Energy and Environmental Politics and Policy in a Comparative Perspective (MEE120)

Content

Course content

Many of the environmental problems we face today can be traced back to energy production and use. This course will look at this interdependence of energy production and environmental impact, and hereby focuses on how energy and environmental policy can mitigate impact. To this end, the course employs a comparative perspective. On the one hand, environmental impacts differ depending on the energy source and energy system, which is why different policies have to be employed to mitigate impact. On the other hand, the course will analyze policy implementation across geographic and socio-economic contexts, i.e. in developed countries, transitioning economies and developing countries.

By taking a comparative approach, the environmental impacts of different energy systems independent of the particular country context, as well as the effectiveness of policy instruments across contexts, can be discussed.

Throughout the semester, students will work in small groups on a comparative research paper. Apart from the group paper, a further form of assessment will be a written exam.

SDGs related to this course

By asking how to mitigate environmental impact from energy production, this course contributes knowledge conducive to achieving SDG15 and SDG13. As the course additionally looks at the distribution of impact, it also provides knowledge relevant for SDG10. And on a more general note, the course delivers knowledge relevant for achieving SDG7.

Learning outcome

It is expected that students, on completion of this course, will have the following knowledge, skills and general competencies:

In terms of knowledge, a well-performing student will be able to:

• distinguish different energy systems
• describe energy systems in terms of their environmental impact
• compare environmental and energy policies in different European and non-European countries in terms of their ability to mitigate environmental impacts
• review and evaluate the range and substance of political and policy issues related to environmental and energy politics and policy
• assess challenges related to a transition towards renewables

In terms of skills, a well-performing student will be able to:

• communicate effectively the linkages between energy systems and environmental impacts
• critically assess and compare the various challenges with regard to energy production and environmental impact
• organize knowledge from the course in a coherent comparative analysis that leads to well-substantiated conclusions
• provide constructive feedback in the context of group work and peer reviews

In terms of general competencies, a student should be able to

• communicate effectively and discuss environmental problems associated with today's energy systems, and formulate and communicate effectively challenges associated with reducing environmental impact from energy systems
• apply concepts and theories from the course
• make effective oral and written presentations
• have an increased capacity of independent learning

Required prerequisite knowledge

Recommended prerequisites

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Head of Department:

Method of work

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Student assignments (group work, oral presentation, written assignment)
• Assignments throughout the semester will contribute to the writing of the group paper. They are compulsory and consist of written assignments and a group presentation.
• Guest speakers

Open for

Course assessment

Literature