SCHI5020 · Schiller Institute

Exploring the Climate-Energy-Sustainability-Policy Nexus

As one of the defining issues of our time, climate change touches every thread of the social fabricate. Also, what we choose to do (or not to do) has long-lasting implications for many generations to come. This interdisciplinary course, to be co-taught by the core faculty members of the Schiller Institute, focuses on the intersection of climate science, renewable energy, sustainable growth, and policy-making. It is designed specifically to provide students with a comprehensive, yet in-depth overview of the complex interrelationships between these four key areas and how they may interact to shape the future of our planet.The course starts with an overview of the scientific evidence for climate change and its causes, as well as the current state of energy production, consumption and technology. Students will then learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a more sustainable economy, nature-based solution to climate change as a prime example. It concludes with a review of the existing policy frameworks at local, national, and international levels, as well as the role of key actors such as governments, industries, non-profit organizations and communities of faith.By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the complex interplays between climate, energy, sustainability, and policy, and will be able to think creatively about different technological and policy solutions to the most pressing problems in these areas such as net-zero transition and climate justice. They will also develop skills in critical analysis and communication, which will be useful in a variety of fields related to the grand challenge of mitigating and adapting to climate change.