Course #
39950
Section Number
1
Day(s)
M
-
W
Time(s)
4:30pm-5:50pm
Term
Fall 2026
Course Instructor
Specialization
Energy & Environmental Policy

Introduction to philosophical and political concepts useful for climate policy practitioners. How can we evaluate climate policies? Examines utilitarianism, sustainability, intergenerational justice, and the treatment of risk and uncertainty, culminating in the Stern–Nordhaus debate. How do political institutions shape collective action on climate? Bargaining, voting, and free riding as structural challenges facing climate governance. What role should experts play in policy? Strategic communication, inductive risk, and value-laden concepts as threats to the transmission of scientific knowledge to the policy arena.​​​​​​

Course Sections

Quarter Course # Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus
Fall 2026 PPHA 39950/1 Climate Ethics and Policy Scott Ashworth Monday, Wednesday 4:30pm-5:50pm