About this course: The Global Energy and Climate Policy course offers an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated and implemented. As energy markets go truly global, domestic energy policies are becoming more and more entangled with wider issues of international governance. Concurrently, the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to climate change and transition to a low-carbon future is adding a further layer of complexity. The course is aimed broadly at people interested in learning more about interconnected issues in energy and climate policy globally. It assumes a level of interest but no necessary previous knowledge. However, the course also offers sufficient up to date research and new critical perspectives to be of interest to people with expertise in or academic familiarity with the topic as well. The main aim of the course is to provide this wide-ranging introduction in a self-contained, but in-depth form, alongside the important practical skills necessary to understand and discuss energy and climate policy, and lay the groundwork for greater engagement in the future – either through academic study, in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.
Created by: University of London, SOAS University of London
Taught by: Harald Heubaum, Dr
Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
The future of fossil fuels in a carbon-constrained world
This week introduces the concept of a carbon-constrained world, considering how it links to energy policies and the future of fossil fuels. It will also discuss the role of technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and how different stakeholders, in developed and developing countries, perceive the need to decarbonize energy systems.
6 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Read Me First
- Reading: Course Outline
- Video: Welcome to the Global Energy and Climate Policy MOOC
- Video: Introduction - Addressing the climate crisis
- Video: Week 1 Introduction
- Video: The future use of fossil fuels
- Video: Solutions for excess carbon production
- Video: The developing world
- Reading: Week 1 - Readings
- Discussion Prompt: The use of fossil fuels in a carbon constrained world.
Graded: Week 1 Assessment
WEEK 2
The nuclear option: the solution to the energy/climate conundrum?
This week introduces the competing cases on economic, environmental and political aspects of nuclear power as part of the global energy mix and its role in meeting both energy security and climate change mitigation needs.
3 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Week 2 Introduction
- Video: Nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuel
- Video: The cost of nuclear power
- Reading: Week 2 Reading
- Discussion Prompt: The nuclear option
Graded: Week 2 Assessment
WEEK 3
Up-scaling renewable energy: policy incentives
This week discusses the growing role of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. It introduces the range of fiscal and other policy tools that governments’ use to promote an increase in the production and consumption of renewable energy.
3 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Week 3 introduction
- Video: Policy interventions to upscale renewables
- Video: Focus on Feed in Tariffs
- Reading: Week 3 Reading
Graded: Week 3 Assessment
WEEK 4
Energy and climate governance: two become one?
This week addresses how energy and climate governance are becoming more inter-related. Climate change is a global collective action problem whereas energy is more often associated with state based priorities. However, emissions from fossil fuel energy have global impacts and pose a challenge to the international community at-large.
2 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Week 4 Introduction
- Video: Issues of governance and integrated policy
- Reading: Week 4 Reading
Graded: Week 4 assessment
WEEK 5
Climate change and energy security: resolving a tri-lemma
This week provides an introduction to the various conceptualisations of energy security and considers the implications these can have on energy and climate change strategies.
3 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Week 5 Introduction
- Video: Energy Security 1
- Video: Energy Security 2 - Diversification and Cost
- Reading: Week 5 Readings
Graded: Week 5 assessment
WEEK 6
What next for energy policy with the Paris Agreement on climate change? [OPTIONAL]
For the week 6 optional exercise, you may draw upon your learning from previous weeks to understand how climate change is changing the focus of energy policy. Specifically, you are asked to consider this in light of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
4 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Week 6 Introduction
- Video: Paris Agreement - A Global Agreement
- Video: The Paris Agreement: Government, Policy and Economics
- Reading: Week 6 Readings
- Peer Review: Week 6 Assessment [Optional]
- Video: Thank you and farewell
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Creators
University of London
The University of London is a federal University which includes 18 world leading Colleges. Our International Programmes were founded in 1858 and have enriched the lives of thousands of students, delivering high quality University of London degrees wherever our students are across the globe. Our alumni include 7 Nobel Prize winners. Today, we are a global leader in distance and flexible study, offering degree programmes to over 50,000 students in over 180 countries. To find out more about studying for one of our degrees where you are, search for 'London International'.
SOAS University of London
SOAS is the world’s leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and offers a truly global perspective. With its vast repository of knowledge and expertise on our specialist regions, SOAS is uniquely placed to inform and shape current thinking about the economic, political, cultural, security and religious challenges of our world.
SOAS, founded in 1916, offers world class teaching in Law, Politics, Economics, Finance and Management, Development Studies, Languages and Cultures, History, the Arts and many other areas.
Ratings and Reviews
Great introductory course with plenty of resources shared. This course is a great way to become familiar with the economics of energy.
Great course, good materials and eassy to learn. Very recommendable for beginners on climate change.
Excellent course!! 100% recommended.
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JG
This course gives a great summary of many of the current policy issues around climate while giving a good basic introduction into any scientific or jargonistic concepts. I also thought is was good that many of the experts interviewed gave different opinions, showing both sides of each debate. Each week takes a different issue and there is a good balance between video and readings.