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ENVP30030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Climate Policy and Politics (ENVP30030)

Subject:
Environmental Policy
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Cara Augustenborg
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces students to the core challenges and responses associated with climate change, with an emphasis on the interplay between science, policy, politics, and communication. It explores four main dimensions: the scientific and socio-political foundations of climate change; the environmental, social, and economic impacts it creates; strategies for mitigation and adaptation; and the political and institutional contexts in which these responses are developed and contested. Students examine climate governance at multiple levels, from international negotiations under the UNFCCC to national action plans and local government climate strategies, with attention to the political dynamics that shape ambition and implementation. The module also considers the role of communication in influencing public understanding, political debate, and policy effectiveness, including how climate issues are framed, contested, and mobilised across different actors and scales. By combining conceptual perspectives with applied case studies, students gain the knowledge and critical skills to evaluate climate policies, understand the political struggles underpinning them, and reflect on the role of communication in advancing effective and equitable climate action.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1) Describe the natural and anthropogenic processes contributing to climate change and the potential impacts of climate change
2) Understand how to develop and critically evaluate mitigation and adaptation solutions to climate change
3) Understand the political context of climate policy, both nationally and internationally
4) Contribute meaningfully in class activities, demonstrating the ability to engage with peers in collaborative learning environments
5) Demonstrate the ability to complete assessments independently in accordance with academic integrity policies, including the transparent and responsible use of generative AI tools where permitted.
6) Demonstrate the ability to manage time and meet deadlines by submitting work in accordance with module requirements, including assignment criteria, institutional policies, and correct citation of evidence.

Indicative Module Content:

Part 1: Climate Foundations - Introduction to climate policy & politics; Climate science and evidence; Impacts of climate change
Part 2: Climate Solutions - Adaptation strategies; Mitigation strategies
Part 3: Climate Policy & Politics - International climate policy; National climate policy & governance
Part 4: Evaluating & communicating policy - The politics of climate communication; Evaluating climate policy effectiveness; Future policy directions

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Tutorial

12
Autonomous Student Learning

101
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active Learning through group discussions, problem-solving, and in-class activities designed to foster critical thinking and applied understanding, along with individual written assessments

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Based on pass/fail participation in in-class learning activities assigned throughout the module. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Recorded 3-minute individual presentation demonstrating comprehension of Parts 1 and 2 of module, submitted via Brightspace as mp4 file. Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Short individual policy-brief reflecting module learning outcomes Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback is presented via Brightspace as a grading rubric and also discussed generally in class.

Name Role
Dr Miguel Trejo Rangel Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 12:00 - 13:50
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