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.
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.
Welcome to the Global Energy and Climate Policy MOOC•5 minutes
Introduction - Addressing the climate crisis•5 minutes
Week 1 Introduction•3 minutes
The future use of fossil fuels•8 minutes
Solutions for excess carbon production•10 minutes
The developing world•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 50 minutes
Read Me First•10 minutes
Course Outline•10 minutes
Week 1 - Readings•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Week 1 Assessment•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
The use of fossil fuels in a carbon constrained world.•10 minutes
The nuclear option: the solution to the energy/climate conundrum?
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 peer review1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 20 minutes
Week 2 Introduction•3 minutes
Nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuel•9 minutes
The cost of nuclear power•8 minutes
1 reading•Total 40 minutes
Week 2 Reading•40 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Week 2 Assessment•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
The nuclear option•10 minutes
Up-scaling renewable energy: policy incentives
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 peer review
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 25 minutes
Week 3 introduction•3 minutes
Policy interventions to upscale renewables•12 minutes
Focus on Feed in Tariffs•9 minutes
1 reading•Total 40 minutes
Week 3 Reading•40 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Week 3 Assessment•120 minutes
Energy and climate governance: two become one?
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 peer review
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 16 minutes
Week 4 Introduction•2 minutes
Issues of governance and integrated policy•14 minutes
1 reading•Total 40 minutes
Week 4 Reading•40 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Week 4 assessment•60 minutes
Climate change and energy security: resolving a tri-lemma
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 peer review
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 22 minutes
Week 5 Introduction•2 minutes
Energy Security 1•14 minutes
Energy Security 2 - Diversification and Cost•6 minutes
1 reading•Total 40 minutes
Week 5 Readings•40 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Week 5 assessment•120 minutes
What next for energy policy with the Paris Agreement on climate change? [OPTIONAL]
Module 6•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 26 minutes
Week 6 Introduction•3 minutes
Paris Agreement - A Global Agreement•11 minutes
The Paris Agreement: Government, Policy and Economics•10 minutes
Thank you and farewell•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 40 minutes
Week 6 Readings•40 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Week 6 Assessment [Optional]•120 minutes
Instructors
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
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M
MA
5·
Reviewed on Nov 13, 2022
Overview on global climate and energy policy are excellent. For beginners this course gives you a clear view of and study materials. Well described by the article and interesting video!
S
SR
5·
Reviewed on Oct 14, 2021
The review was an eye opener to the climate challenges ahead. It slowly yet strongly influences the thinking and the orientation of the learner. A powerful course !
S
SC
5·
Reviewed on Mar 11, 2021
The weekly sessions were very informatiive and provided a well-balanced assessments of all the issues facing our planet with regards to energy, security and climate change.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.