Meeting Climate Change Challenges and Commitments: A View from the Global South

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century, requiring urgent and coordinated action at national and international levels. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving climate change agenda, focusing on key issues, negotiations, and commitments, with particular attention to the perspectives, priorities, and challenges of the Global South. Through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, and interactive discussions, students examine the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, and the mechanisms through which climate action is negotiated and implemented. The course covers key topics currently shaping the global climate agenda, including climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, and climate justice, while also emphasizing the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), regional platforms, and climate-induced migration. A central component of the course is engagement with experts and practitioners, including guest speakers from the UNFCCC, regional climate initiatives, and international financial institutions. Students gain practical insights into the negotiation process and develop skills in policy analysis, negotiation, and strategic decision-making. By following the latest developments in international climate negotiations and policies, students critically analyze the evolving climate landscape and assess how developing countries are addressing climate risks and sustainable development goals.