Climate Change Economics: A Policy and Planning Primer

Understanding the climate crisis requires more than just environmental science; it demands a clear grasp of the economic forces driving both the damage and the solutions. This text-only course introduces you to the essential economic principles used to analyze climate policy, energy transitions, and sustainable urban planning. You will learn how to evaluate environmental policies, understand the market mechanisms designed to curb emissions, and analyze the economic trade-offs of investing in green infrastructure. What you'll learn: - Understand foundational economic concepts like externalities, market failures, and the social cost of carbon. - Analyze carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems. - Evaluate the economic challenges of transitioning to renewable energy and upgrading urban infrastructure. - Assess modern climate risk modeling and the basics of green finance. - Practice evaluating real-world policy scenarios through structured written exercises. Starting with key definitions and core economic theories, this course walks you through policy design, energy economics, and sustainable development. You will progress from basic terminology to analyzing complex global climate agreements and local municipal strategies. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior background in advanced mathematics or economics. Start reading today to build a foundational understanding of how economic tools can shape a sustainable future.