Course # 39950 Section Number 1 Day(s) M- W Time(s) 4:30pm-5:50pm Term Fall 2026 Course Instructor Scott Ashworth Specialization Energy & Environmental Policy Syllabus Syllabus 9/17/26 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 Ethics, Politics, and Expertise in Climate Policy Scott Ashworth Monday, Wednesday 4:30pm-5:50pm Syllabus Recent News More news Q&A: Harris Social Impact Fellow Alor Sahoo on AI and Education Thu., October 08, 2026 Harris Launches New Specialization to Help Students Turn Evidence into Better Policy Tue., October 06, 2026 Harris Public Policy Launches Custom Executive Education Program with Paraguay’s BECAL Thu., October 01, 2026 Upcoming Events More events Get to Know Harris! MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy Program Mon., October 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM Austin Coffee Chat Mon., October 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM Up Front Featuring Professor Wioletta Dziuda Tue., October 13, 2026 | 2:00 PM
November 24, 2026 Building Your Career in AI, Climate, and Financial Policy: A Thanksgiving Week Workshop