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860-0023-00L 3 Credits BSC , DS , SHE , MSC D-HEST , D-BIOL , D-GESS , D-ERDW , D-USYS
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International Environmental Politics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Thomas Bernauer
Does not take place this semester. Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET, D-USYS.
VVZ CR 3.8

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:27

Abstract

This course deals with how and why international problem-solving efforts (cooperation) in environmental politics emerge and evolve, and under what circumstances such efforts are effective. Based on concepts, theories, and methods of political economy, political science, and public policy, various examples of international environmental policy-making are examined.

Objective

The objectives in this course are to (1) gain an overview of important questions in international environmental politics from a social sciences viewpoint; (2) learn how to identify interesting/innovative questions in this policy area and how to address them in a conceptually and methodologically meaningful and insightful way; (3) gain an overview of important global and regional environmental problems and how they are or could be solved.

Content

This course deals with how and why international problem-solving efforts (cooperation) in environmental politics emerge and evolve, and under what circumstances such efforts are effective. Based on concepts, theories, and methods of political economy, political science, and public policy, various examples of international environmental policy-making are examined, for example international efforts to reduce air pollution, manage international water resources, mitigate and adapt to global warming, protect the stratospheric ozone layer, address biodiversity challenges, deal with plastic waste, and prevent pollution of the oceans.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Reading materials and slides will be available via Moodle.

Literature

Reading materials and slides will be available via Moodle.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DS , SHE , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Written exam of around 60 minutes. Students who do not reach grade 4.0 or more will have a second chance in the first week of the following semester.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture International Environmental Politics
Does not take place this semester. The lecture will not take place in the autumn semester of the year 2025.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In