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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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 & climate policy overview

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the complex world of global energy and climate policy. Many found the lectures engaging and appreciated how the instructor explained complex concepts clearly. The syllabus covers crucial topics like fossil fuels, renewables, and governance structures. However, some students with prior knowledge felt the course lacked sufficient depth and could be too basic. A few reviews also mentioned a lack of practical application and potentially outdated supplementary materials, wishing for more real-world insights and current case studies. Overall, it is seen as a great foundation but may require further study for deeper expertise.

Complex topics explained clearly.

"The lectures were engaging and easy to follow, even for complex topics."

"The instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material clearly."

"Lectures were clear, and the readings provided good context."

"Prof. XYZ explains complex concepts clearly."

Provides a comprehensive overview.

"Absolutely brilliant course! It gave me a solid understanding..."

"A very good introduction to the field. Covers the key policy areas well."

"Provides a comprehensive look at the global energy and climate landscape."

"It's an excellent entry point into a complex subject."

Some materials might be outdated.

"Also, some of the supplemental links seemed outdated."

"Some of the facts presented felt slightly behind the curve..."

"Lectures were informative, but some supplementary materials were a bit outdated."

Course feels academic, less practical.

"Disappointed... felt very academic and lacked practical application."

"Expected more on real-world policy implementation challenges."

"Found it a bit dry and academic. Expected more practical insights."

May be too basic for some learners.

"However, if you have some prior knowledge, it might feel a bit basic."

"Content is okay... doesn't dive deep. I found myself needing to seek external resources..."

"My only minor critique is that some areas could use slightly more depth..."

"Could use more depth or case studies. Good starting point though."

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

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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

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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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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