Climate change is a key concern for public policy making, including as part of core economic policy. Decarbonisation will require changes in technologies, production and consumption, and means transition in some industries. Meanwhile, communities and businesses will need to prepare for impacts from climate change and adapt to them. Climate policy has arrived in the mainstream of government policy making. It is contested and poses challenges for institutions and political decision making. 

This course is about analytical frameworks, choice and design of policy for climate change at the national and sub-national level. It provides an introduction to the principles of domestic policymaking for climate change, and their application in practice. It allows students to become familiar with some of the major debates on climate change policy especially in its economic dimensions, including selected current policy debates in Australia and other countries. The course provides a grounding to enable students to do their own analysis of climate policy instruments and options. Students are encouraged to actively engage and share their own perspectives and relevant experience. Economic concepts covered in the course are presented in a way that is accessible to non-economists and the course does not require prior study of economics. The course is convened by Prof Frank Jotzo who has done applied research and policy advisory on climate policy in Australia and internationally for over two decades.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Understand and contextualise key concepts and current debates on climate change economics and policy.
2. Investigate and understand how principles of climate change policy are translated into national strategies and policy frameworks.
3. Critically reflect on the practical application of climate change policy instruments in different economic, social and political contexts.
4. Assess policy proposals and advocate alternative policy approaches based on analysis of evidence.
5. Demonstrate the ability to think independently, develop informed perspectives and persuasively communicate these in written and oral forms.

Research-Led Teaching

The course topics relate directly to Prof Jotzo's main area of research, as well as his policy advisory for governments and work for international bodies such as the IPCC. The course also taps into the experience and practice of several guest lecturers.

Field Trips

n/a

Additional Course Costs

none

Examination Material or equipment

n/a

Required Resources

Readings

Course materials include a variety of different readings and materials. Students are strongly encouraged to explore these and related sources themselves.

Examples:

• review papers and non-technical research papers in academic journals (e.g. Climate Policy, Nature Climate Change and other relevant field journals) and from academic books;
• high quality climate change online portals (e.g. Carbon Brief) and podcasts (e.g. Fear and Optimism, Environmental Insights - Harvard, Columbia Energy Exchange, Let Me Sum Up);
• sections of relevant reports by different organisations (e.g. IPCC, government commissioned reviews, reports by bodies such as the World Bank and NGOs);
• selected primary materials such as submissions, data sets and online calculators and simulation tools;
• news and viewpoints (e.g. articles in The Economist, New York Times, Australian Financial Review, ABC, BBC, The Conversation, etc.).

Readings will be provided through the course site on Canvas, differentiated by 'core' and 'additional' readings. All readings will be available electronically. It is necessary and expected that students engage with readings before each week's seminar.

Recommended Resources

Engage with the list of materials under Readings.

Read current in-depth coverage of climate change policy in quality media and on specialists portals.

Follow your convenor on LinkedIn and on X @frankjotzo.

Subscribe to the newsletter and social media of the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions ICEDS.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on individual assignments
• General feedback to the whole class

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

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	NB: both a & b are required for both lectures and seminars every week.Day 1, 21 April Lecture part a) Climate change impacts, planetary boundariesLecture part b) Global emissions trajectories, decarbonisation, net zeroDay 2, 24 AprilSeminar part a) Introductions & expectations Seminar part b) Recap & discussion of global emissions trajectories, decarbonisation, & net zero	Class times and expectations:Online lecture:Both a) & b) are expected: a) Tuesday 2–3pm b) Tuesday 4-5pmLectures are live online. Participation is encouraged.Seminars:Both a) & b) are required:On campus: a) Friday, 9.30am to 11am (Seminar room 8, JG Craford Building b) Friday, 11.30am to 1pm (Seminar room 8, JG Craford BuildingOnline: a) Friday, 2pm to 3.30pm b) Friday, 4pm to 5.30pm
2	Day 3, 28 AprilLecture part a) Emissions targets (Guest lecturer: Claudio Former, Climate Action Tracker)Lecture part b) Policy toolbox for emissions reductionsDay 4, 1 MaySeminar part a) Recap, discussion, & student presentationsSeminar part b) Student presentations
3	Day 5, 5 MayLecture part a) Policy for energy transition (Guest lecturer tbc)Lecture part b) China’s climate policyDay 6, 8 MaySeminar part a) Student presentationsSeminar part b) Student presentations
4	Day 7, 12 MayLecture part a) Industrial decarbonisation and tradeLecture part b) Economics of climate changeDay 8, 15 MaySeminar part a) Student presentationsSeminar part b) Student presentations
5	Day 9, 19 MayLecture part a) Climate change adaptation principlesLecture part b) Climate change adaptation policyDay 10, 22 MaySeminar part a) Student presentationsSeminar part b) Student presentations
6	Day 11, 26 MayLecture part a) Climate change finance (Guest lecturer tbc)Lecture part b) Climate change politicsDay 12, 29 MaySeminar part a) Student presentationsSeminar part b) Student presentations & negotiating climate policy

