Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges, requiring immediate and collaborative action from both developed and developing countries. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the multifaceted nature of climate change and explores related climate and energy policies and solutions worldwide. By integrating economic, geographic, political, and technical perspectives, students will gain a holistic understanding of the complexities involved in addressing this critical issue.

The course begins with a thorough review of the fundamental science behind climate change and the principles of sustainable development, establishing a solid foundation for informed policy analysis. We then delve into three key climate and energy policy tools for governing energy and climate-related issues: command-and-control regulations, incentive-based mechanisms, and innovative approaches like solar geoengineering. Alternative policy instruments at global, national, and sub-national levels are critically examined, including performance and technology standards, subsidies, climate finance, carbon markets, and voluntary carbon offsetting.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to China’s role in global climate practices and its interaction with international regimes. Through an in-depth analysis of international climate regime developments, global climate negotiations, and China’s strategic positioning, students will gain insights into the dynamics of international cooperation and competition in climate governance.

By the end of this course, students can expect to have a solid grasp of the major challenges posed by global climate change, the advantages and disadvantages of various climate policy tools, the evolution of international climate rules, and the complexities of great-power climate diplomacy and cooperation. This knowledge will equip them to critically assess the opportunities and challenges within the current global climate governance system and contribute meaningfully to this vital field.

Relevant SDGs: SDG 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17

PI:

• Chen Xiang, Assistant Professor, School of International and Public Affairs 

Collaborators:

• Alex Lo, Professor, York St John University, a.lo@yorksj.ac.uk
• Zhiran Huang, Research Assistant Professor, Education University of Hong Kong, huangzr@eduhk.hk 
• Xian Hu, Economist, Environmental Defense Fund, x-hu19@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn 

1. Comprehensive Understanding of Climate Science: Students will gain a solid foundation in the fundamental science of climate change and the principles of sustainable development.
2. Critical Policy Analysis Skills: Develop the ability to critically analyze and evaluate various climate and energy policy tools, including command-and-control regulations, incentive-based mechanisms, and innovative approaches like solar geoengineering.
3. Insights into International Climate Governance: Acquire in-depth knowledge of international climate negotiations, climate finance, carbon markets, and understand China’s strategic role in global climate practices.
4. Research and Analytical Skills: Enhance research capabilities and critical thinking skills to assess opportunities and challenges within the current global climate governance system.
5. Communication and Collaboration Abilities: Improve communication skills through group discussions and presentations, and strengthen collaboration skills by working on group projects and the final program report.

Lecture, Group discussion, Presentation, Group task

1. Attendance + on-class discussion: 20%;
2. Group presentation: 40%;
3. Final report: 40%

None.

Dr. Chen Xiang, chen.xiang@sjtu.edu.cn

Dr. Alex Lo, a.lo@yorksj.ac.uk

Dr. Zhiran Huang, huangzr@eduhk.hk

Dr. Xian Hu, x-hu19@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn