Global Climate Change Science, Law, and Policy
This innovative, cross-disciplinary course explores international efforts to govern and respond to climate change—described by the United Nations as an "existential threat to humanity." Students will engage with the science, law, and policy of global climate governance, focusing on understanding how the scientific assessments from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) inform negotiations under UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Paris Agreement, and related agreements. We course also examines the increasingly important role of international climate litigation, backed up by advisory opinions of international courts. Through active, interdisciplinary learning, students will critically analyze contemporary climate science and global environmental policymaking; articulate the perspectives of diverse countries and stakeholders; and examine the barriers and opportunities for meaningful climate action. Students will engage in negotiation simulations, legal and policy analysis, and collaborative research.
Topics
- Develop a clear understanding of the science of climate change, including its causes, impacts, and solutions through mitigation and adaptation; analyze national responses and assess their potential benefits and drawbacks.
- Identify and evaluate the range of actors, institutions, and economic, political, and social factors that shape the effectiveness of global climate law and assess future developments in light of complex political and ethical considerations.
- Strengthen written and oral communication skills.
- Enhance the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Build intercultural competence through engagement with diverse peers and organizations.
Official roster learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027