The Economics of Climate Change Training Course

The Economics of Climate Change Training Course

Introduction

The world is facing an unprecedented and complex challenge in climate change, a crisis with profound economic implications. The transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy is no longer a distant ideal but an immediate necessity. This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between environmental science and economic policy. It goes beyond the headlines to explore the core economic principles that govern climate change, from market failures and externalities to the design of effective climate policy instruments like carbon pricing. Participants will gain the analytical skills necessary to navigate this complex landscape, evaluate the costs and benefits of various climate actions, and contribute to informed, evidence-based decision-making in their respective fields.

The Economics of Climate Change Training Course is designed to empower a new generation of leaders to drive meaningful change. By focusing on practical applications and real-world case studies, we demystify the complexities of climate finance, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. You will learn how to assess the economic impacts of climate change on specific sectors, analyze the efficacy of different policy interventions, and understand the crucial role of international cooperation. The course aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to not only understand the problem but to actively participate in crafting innovative and equitable solutions for a resilient and prosperous future.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Analyze the economic impacts of climate change across various sectors.
2. Evaluate the costs and benefits of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
3. Apply economic models and analytical frameworks to climate policy challenges.
4. Understand the concept of carbon pricing and its implementation through carbon taxes and emissions trading systems (ETS).
5. Assess the role of green finance and sustainable investments in the low-carbon transition.
6. Analyze the distributional effects of climate policies on different populations and economies.
7. Explore the economics of renewable energy and clean technology innovation.
8. Examine the role of international climate agreements and climate diplomacy.
9. Develop strategies for climate risk management and building economic resilience.
10. Discuss the concept of a just transition for workers and communities affected by decarbonization.
11. Evaluate the economic rationale behind climate-smart infrastructure and urban planning.
12. Explore the link between climate change and macroeconomic stability.
13. Communicate effectively about the economic dimensions of climate change to diverse stakeholders.

Organizational Benefits

• Enables organizations to identify, assess, and manage climate-related financial and operational risks.
• Equips leaders with the data and frameworks to make informed, evidence-based decisions on climate strategy and investments.
• Prepares organizations to navigate evolving climate regulations, carbon markets, and sustainability reporting requirements.
• Fosters innovation and the development of new products and services that align with a low-carbon economy, creating a competitive edge.
• Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, enhancing public trust and brand value.
• Attracts and retains top talent who are increasingly seeking purpose-driven work and an understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.

Target Audience

1. Economists and policy analysts in government and private sectors.
2. Sustainability and ESG professionals.
3. Business leaders and corporate strategists.
4. Financial analysts and investment managers.
5. Environmental scientists and professionals seeking an economic perspective.
6. NGO and international development practitioners.
7. Urban planners and infrastructure developers.
8. Academics and researchers in related fields.

Course Outline

Module 1: The Foundations of Climate Change Economics

• Introduction to climate change science and its economic relevance.
• Core economic concepts: Market failures, externalities, and public goods in the context of climate change.
• Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of climate action and inaction.
• The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC): Theory, estimation, and policy implications.
• Case Study: The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change.

Module 2: Climate Policy Instruments

• Carbon Pricing: A deep dive into carbon taxes and their design, including revenue recycling.
• Emissions Trading Systems (ETS): How they work, including cap-and-trade systems.
• Regulatory Approaches: Standards, mandates, and performance-based regulations.
• Incentives and Subsidies: Promoting renewable energy and clean technology.
• Case Study: The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) or British Columbia's carbon tax.

Module 3: Climate Finance and Investment

• Green Finance: Mobilizing capital for the low-carbon transition.
• Carbon Markets: Voluntary and compliance carbon markets and their role.
• Climate Risk Assessment: Identifying physical and transition risks in financial portfolios.
• Sustainable and ESG Investing: Trends and frameworks.
• Case Study: Issuing a green bond for a major infrastructure project.

Module 4: Economics of Mitigation and Decarbonization

• Sector-Specific Mitigation: Decarbonizing energy, transport, industry, and agriculture.
• Renewable Energy Economics: Cost trends, policy support, and grid integration challenges.
• Energy Efficiency: Economic potential and policy barriers.
• Technological Innovation: The role of R&D in climate solutions.
• Case Study: The economic case for investing in utility-scale solar or wind projects.

Module 5: Economics of Climate Adaptation

• Adaptation vs. Mitigation: The economic rationale for both.
• Valuing Adaptation: Assessing the costs and benefits of resilience-building projects.
• Resilience Economics: Building economic resilience to climate shocks.
• Infrastructure and Urban Planning: Investing in climate-smart infrastructure.
• Case Study: The economic impact of a major coastal protection project.

Module 6: International Climate Economics

• International Cooperation: The challenge of collective action and free-riding.
• The Paris Agreement: Its economic architecture and national determined contributions (NDCs).
• Climate Finance Flows: From developed to developing countries.
• Trade and Climate Policy: The potential for carbon border adjustment mechanisms.
• Case Study: The economic negotiations leading to the Paris Agreement.

Module 7: Just Transition and Equity

• Distributional Impacts: How climate policies affect low-income households and vulnerable communities.
• The Just Transition: Policies and strategies to support workers in fossil fuel industries.
• Climate Justice: Addressing the unequal burden of climate change.
• Gender and Climate Economics: The specific economic impacts on women and girls.
• Case Study: The economic and social considerations of phasing out coal in a specific region.

Module 8: Future Directions in Climate Economics

• Behavioral Economics: Nudging individuals and firms toward sustainable choices.
• Circular Economy: Economic models for resource efficiency and waste reduction.
• Ecosystem Services: Valuing nature and natural capital in economic terms.
• Economic Modeling: An introduction to Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs).
• Case Study: The economic viability of a circular economy initiative in a major city.

Training Methodology

This course employs a blended learning approach to maximize engagement and practical application. The methodology includes:

• Interactive Lectures.
• Case Study Analysis.
• Group Discussions.
• Guest Speakers.
• Practical Exercises.
• Simulation Games.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: [email protected] or call +254724527104 

 Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.