The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has set a maximum 2.0 degree Celsius global temperature increase (striving to limit change to 1.5 Celsius) as the primary goal of climate change mitigation. Many experts assert the existence of adequate technical means and highlight the need for effective political and economic action to achieve the goal. The following questions increasingly drive discussions about how to proceed. 

• Are efforts to ensure the implementation of national climate change mitigation pledges effective?

• Can public/private-sector mobilization of investment capital be more effective?

• Might a synergistic combination of both be most effective?

This course nurtures understanding of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement and good governance mechanisms for achieving its goals. It focuses attention on EU member-state and US Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) implementation, as well as EU/US commitments to collaborate in accelerating climate change mitigation globally. It also considers current methods to mobilize investment capital with special attention to fossil-fuel divestment and investment in emerging economies. These include public- and private-sector initiatives, foremost in the EU and US. Requirements include completing reading assignments, class participation, quizzes, as well as an oral and written presentation. The written presentation will be integrated into a final report for public dissemination.

The course offers several resources to broaden and deepen participant understanding of climate change mitigation. In addition to lecture/discussion sessions, expert presentations, agency study visits, and renewable energy facility excursions augment knowledge and facilitate research. They also reveal the widening variety of related career opportunities available to young professionals. 

Daily attendance and active participation in class are necessary and expected components of your learning experience and will be assessed weekly. You are allowed up to 3 one-hour absences total. There is no distinction between “excused” or “unexcused” absences, be they for illnesses, doctor’s visits, family matters, job interviews, etc. Beginning with the 4^th one-hour absence, your course average will drop dramatically (a 1% deduction from your final grade per missed hour). Please speak with your instructor if you experience an emergency situation or have extenuating circumstances. Only in very rare instances may your instructor grant exceptions.

• Participation:   20%
• Homework:   15%
• 3 Quizzes:   20%
• 3 Writing Tasks:   25%
• 1 Oral Presentation:   20%