GY427 Half Unit
Climate Change: Science, Economics and Policy
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Professor Simon Dietz
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change and MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Economics and Climate Change) (LSE and Peking University). This course is available on the MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation, MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environment and Development) (LSE and Peking University) and MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Policy and Regulation) (LSE and Peking University). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. Priority will be given to students on the MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change followed by students on the MSc in Environment and Development and MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation. Students on the MPA will only be offered a place if spaces are available. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.
Course content
A comprehensive guide to the issue of climate change, from fundamental concepts in climate science, through estimating the future impacts of climate change on economies and societies, to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by using economic instruments such as carbon trading. Interdisciplinary, but with an emphasis on economic analysis, albeit taught in a non-technical style.
Teaching
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through interactive lectures across the Lent Term.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of the Lent term.
Formative coursework
Students will carry out regular assignments.
Indicative reading
Detailed reading lists will be provided to support each course component.
The following texts will be particularly useful:
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2014). Climate Change 2014: Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Maslin, M. (2008). Global Warming: a Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Stern, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change: the Stern Review. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Take-home assessment (100%) in the ST.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 20.7 |
| Merit | 40.8 |
| Pass | 35.4 |
| Fail | 3.1 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Geography & Environment
Total students 2020/21: 120
Average class size 2020/21: 60
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
