Following a brief review of the science of climate change, the course will cover: the economics and politics of climate change; examine the potential physical and economic impacts of climate change on developed and developing countries; explore the projected growth in emissions and scenarios for temperature outcomes; review the history and status of international negotiations, including participating in a negotiation simulation; examine options to mitigate, remove and adapt to greenhouse gas emissions, including testing policy solutions with the En-ROADS climate policy simulation model; and assess financing needs and sources of climate finance. The course will take a policy-oriented, inter-disciplinary approach that encompasses economic, political and implementation considerations. Students are not expected to have extensive backgrounds in science or economics.

Assessment

Grades will be computed on the following basis:

• Summary of relevant news article 20%
• Blog/op-ed/advocacy notes 30%
• Class participation, 20%
• Quizzes 10%
• PPT presentation on policy proposal 20%

Competences, learning outcomes and teaching activities (PDF)