Description
Climate change is one of the most important issues of our day, and politics is fundamental to finding a solution. This “Hot Topics” module focuses on policies to address climate change and the politics of adopting and implementing them.
In it, we will examine the role of key political actors at both the international and national levels – the UN, politicians, voters, interest groups, and social movements – in shaping policy outcomes.
You will utilise the tools of political science to explain why effectively addressing climate change can be so difficult for governments, and what can be done to design strong climate policy that is also politically feasible.
We will ask a range of questions, including:
- Why is the climate changing and what are the impacts?
- What policy tools are available to address climate change?
- Is capitalism the problem? Is our economic system incompatible with a healthy environment?
- What is a just response to climate change?
- Has the global governance regime for climate change been effective?
- What do voters think about climate change?
- What incentives do politicians have for addressing climate change?
- How does business shape climate politics?
- What impact do social movements like Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion have on climate policy?
- What is just transition? How can one be achieved?
By the end of the module, you should have a clear understanding of the political challenges that climate policy entails and be equipped to analyse climate policy and politics using tools and concepts from political science.
Teaching comprises a weekly one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar. Because it is a small class, both lectures and seminars are interactive, giving you a chance to ask questions and engage in discussions with your fellow students and the lecturer.
The module is only open to first year BSc Politics and International Relations students in the Department of Political Science.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.