Climate Science and Policy (ENV4109.01)

John Hultgren & Tim Schroeder

This course will seek to understand the relationship between climate change science and policy, allowing students to study the scientific basis behind policies to address one of our most pressing issues. We will examine major climate policies and proposals – like the Paris Agreement, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and the Inflation Reduction Act – with an eye toward understanding both the science and politics that comprise them. We will also consider the promises and perils of technological fixes – like solar power, geoengineering, and different forms of carbon sequestration.


Learning Outcomes:
Learn to read and evaluate climate change policies in the framework of their scientific rationale
Understand the nuances between climate change mitigation vs. adaptation policies
Gain a deep understanding of the critical threats posed by climate change


Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor, see John Hultgren (johnhultgren@bennington.edu) or Tim Schroeder (tschroeder@bennington.edu) for registration.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 2
W 10:00AM - 11:50AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: One time only

Categories: 4000 , All courses , Earth Science , Environment , Fully In-Person , Politics , Two Credit
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