Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/globalenergyandclimatepolicy
The global landscape of energy and climate policy is a complex and ever-evolving field, crucial for addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future. Coursera’s “Global Energy and Climate Policy” course offers a comprehensive introduction to this vital subject, delving into the theoretical underpinnings and practical realities of policy design, advocacy, and implementation.
The course effectively highlights how domestic energy policies are increasingly intertwined with international governance as energy markets become truly global. The imperative to mitigate and adapt to climate change, alongside the transition to a low-carbon economy, adds significant layers of complexity, which this course adeptly navigates.
The syllabus is structured logically, starting with a crucial examination of “The future of fossil fuels in a carbon-constrained world.” This module sets the stage by introducing the concept of decarbonization, discussing technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), and exploring stakeholder perspectives on transitioning energy systems. Following this, the course tackles “The nuclear option: the solution to the energy/climate conundrum?” offering a balanced view on the economic, environmental, and political facets of nuclear power in the global energy mix.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the practicalities of promoting clean energy, with a module on “Up-scaling renewable energy: policy incentives.” Here, learners are introduced to the various fiscal and policy tools governments employ to boost the production and consumption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
The interconnectedness of energy and climate governance is a central theme, explored in “Energy and climate governance: two become one?” This section effectively illustrates how climate change, a global collective action problem, is intrinsically linked to energy policies, which are often state-centric. The global impact of fossil fuel emissions necessitates a coordinated international response.
Furthermore, the course addresses the critical relationship between climate change and energy security in “Climate change and energy security: resolving a tri-lemma.” It introduces various conceptualizations of energy security and analyzes their implications for crafting effective energy and climate change strategies.
An optional module, “What next for energy policy with the Paris Agreement on climate change?” provides an opportunity to synthesize the learned material and understand how international agreements like the Paris Agreement are reshaping the focus of energy policy. This adds a timely and relevant dimension to the course.
Overall, Coursera’s “Global Energy and Climate Policy” is an exceptional course for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of global energy markets, climate change mitigation, and the policy frameworks that guide our transition to a sustainable future. It is highly recommended for students, policymakers, industry professionals, and engaged citizens alike.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/globalenergyandclimatepolicy