Making Democracy Fit for Climate from Coursera

Climate change has been high on the political agenda for years, yet greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Globally, communities are already experiencing the consequences of the crisis in various ways: from increases in extreme weather and changes to ecosystems to rising sea levels and depleting natural resources.

Despite the clear consequences of climate change, political action has so far proven inadequate at addressing the crisis. Democratic countries are no exception in this regard, which raises questions about the democratic system's ability to deliver the policies and actions needed to address climate change.

The goal of this course is to zoom in on the relationship between democracy and climate change action. Do democratic systems have the capacity to deal with a threat like the climate crisis? If so, what will this require in terms of innovating democracy as a political system?

During the course, you will meet researchers and experts from the University of Copenhagen who specialise in various areas relevant to this course. This includes scholars working on political and democratic theory, climate and environmental science, authoritarianism, international politics, and non-state actors. Furthermore, you will be presented with interviews from real-world actors who have engaged in the climate debate in various ways.

We hope you will join this course to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to take part in the ongoing discussions related to climate change and the role of democracies in addressing its many challenges.

What's inside

Syllabus

Climate Change and Democracy - A Perfect Storm?

The purpose of this module is to introduce the fundamentals of democracy and climate change. The module provides an overview of the main justifications for why democracy is the most preferred mode of government, and juxtaposes these justifications with the challenges that climate change poses to democracy. The module concludes by outlining how and why democratic innovations might be needed.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the relationship between democracy and climate change action, which is a highly relevant topic for anyone interested in democracy and climate change

Offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges to democracy posed by climate change, as well as the potential for democratic innovation to address these challenges

Taught by recognized experts in the field and features interviews with real-world actors engaged in the climate debate, which adds credibility and relevance to the course

Covers a wide range of topics related to democracy and climate change, including the causes of inaction, the role of non-state actors, and the potential for new forms of democratic innovation

Provides opportunities for students to engage with the course material through videos, readings, discussions, and other interactive materials, which enhances the learning experience

Helps students develop a critical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the face of climate change, which is essential for anyone interested in shaping the future of democracy and climate action

Reviews summary

Democracy and climate action insight

According to learners, this course offers a thought-provoking and highly relevant exploration of how democratic systems intersect with the climate crisis. Students commend the academic rigor and nuanced perspectives provided by University of Copenhagen experts, finding the content both intellectually stimulating and timely. While largely seen as a comprehensive overview, some note its theoretical depth may require prior knowledge or patience, though the inclusion of interviews with real-world actors helps ground the discussions. It's considered essential for those in public policy or environmental advocacy, expanding perspectives on democratic innovation.

A deep dive into theory, less on direct action.

"I found it to be very theoretical, sometimes to the point of being abstract. ... I was hoping for more practical frameworks or case studies."

"It's a great course if you're looking for a conceptual understanding, but if you're after 'how-to' guides for activism or policy implementation, you might find it a bit high-level."

"The interviews with real-world actors added a crucial practical dimension, grounding the theory in reality."

Demands rigor, rewarding serious learners.

"This is not a superficial course; it demands intellectual engagement and rewards it handsomely."

"The suggested readings were sometimes extensive, requiring a significant time commitment beyond the lectures."

"I found the advanced concepts challenging but ultimately very rewarding for my learning."

Introduces novel, thought-provoking ideas.

"I especially appreciated the module on 'more-than-human democracy' – a truly innovative concept that broadened my understanding..."

"It challenged my preconceived notions about democracy's limitations and opened my mind to innovative solutions."

"The course introduces fascinating concepts like 'politics of swarming,' which were quite new to me."

Delivered by top-tier University experts.

"The lectures from the University of Copenhagen experts were top-notch, providing a nuanced perspective."

"The instructors were engaging and clearly passionate about the subject."

"I gained insights from academics who are clearly experts in their fields."

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 Making Democracy Fit for Climate with these activities:

Review Course Materials

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding by comprehensively reviewing course materials.

Show steps

Gather all course readings, assignments, and notes.
Summarize and synthesize key concepts.
Create a study guide or concept map for easy recall.

Explore Climate Change Data and Resources

Show steps

Develop your research skills by exploring climate change data and resources.

Show steps

Identify relevant climate change databases and repositories.
Follow tutorials and documentation on data access and analysis.
Practice visualizing and interpreting climate data.

Volunteer with a Climate Change Organization

Show steps

Gain practical experience and engage with a community working on climate change.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

Show steps

Research and identify climate change organizations in your area.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and events.
Participate in community outreach and advocacy initiatives.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Form a Study Group

Show steps

Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers and discussing course concepts.

Show steps

Find classmates who share your interests.
Schedule regular study sessions.
Work together to review materials, solve problems, and clarify concepts.

Analyze Political Systems

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of different political systems and their relationship with climate change.

Browse courses on Political Systems

Show steps

Research and compare different political systems.
Identify key features of each system.
Analyze how these features influence climate change policies and actions.

Read 'On Democracy' By Robert A. Dahl

Show steps

Explore the concept of democracy and its challenges.

View A Preface to Economic Democracy on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain and read the book
Make notes while reading, and pay special attention to Dahl's arguments about the characteristics and challenges of democracy.
Summarize the main insights and arguments of the book

Develop a Climate Policy Proposal

Show steps

Apply your knowledge to develop a comprehensive climate policy proposal.

Browse courses on Climate Policy

Show steps

Research best practices and current climate policies.
Identify key stakeholders and their interests.
Develop a policy proposal that addresses both short- and long-term climate challenges.
Write a policy brief summarizing the proposal and its key recommendations.

Develop a Climate Adaptation Plan

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by developing a comprehensive climate adaptation plan for a specific region or community.

Browse courses on Climate Adaptation

Show steps

Assess climate risks and vulnerabilities.
Identify adaptation strategies and measures.
Develop an implementation plan with a clear timeline and budget.
Present the plan to stakeholders and seek feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Making Democracy Fit for Climate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Making Democracy Fit for Climate

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Democracy and climate action insight

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses