The GreenDeal-NET network has an updated MOOC with additional modules to this course: "Understanding the European Green Deal – History, challenges, and opportunities"
This course, first developed by the GOVTRAN network, builds on work created within that network and is open to anyone wishing to further develop their knowledge of EU climate and energy policy. In addition to being freely available, it is self-paced – meaning you can start it when you want and go at your own speed.
Furthermore, while we recommend starting at the beginning and going through the material in the order provided, you can choose to complete the modules in the way you see fit. You are in charge of your learning experience in this course, and we provide you with (in addition to the sterling educational material) the framework, structure, guidelines, and support tools to guide your journey. While the course is open to everyone, it is particularly well suited for people with some prior knowledge of EU institutions and policy making and with a strong interest in European climate governance and policy.
Course Outline
The course addresses some fundamental questions regarding European climate and energy policy: How did we get here? Where are we heading? What are the ambitions? What are the policy (and other) tools being suggested and implemented to reach those ambitions? What are some of the key challenges? How is climate governance impacted by other urgent crises?
The course is divided into four modules:
Module 1: Setting the scene: The Evolution of EU Climate and Energy Policy from 1990 to 2020
The story of how the EU's climate and energy governance has developed over the past 30 years
Module 2 The future is now: The EU’s role in the transition to a low-carbon society, challenges and opportunities
Paying critical attention to the dominant paradigms driving the EU’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050
Module 3 Looking in: The internal dimension of EU climate governance amidst societal, natural, and geopolitical challenges
Discussing and reflecting on a number of EU internal crisis trends, including increasing social divisions, rise of populist parties, and governance challenges
Module 4 Looking out: The external dimension of EU climate governance amidst current societal, natural and geopolitical challenges
A look at the geopolitical shifts affecting the EU’s leadership role in climate and energy policy, and at links between climate change and other global crises
This course provides a great opportunity to obtain a comprehensive overview of EU climate and energy policy through a better understanding of its evolution and the challenges it faces. Students will be able to identify existing and potential policies and measures aimed at decarbonisation and meeting climate ambitions, to critically assess the short-term and long-term consequences of different governance methods, as well as to develop analytical skills in terms of connecting EU climate and energy policy to broader societal challenges.