This course introduces students to foundations of and recent developments in international climate change policy.

 

Topics covered include climate change response options, and economic and policy perspectives on the problem of international cooperation; international environmental agreements, especially the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement; international carbon markets and climate finance; cooperation on technology; international dimensions of adaptation to climate change; relationship with other international objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals; and international governance of climate change action. The course provides a non-technical introduction to some economic thinking on climate change, no prior economics study in needed.

The course convenor and main lecturer is Frank Jotzo, Professor at Crawford School, who has researched, published and advised on climate change policy for two decades, including as lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and through government advisory. Expert guest lecturers including practitioners contribute to some sessions. The course is interactive and students are encouraged to actively engage.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Be familiar with the main concepts and debates on international climate change policy.
2. Understand the principles practice of the UN climate change framework, and of a range of issues in international climate change policy.
3. Be able to critically assess policy proposals and evaluate future developments.

Research-Led Teaching

The substance of the course is aligned with the course convenors' research and the practical or academic expertise of guest lecturers that cover various specific topics.

Required Resources

A full reading list will be provided on the course webpage on Wattle.

Staff Feedback

Written feedback on individual work (via the course website on Wattle) will be provided on the Essay and the Negotiating Text Analysis, and in brief form on the Seminar Presentation and Exam. Verbal feedback from the convenors can be obtained on request.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Note on course delivery format:

In 2021 this course is delivered on each Tuesday throughout Semester 2, beginning on July 27 and finishing on October 26.

The format will be:

• 1330-1430: A one-hour live lecture plus discussion (often by a guest presenter with real-world experience in international climate change policy and negotiation processes)
• Pre-recorded on-line material to complement the lecture topic
• 1500-1600: A one-hour face-to-face workshop/ tutorial for those attending the course in person
• 1600-1700: A second one-hour workshop/ tutorial (on the same topics) for students attending on-line

Lectures will also be recorded and will be available after the live delivery session.

Students are expected to also prepare by reading and/or watching materials provided before each class session.

Some additional consultation sessions will be offered online.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	27 July Context. Climate science and greenhouse gas emissions (Part 1)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Aspects of climate change science, emissions trends, drivers and targets Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Course overview incl goals and procedures, key themes. Introduction by each participant Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it
2	3 August Climate science and greenhouse gas emissions (Part 2)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Aspects of climate change science, emissions trends, drivers and targets Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
3	10 August International agreements on climate change (Part 1)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Climate change as a global externality; international environmental agreements, the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
4	17 August International agreements on climate change (Part 2)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Climate change as a global externality; international environmental agreements, the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
5	24 August Current issues in international climate change negotiations and politics (Part 1)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Market mechanisms for international climate policy, Nationally Determined Contributions, loss and damage Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
6	31 August Current issues in international climate change negotiations and politics (Part 2)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Market mechanisms for international climate policy, Nationally Determined Contributions, loss and damage Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
7	21 September Developing countries, gender and vulnerable groups in global climate policy (Part 1)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Power dynamics and the issues of vulnerable groups in climate change policy Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
8	28 September Developing countries, gender and vulnerable groups in global climate policy (Part 2)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Power dynamics and the issues of vulnerable groups in climate change policy Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
9	5 October Security, geo-engineering, and communications	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: Geo-engineering and its governance challenges (e.g., security), communications Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
10	12 October Finance, trade measures, and non-government actors (Part 1)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: International climate finance (e.g., the role of business and NGOs, carbon taxes, supply-side climate policy etc.) Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
11	19 October Finance, trade measures, and non-government actors (Part 2)	Live lecture (Zoom) plus discussion: Indicative topics: International climate finance (e.g., the role of business and NGOs, carbon taxes, supply-side climate policy etc.) Pre-recorded material (complementary to topics listed above) Workshop/ Tutorial: Discussion of the lecture and issues arising from it Student-led discussions on related topics
12	26 October Wrap up	Lecture and tutorial sessions: Revision of key themes and ideas Exercises to reinforce key messages

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Essay 1: Negotiations issue analysis	35 %	19/09/2021	08/10/2021	1, 2, 3
Essay 2: A chosen topic	35 %	31/10/2021	26/11/2021	1, 2, 3
Exam	20 %	05/11/2021	02/12/2021	1, 2, 3
Presentation	10 %	10/08/2021	02/12/2021	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Essay 1: Negotiations issue analysis

A short essay on topics covered in the first half of the course. The topic will be given in Week 1.

1500 words +/- 10%.

Through this analysis students will engage in detail with a specific issue that is currently in the climate change negotiations, critically reviewing a piece of negotiating text and making suggestions for improving that section, and linking the analysis to concepts covered in the course.

The emphasis here is on analysis of a specific issue, not extensive description, hence a relatively short word count.

Specific assessment criteria and further guidance will be provided.

Students will be required to peer-review other students' essays.

Assessment Task 2

Essay 2: A chosen topic

An essay on a topic related to the course. A list of suggested topics will be provided, and own topics can be suggested.

1500 words +/-10%. 

Through the essay students engage deeply on a specific question of climate change policy and economics, applying knowledge and analytical skills gained during the course to specific policy issues. Students are expected to make a clear argument that is supported by facts and analysis, with some own research using literature or primary sources that goes beyond the material covered in the course.

Specific assessment criteria and further guidance will be provided.

Students will be asked to write in the style of Solutions Journal, which gives the option of submitting the assignment to the journal if editorial and other standards are fulfilled.

Assessment Task 3

Exam

2-hour online-take-home-exam during 4 and 5 November 2021. Selected questions will be posed for you to choose from and relate to the entire syllabus of the course. Specific times for the exam will be agreed upon accommodating different time zones. Further guidance and detail will be provided will be during the course.

Assessment Task 4

Presentation

Pre-recorded presentation on an assigned topic relevant to one of the sessions during weeks 1-11. Further detail on required content will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

All assessments are submitted via the course website on Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmissions.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students