IR104: Governing Climate and Environmental Change: Science, Policy and Politics

Humans are increasingly impacting the climate and other environmental systems. Yet how can we understand such changes? What are governments, businesses and communities doing to govern climate and other environmental changes? And what is the role of science, politics and power in climate and environmental governance? This course seeks to address these and similar questions.

The course provides a unique, inter-disciplinary introduction to the governance of climate and environmental change. Students are introduced to the science of regional and global environmental change, and frameworks for understanding the relationship between humans and biophysical systems. This is followed by an examination of the different policies, instruments and approaches used by different actors to govern climate and environmental change. These include government, market (e.g. businesses) and civil society (e.g. NGOs and community groups) actors. Finally, the course reflects on the politics of environmental change, providing students with a critical perspective on contemporary forms of climate and environmental governance.

Throughout the course, real-world examples will be used to ground and illuminate the material covered in the lectures and classes. Additionally, two half-day field courses are included, exploring issues of urban climate change governance in London. The lectures will be taught by full-time LSE faculty, all of whom are also active researchers in the area of climate and environmental change and governance.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. 

Level: 100 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One issue brief (50%) and one written examination (50%)

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course would suit existing undergraduate students from a range of disciplines wishing to develop and broaden their understanding of the science, policy and politics of climate and environmental change.

It would also be suitable for current undergraduates or recent graduates thinking of applying for an MSc degree in a climate change-/environment-related area. Young professionals who need to develop their understanding of climate and environmental policy and governance issues would also find this course useful.

• A sound knowledge and understanding of the science, policy and politics of climate and environmental change
• An awareness of the role of knowledge, interests and power in contemporary environmental policy and governance
• An understanding of, and an ability to critically assess, contemporary policy approaches to climate change and environmental governance
• Knowledge and skills to communicate to non-academic audiences on the science, policy and politics of climate and environmental change

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.