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Cli­mate Crises and En­ergy Trans­itions – Past and Present

About the course

Subjects
Social responsibility Sustainability Politics International economics

Course content

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.

See course description in course catalogue

What you will learn

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.

Facts

Level
Bachelor
Type
Elective
ECTS
7.5
Code
BHAAI1116U
Teaching periods
Summer
Academic year
2025/2026
Status
Available places
Teaching language
English
Teaching Format
On campus
Exams
  • Written exam on campus
    Individual exam, summer
Assessment type
  • 7 point grading scale

Academic areas for master admission:

The course covers:

  • Politics / Culture / Society Studies (max 7.5 ECTS)
  • Politics (max 2.5 ECTS)