Economics of Climate Change

online course

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the financial sector has a crucial role to play in addressing it. This course will explore the intersection of economics and climate change, with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and their impact on the financial sector. Throughout the course, you will gain a deep understanding of key definitions, developments, and drivers of ESG factors in the financial sector, and how they impact the analysis and valuation of assets. You will learn about sustainable investment approaches and strategies, including socially responsible investing (SRI), impact investing, and green bonds. Additionally, you will learn about the European Union's taxonomy for sustainable finance and the role it plays in promoting sustainable investment. We will also delve into the companies' commitment to climate change, including their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and climate-related financial disclosures. We will explore the concept of impact investment and the difference between green and social bonds, and analyze sustainable investment vehicles such as ETFs, mutual funds, and index funds. We will also cover the theory of market failure and the role of government policies in addressing environmental externalities. Additionally, you will learn about the legal framework for the integration of ESG factors by companies and analyze legal and regulatory developments such as the EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive and the interpretive guidance on climate change. With this course, you will not only learn about the economics of climate change but also develop critical thinking skills, financial analysis skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability in the financial sector.

Course leader

ARCE Pablo, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Target group

Bachelor students

Course aim

Expectations and goals:
− Understand the economic and financial implications of climate change and how the
financial sector is responding to this global challenge
− Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and evaluate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors of companies and investments
− Learn about sustainable investment approaches and strategies, such as impact investing and green bonds, and understand the role of government policies and regulations in promoting sustainable finance
− Gain a deeper understanding of the companies' commitment to climate change and the role of the financial sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.
− Explore the potential of the financial sector to drive positive change and the impact that one can make as an individual, as a future professional, or as an active citizen.
− Analyze real-world case studies, engage in group discussions, and hear from guest speakers from the industry, to get a firsthand perspective on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable finance
− Participate in a sustainable investment challenge, where you will apply what you've learned to analyze and select sustainable investments.
− Develop skills in financial analysis, ESG research and sustainable finance, which will be valuable for your future career in finance, business, consulting, or public policy
− By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take real action and be a change-maker in the fight against climate change.

Credits info

6 EC
Participants can receive the following certificates:

- Certificate of Attendance: awarded to all participants who have completed the full online programme.
- Transcript of Records (with credits and grades): awarded only to participants who complete all course requirements and pass the final examination.

Fee info

EUR 500: You can find more information on our website.

Scholarships

None.

Register for this course
on course website