The world’s atmosphere and oceans are rapidly warming—the result of human economic progress fueled by fossil fuels and other greenhouse gas emissions. A 2018 analysis by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that stabilizing the atmosphere requires reaching “net zero” emissions, where as much greenhouse gas is removed from the atmosphere as is emitted. Achieving this demands a transformation of the global economy on a scale without historic precedent.
This course begins by describing the nature and complexity of the climate policy challenge. It then explores the policy levers available to governments at both national and international levels to address it. The course considers perspectives from wealthy, advanced economies—historically the largest source of emissions—as well as emerging economies with significant development needs and rising emissions. It reviews the international framework for cooperation and negotiation on climate change through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Finally, students examine the challenges democratic societies face in maintaining public consensus on climate action, focusing on shifting U.S. policy frameworks.
In Autumn 2025 the course was taught by Conor Carney, Senior Instructional Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programming. The visiting lecturers were John Podesta, former White House Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy; Hina Rabbani Khar, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan; and Sue Biniaz, Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate at the U.S. State Department.