Environment and Climate Transformation

What it is about

You engage with global environmental problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, ocean acidification, and land degradation. In the end you will be able to describe causes, effects, and possible actions at local, national, European, and global levels, and assess technological and societal response options.

What you will be able to do

• Identify concepts and theories of environmental and climate politics
• Understand decision processes at different levels
• Work with various environmental and climate policy instruments
• Recognize and apply negotiation strategies
• Assess strengths and weaknesses of regulatory and non-regulatory instruments
• Develop leadership and negotiation skills
• Assess the importance of issue framing and coalitions
• Know theoretical and methodological approaches of research
• Apply comparative analysis at regional, national, and international levels
• Consider inter- and intragenerational justice aspects

What the module consists of

• SeminarAddresses two complementary thematic areas: technological/social/intergenerational issues as well as modeling political decision-making and negotiating
• Simulation/ÜbungIn-class negotiation and decision-making simulations to strengthen practical negotiating skills; possibly additional weekend or long session for a complete simulation
• PräsentationStudents present results from simulations and reflections

Teaching method

• Seminare mit direktem InputConveying subject knowledge and discussion of central questions
• Verhandlungs- und EntscheidungssimulationenPractical relevance and training of negotiation strategies as well as application of theoretical concepts
• Schriftliche ReflexionenDeepening what has been learned and critical engagement after simulations
• Studentische PräsentationenPractice communicating the causes, consequences and solutions of an environmental or climate problem