PL4-302 Towards a Low Emission Society

Knowledge:

The student has

• knowledge about mitigation options and policy frameworks targeting emission reductions at the demand- as well at the supply-side accounting for indirect and direct emissions and all sectors,
• knowledge about the scale of reductions necessary in different parts of the world given their expected economic and population growth in the next decades,
• advanced knowledge on socio-technical challenges and transition strategies to mitigate in different sectors,
• knowledge about the decision support methods and tools used to develop mitigation strategies and advanced knowledge about methods to assess environmental consequences.

Skills:

The student is able to:

• understand and explain the resource potential, technical properties, socio-economic challenges, and environmental impacts of conventional and future key technologies.
• apply conceptual and theoretical arguments in the discussion of issues relating to energy- and climate policy and the transition of industrial and societal systems.
• synthesize material from a broad range of relevant areas in addressing specific questions about the transition from carbon-based to renewable energy- and material production as well as consumption.
• describe how to stimulate change in delivering sustainable energy systems, and the difficulties in doing so, illustrating the importance of innovation by developing a proposal to a transition project.
• utilize relevant research, demonstrate independent analytical work, and critically assess scientific research results.

General competence:

The student can:

• understand the challenges of global energy- and material production and consumption and necessary transition processes, with respect to technological limitations, environmental considerations, and societal effects.
• develop the skills needed to undertake independent research both in industry and in academia.
• contribute to new ideas and transition measures that societies can implement to mitigate climate change.
• disseminate their own comprehensive, independent research or applied research, and utilize relevant scientific theory, concepts, and terminology.

• Interactive lectures & dedicated time for reading and watching assignments.
• Participation in seminars and related assignments for all three parts of the course.
• Group work to develop and planning a low carbon energy project (groups of 1-3 students). Presentation of proposals to class to get feedback.

1. Written 4 hour exam (multiple choice; 40%)
2. Project proposal, including feedback (written assignment; 60%)

Grading A-F