Global Energy and Climate Policy from Coursera

The Global Energy and Climate Policy course offers an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated and implemented. As energy markets go truly global, domestic energy policies are becoming more and more entangled with wider issues of international governance. Concurrently, the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to climate change and transition to a low-carbon future is adding a further layer of complexity.

The course is aimed broadly at people interested in learning more about interconnected issues in energy and climate policy globally. It assumes a level of interest but no necessary previous knowledge. However, the course also offers sufficient up to date research and new critical perspectives to be of interest to people with expertise in or academic familiarity with the topic as well.

The main aim of the course is to provide this wide-ranging introduction in a self-contained, but in-depth form, alongside the important practical skills necessary to understand and discuss energy and climate policy, and lay the groundwork for greater engagement in the future – either through academic study, in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.

What's inside

Syllabus

The future of fossil fuels in a carbon-constrained world

This week introduces the concept of a carbon-constrained world, considering how it links to energy policies and the future of fossil fuels. It will also discuss the role of technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and how different stakeholders, in developed and developing countries, perceive the need to decarbonize energy systems.

The nuclear option: the solution to the energy/climate conundrum?

This week introduces the competing cases on economic, environmental and political aspects of nuclear power as part of the global energy mix and its role in meeting both energy security and climate change mitigation needs.

Up-scaling renewable energy: policy incentives

This week discusses the growing role of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. It introduces the range of fiscal and other policy tools that governments’ use to promote an increase in the production and consumption of renewable energy.

Energy and climate governance: two become one?

This week addresses how energy and climate governance are becoming more inter-related. Climate change is a global collective action problem whereas energy is more often associated with state based priorities. However, emissions from fossil fuel energy have global impacts and pose a challenge to the international community at-large.

Climate change and energy security: resolving a tri-lemma

This week provides an introduction to the various conceptualisations of energy security and considers the implications these can have on energy and climate change strategies.

What next for energy policy with the Paris Agreement on climate change? [OPTIONAL]

For the week 6 optional exercise, you may draw upon your learning from previous weeks to understand how climate change is changing the focus of energy policy. Specifically, you are asked to consider this in light of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the global interconnectedness of energy and climate change policies

Provides a comprehensive understanding of energy and climate change policies

Covers a wide range of topics, from fossil fuels to renewable energy to climate governance

Suitable for a broad audience with an interest in energy and climate change, from beginners to those with some prior knowledge

Taught by experienced instructors Harald Heubaum and Dr Dan Plesch from SOAS University of London

Optional exercises allow learners to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios

Reviews summary

Global energy and climate policy

Learners say this largely positive course engaging assignments covers key features of energy and climate policy like lectures, readings, exams, quizzes, homework assignments, instructors, deadlines, and certificates. Excellent videos and guest speakers supplement the informative readings. The difficult exams and peer-reviewed assignments help reinforce the learning. While the course includes some dated information, students variously find it very informative and engaging.

Useful and insightful peer review

"The tasks were challenging, but not too advanced given I had never studied policy before."

"The peer review system was also excellent because it enables a collaborative approach where students are located all across the world."

"It is a highly professional and demanding course conducted by experts in their field."

Well-structured course with diverse perspectives

"The course is very well structured and the information of the experts is easy to digest. The extra literature is very interesting and with valuable information."

"This course is very well structured and the staggered source of energy starting from the conventional and largely current Fossil fuel to the future of nuclear energy option."

"This course provides a clear and engaging introduction to international perspectives on the energy-climate intersection."

Rigorous and thought-provoking assignments

"The assignments are rigorous and requires adequate preperation."

"The weekly assigment of 350 words is particularly useful."

"This was a really interesting course! I found that it to be really engaging and challenging which made completing the assignments enjoyable."

Relevant and informative curriculum

"The course material is very well designed, simple and very informative"

"The course itself is exciting contexts, and you can have fascinating interactions between students."

"This was an absolutely great course to take from the University of London on Global Energy and Climate Policy."

"This is a great introductory course and covered a broad spectrum of subjects relating to global energy and climate change."

Knowledgeable and engaging experts

"Excellent resource persons, Great and diverse inputs."

"Harald Heubaum and other discussants of various topics of this lecture. They had indeed deepened my little knowledge on the topics and opened my mind to other areas not ever thought."

"The lecturer provided us with sufficient materials for learning."

Some outdated information and broken links

"The course material is very limited and eurocentric. System should take care that assignment are properly circulated for peer review and system should make them available when due."

