Climate Change and Trade

Patrick Low

E618 | Spring | 6ECTS
 

This course examines issues surrounding climate change from a trade and trade policy perspective. It starts with a brief review of the science of climate change. This is followed by an examination of the economics of climate change, with emphasis on the role of trade. Attention will also focus on discounting (considerations relating to time horizons, risk, uncertainty and income distribution). The policy component of the course will examine the challenges of adaptation to climate change and the role of policy in this regard. It will analyse abatement (mitigation) methods and costs, including in terms of the application of various policy instruments (regulation, taxation, trading rights and the use of trade policies). It will also consider the role of international cooperation in addressing climate change and the political economy of international environmental co-operation, with particular emphasis on the interface between climate change policy and trade policy.