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Net Zero strategy	25 %	30/04/2026	07/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Presentation in class	25 %	*	*	1,3,5
Essay	40 %	*	09/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Participation	10 %	*	09/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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.

Participation

Class attendance and active participation in the seminars is expected, strongly recommended, and forms part of the grading.

There is a firm expectation that students will have prepared for each seminar. Active engagement in class as well as in the course online forum is encouraged.

Lectures are online, live participation in lectures is encouraged (but not required - you can view the recording).

Assessment Task 1

Net Zero strategy

The assignment is to develop a hypothetical net zero emissions strategy for a specific country, on the basis of arguments informed by the course content in lectures 2-4. Students are expected to outline a strategy that discusses options and ways to reduce emissions in different sectors taking account of specific national circumstances. The emphasis is on analysis, not on traditional essay writing. Guidance about the topic, expectations, procedures and criteria for evaluation will be provided during the course. 

Length: 1200 words. The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

Weighting: 25% of overall assessment.

Due date: Thursday, 30 April

Note on AI:

You may use AI to enhance your research, to test your ideas and as a pointer to facts. Always check that information provided by AI is correct. Use it as a pointer for your own work, never as a replacement for it, also in the interest of your own learning. This means you may not use AI for drafting the text submitted in assignments.

Your assignments need to be be accompanied by a statement on AI Use:

"This work was written by me and not by AI.

Below is a short disclosure on how AI was used in the context of my writing this work…

I am willing and able to demonstrate that this work is mine via unstructured discussion about the work and the choices that went into its production."

Assessment Task 2

Presentation in class

A short 4-6 minute in-class presentation about a chosen topic, expanding on a particular aspect of the topics covered in lectures. 

Suggested topics will be provided. Students are free to customize the topics, and to suggest their own topics.

Default is to work in pairs, each student covering a specific aspect of a common broader topic.

A written summary (1-2 pages, separately for each student) is due before the day of the seminar. Presentations are made live during seminars (Fridays).

Feedback will be provided within one week of the presentation.

25% of overall grade.

Timing: during Friday seminars

Assessment Task 3

Essay

An essay that looks in-depth at a specific topic from any aspect of the course.

A list of essay topics and guidance about expectations, procedures and criteria for evaluation will be provided during the course. Students are free to customise the set topics, and to propose their own specific topic in consultation with the convenor.

Students are expected to make a clear argument that is supported by facts and analysis, with own literature-based research going beyond the material covered in the course.

Length: 2200 words excluding references (+/-10%). The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

40% of overall assessment.

Due date of the paper: Thursday, 4 June

As part of the Essay assessment process, students will need to discuss the essay with the convenor, after submission. This will take place between 9-19 June. Discussions will take the form of a 5-7min online conversation at a scheduled time. The purpose of these discussions is for you to demonstrate that you have personally produced the essay, understand the issues deeply and thought critically about them. The discussion forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the assignment. Failing to take part or failing to establish that the essay is own work would result in a significant reduction in grades, while demonstrating strong command of the subject can increase the grade. 

Note on AI:

You may use AI to enhance your research, to test your ideas and as a pointer to facts. Always check that information provided by AI is correct. Use it as a pointer for your own work, never as a replacement for it, also in the interest of your own learning. This means you may not use AI for drafting the text submitted in assignments.

Your assignments need to be be accompanied by a statement on AI Use:

"This work was written by me and not by AI.

Below is a short disclosure on how AI was used in the context of my writing this work…

I am willing and able to demonstrate that this work is mine via unstructured discussion about the work and the choices that went into its production."

Assessment Task 4

Participation

Participation marks are for active seminar engagement. This will include pop quizzes on questions related to the lectures may also form part of the participation grade. 

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

All submission in this course are online.

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 Canvas 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.

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.

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 Access 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 all ANU students