Climate Change and Trade in the Global South
This course provides a framework for thinking about climate change and its consequences for international trade, addressing how we can better reconcile the competing objectives of international trade, measures on adaptation and mitigation of climate change, and poverty alleviation.
5 ECTS Credits — Studies start 1 November 2024 — University of Turku
Course dates
1 November 2024 – 31 January 2025
Registration period
1 September 2024 – 18 October 2024
Coordinating university
University of Turku
Instructors
Credits
5 ECTS
Course dates: 01.11.2024 - 31.01.2025
Registration dates: 01.09 - 18.10.2024
Coordinating university: University of Turku
Responsible teacher: Ayu Pratiwi (if.utu@iwitarp.uya)
Credits: 6 ECTS
Course summary:
This course will provide a framework for thinking about climate change and its consequences for international trade. The course aims to promote a better understanding of how we can better reconcile the competing objectives of international/global trade, measures on adaptation and mitigation of climate change, and poverty alleviation, eventually progressing SDG #13 goals in the Global South.
We will explore how climate change affects the global and regional trade policy in the Global South, which, depending on the different scenarios presented during the exercises, may present both new opportunities and threats through measures and implementation by multi-sectors stakeholders. Specific sector- and country-context case studies and exercises on hypothetical scenarios will be utilized to better understand how contemporary trade policies may influence climate adaptation and mitigation in the Global South.
Learning outcomes:
After completing the course the students will:
- Be familiar with the fundamental principles of international trade, and able to discuss trade policy and its implementation in the Global South in sector-specific contexts like agriculture, manufacturing, and energy issues
- Be able to demonstrate their knowledge about climate change implications that specifically affect The Global South and to link them to the contemporary trade policy
- Be able to recognize the diverse roles of multi-actors in climate change and trade in the global south including its contrasting perspectives, which comprise governments, international organizations, the civil society, and private sectors
- Be able to critically assess and reflect upon the climate-related trade responses from the policy perspectives across different stakeholders, particularly governments, international organizations, and private sectors.
Learning methods:
- Assignment 1: Problem sets comprising 5 open-ended questions (25%) with grading scale 0-5, which will take 4 weeks to complete. The assignment examines students’ understanding on key concepts and theories on climate related issues related to the Global South.
- Assignment 2: One 2500 words essay on thematic topic (25%) with grading scale 0-5, which will take 4 weeks to complete. Students can choose their topics based on the list provided by the instructor. The assignment examines students’ understanding on the contesting debates regarding the role of diverse actors in shaping the trade policies related to climate change in the Global South.
- Assignment 3: Final assignment (50%) with grading scale 0 – 5, which will take 4 weeks to complete. One final assignment comprises a 2500-3000 words essay to respond to (1) country-specific case studies or (2) hypothetical scenarios of climate and trade policy application in Global South countries.
Completion methods:
Study material:
(1) Online lectures (total 10-12 mandatory lectures) on
- The basic theories and application of international trade
- Climate change and trade policy responses in different Global South-contexts
(2) Online materials: Readings will include journal articles and book chapters drawn from the academic literature, policy-oriented publications, and government reports. Readings will be available on Moodle.
Assessment criteria:
0-5. The final mark will consist of:
- Problem set - 25%
- One short essay (2000 words) - 25%
- One final essay (2500-3000 words) - 50%
Maximum number of students:
20
Preliminary course timetable:
Additional information:
The course will be delivered in collaboration with Gresik Muhammadiyah University and Airlangga University, in Indonesia.
The course is targeted for Master's level students, although undergraduate students are welcomed to apply as well. Familiarity with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is expected.