ENV 794b () / 2026-2027

Climate Ethics and Economics

This course delves into the literature in philosophy, welfare economics and integrated assessment modeling to provide students with an overview of how climate change has been viewed as a moral phenomenon that raises claims for differentiating action while acknowledging the common threat to humanity. The course will examine philosophical principles, modeling studies that examine countries’ obligations under different principles, and their treatment in international agreements and politics. Students will learn primarily through writing assignments, class discussions, and simple manipulation of models in problem sets. Basic knowledge of climate science is expected.