top of page

Internationalisation of higher education and climate change: A cognitive dissonance perspective

Updated: Jan 22, 2024

Journal of Studies in International Education, December 2022

A cognitive dissonance perspective on the tension between international education and its impact on climate change.

Abstract This article applies cognitive dissonance theory to the internationalisation of higher education sector to comment on tensions experienced by practitioners associated with their work's climate impact. The existing literature and relevant climate action drivers and challenges within the sector are reviewed. A case study of a global grassroots initiative, the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE), is considered to discuss possible solutions for how stakeholders can increase or decrease tensions at work in the relationship between international higher education and climate change. This article posits that cognitive dissonance theory can contribute to a better understanding of how dilemmas emerge at the intersection between international higher education and climate change to promote climate action within the sector. Avenues for future research are recommended.



Contact us.

Join the Climate Action Barometer or find out how we can help your institution mitigate its climate impact. Send us a message below or book a meeting via Calendly.

Thanks for your message.
We'll be in touch!

  • LinkedIn

​IESG is hosted on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people in Melbourne, Australia. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present and we acknowledge the important and deep knowledge that has been passed on from First Nations people.
 

© International Education Sustainability Group Pty Ltd. 2024. ABN 85 667 726 105. Privacy Policy.

Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE)

The International Education Sustainability Group is a social enterprise and proud supporter of the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE).

Climate Action Barometer (CAB)™, ClimateEye™, CAB Focus for Education Abroad™ and CAB Focus for Transnational Education are registered trademarks.

bottom of page