Climate and Energy Transition in the EU

Teacher(s)

Denis Benjamin;

Language

English

Main themes

This course aims at providing an in-depth understanding of the EU's green transition, its policies, and its implementation, with a special focus on climate change and energy issues. The course covers key instruments such as the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal or carbon markets, and key domains at the intersection of climate and energy policies such as renewable energy, nuclear energy, climate adaptation and bioenergy. Through lectures, readings, and discussions around case studies, students will learn about the challenges and opportunities of the climate and energy transition in the EU and beyond.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

understand the EU's climate and energy transition goals and policies, and their implications for different sectors and stakeholders describe the primary policy initiatives undertaken so far to reach these goals understand the interactions between the EU’s policies and international climate and energy governance analyse the key drivers and barriers of the climate and energy transition in the EU and identify possible solutions and best practices reflect on the ethical and social dimensions of the climate and energy transition in the EU, and its impact on different communities and future generations develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing case studies and real-life examples of the climate and energy transition in the EU.

Content

The primary objective of the course is to present a summary of the European Union's main policy responses to the issue of climate change. The approach underlying the teaching project is both factual and analytical. It is based firstly on a rigorous and substantiated presentation of existing legislations and public policies. It then aims to make a critical assessment of them, i.e. to analyse their effects but also to decode the political dynamics that explain the forms and limits of public policies relating to the climate.
Sectoral and territorial case studies are designed to make students familiar with the technical, economic and social complexity of deep decarbonisation policies that are being developed or implemented. The idea here is to understand the effects of climate policies as closely as possible to the realities on the ground, so as to bring the course content closer to the potential professional fields of the students in the audience. 

Teaching methods

The course will mix different teaching methods. Lectures will present the foundations and main instruments of European policies to combat climate change. Sectoral and regional case studies will be used to illustrate transformative dynamics and challenges that the climate and energy transition entails. Discussions with professionals will enable students to explore some of the issues covered in the course in greater depth.

Evaluation methods

Students' knowledge will be assessed through a written examination consisting of both specific technical questions and more open-ended analytical questions.

Other information

The slides shown during the course will be made available to students.  A detailed outline and bibliography will also be madeavailable.
As the examination consists of a written test on paper, the use of artificial intelligence does not appear to be possible nor relevant.
Students are invited to limit electronic communication with teacher as much as possible and to ask their questions orally during courses and breaks. If necessary, bilateral appointments are possible.

Online resources

EU Climate Action Progress Report
EU Energy in figures 2024
EEA Trends and Projections in Europe 2024
EU Carbon Market Report 2024
European Scientific Board on Climate Change
Paris+10 Diagnosis : Looking back to look forward
Carbon Removals in the EU
State of the EU progress towards climate neutrality
International carbon credits and EU climate policy

Bibliography

Jos DELBEKE (Eds.), Delivering a Climate Neutral Europe, Routledge, 2024, 296 P.
Elin L. BOASSON, Jorgen WETTESTAD, EU Climate Policy - Industry, Policy Interaction and External Environment, Ashgate, 2013, 217 p.
Jon Birger SKJAERSETH, Jorgen WETTESTAD, EU Emissions Trading - Initiation, Decision-making and Implementation, Ashgate, 2008, 216 p.
Nathalie TOCCI, A Green and Global Europe, Polity books, 2023, 212p.
Steven R. BRECHIN, Seungyun LEE (Eds.), Routledge Handbook of Climate Change and Society, Second Edition, Routledge, 2025, 511p. 

Faculty or entity

> IEEB