Syllabus
Registration via LPIS
Day | Date | Time | Room |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | 03/03/25 | 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Friday | 03/07/25 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Friday | 03/07/25 | 01:00 PM - 03:15 PM | Online-Einheit |
Saturday | 03/08/25 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Saturday | 03/08/25 | 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Friday | 03/21/25 | 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM | TC.4.16 |
Friday | 05/02/25 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Friday | 05/09/25 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Friday | 05/23/25 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Friday | 06/20/25 | 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Saturday | 06/21/25 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM | Online-Einheit |
Climate Economics explores the fundamental economic principles behind environmental challenges and climate change, equipping students with the tools to analyze and address these pressing issues. The course begins by addressing foundational questions such as how much pollution is too much, what roles government and markets play, and how global challenges can be resolved. Topics include externalities, public goods, and cost-benefit analysis, with a particular focus on real-world applications such as pollution control and resource degradation. Students will learn to measure the benefits and costs of environmental protection while engaging with concepts like the efficiency, safety, and sustainability standards.
In the second half of the semester, the course shifts focus to practical and innovative solutions. Students will delve into the economics of natural resources, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. Topics such as renewable resource policy, ecosystem valuation, and nature-based solutions to climate challenges will be explored. Special emphasis will be placed on how biodiversity conservation can serve as a cornerstone for climate mitigation strategies. Students will apply their knowledge in collaborative group projects, designing actionable solutions that integrate economic analysis with ecological principles.
Through this dual focus on theory and application, students will develop critical skills such as benefit-cost evaluation, measuring sustainability, and assessing the feasibility of incentive-based regulations. By the end of the course, they will have a well-rounded understanding of the economic drivers of climate change, the policies that can mitigate its effects, and the innovative strategies for leveraging nature-based solutions to build a sustainable future.
This course forms a core component of the Climate Change Economics, Policy, and Justice specialization by providing students with the economic foundation necessary to analyze and evaluate climate change challenges and policy responses. Its focus on both theoretical principles and practical applications complements the broader specialization's interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from political science, environmental science, and sociology. By engaging with topics like biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions, this course equips students with the analytical tools and collaborative skills needed to assess and implement effective strategies, aligning with the specialization’s goal of fostering critical thinking and actionable knowledge in the pursuit of climate justice and sustainability.
By the end of the Climate Economics course, students will have
mastered core economic concepts and acquired a comprehensive understanding of key principles in environmental and climate economics, including externalities, public goods, cost-benefit analysis, and the sustainability framework.
the ability to evaluate policy mechanisms and critically analyze and assess the effectiveness of various climate policy instruments, such as carbon pricing, market-based incentives, and regulatory approaches.
developed the ability to measure and value ecosystem services, biodiversity, and natural resources using economic methodologies, integrating these evaluations into policy recommendations.
applied theory to practice via collaborative group-based projects where they design evidence-based, nature-focused solutions for real-world climate challenges, emphasizing the role of biodiversity in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
engaged with one of the most pressing global policy problems and contextualized climate change within a global policy framework, exploring the economic drivers, international agreements, and equity considerations necessary for sustainable and just climate solutions.
Attendance is mandatory for at least 80% of the course sessions, in accordance with university regulations. Active participation is essential to successfully complete the course, as many sessions involve group work, case studies, and in-class discussions. Exceptions or absences beyond this limit require formal and prior approval, valid justification.
The Climate Economics course adopts a comprehensive teaching and learning approach that combines foundational instruction, interactive engagement, and applied group work. Core concepts are introduced through lectures and enriched by interactive discussions, fostering critical thinking and in-depth understanding. Real-world case studies are integrated into the curriculum to illustrate the practical application of economic theories and climate policies.
Students engage in collaborative group projects, where they design and analyze nature-based solutions and biodiversity-focused interventions, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Independent study and literature analysis further enhance learning by encouraging students to engage critically with academic research and apply their insights to complex climate challenges. This blended teaching design ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, preparing them to address interdisciplinary issues in climate economics effectively.
The assessment for the Climate Economics course is designed as a continuous learning evaluation, ensuring students receive ongoing feedback to guide their progress and understanding throughout the semester. It includes a variety of methods to evaluate knowledge, engagement, and application:
- Quizzes (10 points): Periodic quizzes assess students' grasp of key concepts and encourage consistent engagement with the course material.
- Participation (10 points): Active participation in discussions and group activities is essential and reflects students' commitment to learning and collaboration.
- Midterm Exam (30 points): A comprehensive midterm exam evaluates students' understanding of foundational principles and their ability to analyze economic issues related to climate change.
- Group Work and Presentation (50 points): Collaborative projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, culminating in a group presentation of their findings and proposed solutions.
This continuous evaluation approach not only assesses student performance but also provides opportunities for improvement, fostering deeper learning and a better understanding of the course material.
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