ECM182-Climate Change and Economic Policies

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.lovo@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will provide an introduction to the theoretical concepts and approaches used to analyse economic impacts of climate change, such as externalities and public goods and principles of behavioural economics to understand the roles of both financial and non financial incentives. The module will then introduce national and international policy approaches in dealing with climate change, examine the difficulties in switching to alternative energy sources and environmentally-friendly technologies and behaviours. 

Aims:

The primary focus of this module is twofold: (1) understanding economic tools of analysis for addressing climate change problems, (2) understanding how traditional economic instruments and behavioural instruments can be used to affect decision making at the level of individuals, businesses and governments both nationally and internationally. National and international policies to address climate change will also be discussed in the light of the above.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

understand the behaviour and motivations of different actors (consumers, firms and policy makers) and be able to assess the appropriateness of various types of incentives (financial, regulatory, etc.) to change their behaviour;

apply different tools of analysis to the decision making problems of individuals, firms and policy makers, understanding the concepts of both inter- and intra- temporal trade-offs;

use these tools in the context of specific case-studies of adoption of more pro-environmental behaviour by consumers, investors, firms and policy makers.

Additional outcomes:

To grasp critical thinking in economics and be able to use economic tools of analysis in the study of everyday problems of responses to climate change.

Outline content:

This module will consist of lectures and seminars focussing on both theories and concrete examples from observed policies of mitigation and adaptation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, and seminars with students’ presentations. Lectures will be used for the presentation of the concepts, analytical principles, and the methodology. Coursework is set to develop analytical and critical skills. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
There is no final examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One presentation, worth 50% of the overall mark, and one project, also worth 50% of the overall mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum weighted average mark from the presentation and project of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-assessment will be on the basis of a single independent project, related to a topic covered in the module. This will not be a re-submission of the earlier project. The project for re-assessment is required to be submitted by the last working day of August of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019