ENS 242 - Comparative Climate Change Politics

Course Units: 1

This past year we have seen historic temperature records and heatwaves across the globe, the impacts of wildfires around the country and locally, and periods of drought and
extreme storms in different areas. These have been attributed to or amplified by anthropogenic climate change, which is one of the biggest challenges facing society in
the 21 st century. This course examines why climate change is such a “wicked problem”, and why it is so difficult to address effectively. The barriers to addressing climate change are not just technical and scientific, but also political and social. Thinking about a future where we as a society mitigate the worst impacts of climate change this century, and adapt to other impacts entails navigating different political systems around the world and balancing various geopolitical and economic interests. Through this course, we will examine how these factors shape or constrain efforts to address climate change in Western Europe, the United States, China, India, and other parts of the world. We will also examine how climate change is impacting human life and security in these countries and other parts of the world, and how it may amplify existing inequalities and other crises. ISP: ENS