Cli­mate Crises and En­ergy Trans­itions – Past and Present

About

This course explores the historical and contemporary interrelations between climate change and energy transitions. It examines how societies have responded to energy constraints and climate variability in the past, and how these experiences inform current debates on sustainable energy futures. Topics include:

The role of fossil fuels in industrialization and climate change
Historical climate impacts during the Little Ice Age
Current challenges in sustainable energy transitions
EU climate policy instruments (ETS, CBAM)
Land use limitations and local resistance to renewable energy projects
Debates between technology optimism and degrowth
Outsourcing and trade-related climate impacts
The ICT revolution and geopolitical energy crises
The course combines lectures and workshops. Lectures introduce key concepts and theories, while workshops focus on data analysis, group exercises, and student presentations. Students are expected to bring laptops for hands-on activities.

Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:

Demonstrate understanding of the historical and contemporary interrelations between climate and energy systems, including the role of industrial revolutions, fossil fuel expansion, and energy crises in shaping transitions.

Explain key EU climate and energy policies, such as the Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Apply basic analytical tools, including Excel-based graphing and CO₂ decomposition methods, to evaluate energy and climate data.

Communicate effectively in writing, using appropriate academic conventions and data visualizations.

Critically assess the complexity of climate change and energy transitions, integrating historical, technological, and policy perspectives

Course leader

Jacobo Ramirez - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)

Target group

This is a bachelor level course. CBS Summer University courses at Copenhagen Business School is open to all and welcomes domestic and international students as well as professionals

Fee info