Syllabus

Title
0734 Introduction to Climate Change Economics, Policy, and Justice
Instructors
Assoz.Prof PD Mag. Klara Zwickl, Ph.D.
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
09/18/25 to 09/21/25
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Friday 10/03/25 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM D5.1.002
Friday 10/10/25 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM D5.1.002
Friday 10/17/25 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM D5.1.002
Friday 10/24/25 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM D5.1.002
Friday 11/07/25 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM D5.1.002
Contents

This course offers an introduction to environmental and climate change economics by examining how economic systems, environmental conditions, and human well-being are interconnected. Throughout the semester, we will explore critical issues such as environmental inequality, the effects of globalization on environmental protection, strategies for enhancing natural assets, deforestation challenges, biodiversity conservation, air pollution, and the political economy of climate policy.
 

Learning outcomes

After completion of this course, students will be able to analyze environmental challenges through the lens of Political Economy and distributional perspectives. They will gain knowledge of various environmental policy tools and key concepts in environmental economics, including externalities, cost-benefit analysis, and discounting. Students will also learn to critically assess the strengths and limitations of these concepts when addressing climate change and other environmental issues. Additionally, they will understand key patterns of economic, social, and environmental inequality both within and between countries, as well as the main causes and effects of these inequalities.

Attendance requirements

Please note that at least 80% attendance is mandatory in courses of the type “PI” at WU.

Teaching/learning method(s)

The course follows a blended learning format, combining in-class teaching with online learning. During the in-class sessions, students will engage in discussions and group activities. The online, asynchronous component allows students to explore additional materials at their own pace. This includes watching recorded lectures, joining online discussions, and completing assignments. Throughout the course, students will work on a project that they will present at the end of the term, and will receive individual feedback at various stages.

Assessment
  • Participation in class and online 20%
  • Quizzes 30%
  • Discussion questions 20%
  • Own project 30%
Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

If you have a valid registration for the lecture, but will not participate, please deregister during the registration period of LPIS. Your place will be available for other students.
During the registration period, free places are filled according to the “first-come, first-served” principle.
After the end of the registration period, the number of places is increased and students on the waiting list will be registered for the lecture. Students in the Specialization-program will be added first, should places remain, they will be filled by BaWiSo-students based on their progress in their studies.

Readings

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

Last edited: 2025-07-02



Back