Cooling Off a Warming Planet: Analyzing the Tradeoffs in Policies for Climate Change

Abstract

This role-playing case on climate change policy is designed to engage student groups in parallel discussions on policy instruments and packages for controlling greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, student groups discuss cap-and-trade and carbon tax policies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Each group has four students representing one of the following characters: climate scientist, economist, political sociologist, and the staff expert on science related policy. Students study the policies from a holistic perspective and explore related social, economic and environmental issues. In the end, each group drafts a statement for the senator that includes choices and recommendations based on these different views. This case is appropriate for introductory environmental studies and environmental economics courses once students have been introduced to the basic technical and scientific information on climate change.

Publisher

National Center For Case Study Teaching In Science

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Department

Environmental Studies

Additional Department

Biology

Document Type

Other

Notes

Additional Department: Economics

Language

English

Format

text

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