Class 4 – Planetary Boundaries and the Reframing of ESG

4 Fevereiro 2026, 09:30 • Isabel Cristina de Seixas Patrício Duarte de Almeida

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The final week’s class introduces the Planetary Boundaries framework as a scientific and strategic lens for sustainability governance. Students explore the concept, its nine Earth system boundaries, and the implications of operating beyond safe ecological limits. The session critically reframes ESG, shifting from relative performance improvements to absolute environmental thresholds and long-term systemic risk. Social and governance dimensions are analysed as embedded within ecological limits, highlighting issues such as intergenerational justice, just transition, and anticipatory governance. The class concludes by challenging short-term, quarterly-driven decision-making and redefining the role of boards towards strategic viability within planetary constraints.

Class 3 – Risk, Ethics and Sustainability in a Complex World

4 Fevereiro 2026, 08:00 • Isabel Cristina de Seixas Patrício Duarte de Almeida

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This class deepens the discussion on risk by examining the ethical and governance challenges emerging from increasing uncertainty and declining global optimism. Drawing on insights from recent global risk perception surveys, students analyse how conflicts, climate extremes, social polarisation, and rapid technological change challenge existing governance mechanisms. The session highlights the limitations of traditional risk management approaches and introduces the need for systemic, interconnected, and forward-looking strategies. Organisations are encouraged to move beyond reactive responses by integrating ethics, responsibility, and sustainability into strategic decision-making under uncertainty.

Class 2 – Strategy, Responsibility and Global Risks

3 Fevereiro 2026, 09:30 • Isabel Cristina de Seixas Patrício Duarte de Almeida

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Building on the strategic dimension of sustainability, this class links management policies to the evolving global risk landscape. Drawing on the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, students explore how environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological risks interact and amplify systemic vulnerability. Particular attention is given to climate change, inequality, misinformation, and supply chain fragility. The session highlights the strategic implications for organisations, emphasising risk anticipation, ethical responsibility, resilience, and reputational exposure. Sustainability is thus presented as a core element of strategic management and long-term organisational viability.

Class 1 – Introduction to Management Policies for Sustainability

3 Fevereiro 2026, 08:00 • Isabel Cristina de Seixas Patrício Duarte de Almeida

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This class introduces the foundations of Management Policies for Sustainability, presenting sustainability as a systemic and strategic challenge rather than solely an environmental concern. Students are introduced to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrative frameworks such as the SDG “wedding cake”, which highlight the interdependence between the biosphere, society, and the economy. Using concrete examples of sustainable innovation and circular economy practices, the session examines adoption barriers, trade-offs, and long-term value creation. Emphasis is placed on systems thinking, complexity, and individual responsibility, reinforcing the idea that sustainability transitions require both organisational commitment and active stakeholder involvement.