"The contents of the course are not entirely up to date, but they are great for an inital approach to climate policy."

"This is a rapidly changing area."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Energy and Climate Policy with these activities:

Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams

Show steps

This will help you organize your materials and make it easier to study for exams.

Browse courses on Energy Policy

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Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize the materials into a binder or folder.
Review the materials regularly.

Read 'The Energy of Slaves'

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This book offers a radical new understanding of the roots of industrial capitalism.

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Read the chapters in order.
Keep a journal to record your thoughts and reactions as you read.
Write a summary of each chapter.

Practice calculating the carbon footprint of different energy sources

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This will help you understand the environmental impact of different energy sources.

Browse courses on Carbon Footprint

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Find a carbon footprint calculator online.
Calculate the carbon footprint of different energy sources.
Compare the results.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a workshop on energy policy

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This will help you learn about the latest developments in energy policy and meet other people who are interested in this topic.

Browse courses on Energy Policy

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Find a workshop on energy policy.
Attend the workshop.
Participate in the discussions.

Create a timeline of the development of energy policy

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This will help you understand the evolution of energy policy and the factors that have shaped it.

Browse courses on Energy Policy

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Research the development of energy policy.
Create a timeline of key events.
Write a summary of your findings.

Follow a tutorial on how to conduct a life cycle assessment of an energy system

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This will help you understand the environmental impact of an energy system over its entire lifecycle.

Browse courses on Life Cycle Assessment

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Find a tutorial on how to conduct a life cycle assessment.
Follow the steps in the tutorial.
Write a report on your findings.

Participate in a hackathon on energy

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This will help you develop your skills in energy policy and meet other people who are interested in this topic.

Browse courses on Energy

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Find a hackathon on energy.
Form a team.
Develop a solution to the hackathon challenge.

Create a database of energy policy resources

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This will help you organize and access the resources you need to learn about energy policy.

Browse courses on Energy Policy

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Gather resources on energy policy.
Organize the resources into a database.
Share the database with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Energy and Climate Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Change Policy Analyst

Climate change policy analysts study climate change policies and make recommendations on how to improve them. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course introduces learners to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course could provide climate change policy analysts with a solid foundation for understanding how to develop and advocate for effective climate change policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Policy Analyst

Environmental Economist

Environmental economists study environmental issues and design policies to address them. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course introduces learners to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide environmental economists with a strong foundation for understanding how energy and climate policies are made and how they can be used to address environmental issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Climate Change Analyst

Climate change analysts study the causes and impacts of climate change, and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to its effects. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide climate change analysts with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding climate change and how to develop effective strategies to address it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Energy Policy Analyst

Energy policy analysts study energy policies and make recommendations on how to improve them. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide energy policy analysts with a solid foundation for understanding how to develop and advocate for effective energy policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide sustainability managers with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to develop effective sustainability strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Energy Consultant

Energy consultants advise organizations on how to manage their energy use and costs. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide energy consultants with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to advise clients on how to navigate it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

Chief Sustainability Officer

Chief sustainability officers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide chief sustainability officers with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to develop and implement effective sustainability strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer

Energy Efficiency Analyst

Energy efficiency analysts study ways to improve energy efficiency and make recommendations on how to implement them. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course will provide energy efficiency analysts with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to develop and advocate for effective energy efficiency policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Analyst

Public Policy Manager

Public policy managers oversee the development and implementation of public policies. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide public policy managers with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to develop and implement effective policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Manager

Climate Risk Analyst

Climate risk analysts assess the financial risks associated with climate change. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide climate risk analysts with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to assess the financial risks associated with it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Risk Analyst

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts develop policy recommendations on a wide range of issues. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would aid policy analysts in developing and advocating for policies that address energy and climate change issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Director of Environmental Affairs

Directors of environmental affairs are responsible for overseeing environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives for organizations. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide directors of environmental affairs with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to develop and implement effective environmental programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director of Environmental Affairs

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans and other organisms. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide environmental scientists with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how it can be used to protect the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants advise organizations on how to improve their sustainability performance. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide sustainability consultants with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to advise clients on how to improve their sustainability performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable energy project developers develop and implement renewable energy projects. The Global Energy and Climate Policy course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated, and implemented. This course would provide renewable energy project developers with a strong foundation for understanding the policy landscape surrounding energy and climate change and how to develop and implement effective renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer