This class introduces students to key concepts and topics in the field of contemporary climate policy. We focus on public policies for mitigating climate change, with EU climate policy serving as the main (but not the only) case study. The class draws heavily on economics and political science concepts but remains non-formal throughout (no calculus required). The first part of the class introduces the key physical, economic, technological, welfare, and political dimensions of climate change policy. Students learn core analytical frameworks, concepts, and topics. The second part offers a deep dive into the analysis and design of domestic climate policy instruments and institutions, providing an overview of the field as well as introductions into the relevant economics and political science perspectives. The third part covers international climate policy, climate policymaking in multi-level governance systems, and EU climate policy as one major regional case study. The seminar concludes with a session on different actor groups (potential) strategies in climate politics.
Instructor
- Christian Flachsland , Professor of Climate Policy | Director, Centre for Sustainability