GY427      Half Unit
Climate Change: Science, Economics and Policy

This information is for the 2022/23 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.

Assessment

Take-home assessment (100%) in the ST.

Student performance results

(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 23.9
Merit 46.3
Pass 28.9
Fail 0.9

Key facts

Department: Geography and Environment

Total students 2021/22: 111

Average class size 2021/22: 37

Controlled access 2021/22: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

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.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills