Module overview
Section outline
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Since 2015 and the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement, global climate policy is widely understood as a process that transcends the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is no longer primarily aimed at producing and enforcing binding reduction targets for states but builds on a flexible ‘pledge and review’ system of voluntary commitments by state and non-state actors alike. Taken together, these changes have been described as a shift away from a ‘regulatory’ and towards a ‘catalytic and facilitative model’ of global governance. They also signal the emergence of a ‘hybrid multilateralism’ where, in addition to governments, non-state actors – NGOs, cities, think-tanks, businesses, foundations… - are set to play a more proactive role in the international climate debate.
In a first instance, the module will provide students with an introduction to climate politics (Weeks 1). Over the course of the following weeks, we will offer “deep dives” into three climate-related topics: Arctic politics (Weeks 2, 3, 4 & 5), climate justice (Weeks 7 & 8) and cities (Weeks 9, 10, 11 & 12)There is not preferred textbook for this module. A useful resource for students (and non-students!) interested in the academic/scientific/political debates is Mike Hulme's edited volume: Contemporary Climate Change Debates: A Student Primer (2020, Routledge). It is a little expensive but a worthwhile investment (I have ordered copies of the book for the library).
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