Int Climate Policy Diplomacy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Climate change is a global environmental, social, technological and economic challenge. Responding to this challenge will fundamentally affect energy systems, development strategies, investment patterns, and distributional equity around the world. This course examines the nature of the climate challenge from multiple perspectives in order to frame the climate change policy design process currently being deliberated around the world. We begin by studying the science and impacts of climate change, discerning controversies from uncertainties. We then look to the history of climate diplomacy, followed by an in-depth investigation of the Paris Agreement’s NDC model of climate commitments. Students will prepare briefings for the US government examining opportunities for increasing domestic climate ambition in key countries. Students will receive training in energy and emissions modeling software which is used by countries to set climate goals. Other course topics include the evolution of US climate policy, China’s role in climate change, climate and trade, and lessons from alternative climate treaties and global environmental politics. Guest speakers (climate policy practitioners) will be incorporated throughout the semester. Some students may have the opportunity to attend COP28 in person, and the rest will attend virtually.