation on this domain, i.e. the extent to which digital tools are transforming the theoretical frameworks, heuristic categories, and methodologies used to address environmental change within socio-legal research. Participants will be introduced to key digital resources, including online data sources, analytical tools and data visualisation techniques, that facilitate engagement with environmental policy and regulation. Just to give some examples, among many others: the Feuille de route environnement et numérique published by the Conseil national du numérique; The World in 2050 carried out within the framework of the Sustainable Development. Other resources, including sites that provide direct access to data, will be discussed collaboratively as the session is prepared. Discussion will also focus on the methodological issues raised by the approach of these resources.