Climate Finance and Investments
| Module title | Climate Finance and Investments |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEAM103 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Jean-Francois Mercure (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
Climate finance and investment refer to the allocation of financial resources and investment activities towards projects and initiatives that address climate change mitigation and adaption. This module introduces you to the role of finance and investment in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. You will explore the science of climate change and its related economic and environmental impacts and carefully examine the financial tools and investment products that can be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change. You will gain an overview of the key concepts, strategies, and challenges associated with mobilising and deploying financial resources to support climate action.
Module aims - intentions of the module
- To gain a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, mechanisms, and challenges associated with climate finance and investment.
- To engage in discussions, develop strategies, and make informed decisions related to mobilising financial resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- To evaluate the potential risks and opportunities associated with climate-related investments.
- To explore the policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms that influence climate finance and investment decision.
- To assess the impact of climate finance on sustainable development, climate resilience, and carbon reduction goals.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. explain the key concepts, principles and objectives of climate finance and investment
- 2. assess the risks and opportunities associated with climate finance and investment strategies
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. examine regulatory approaches and responses to climate risk and their impacts on the financial services sector
- 4. apply financial tools to analyse and make informed decision regarding climate finance and investment.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. critically evaluate climate change and its impact on the environment, economy, society, and the financial services sector
- 6. collaborate effectively in teams to propose innovative climate finance solutions
Syllabus plan
The syllabus list is indicative.
- Understanding Climate Finance
- Climate Investment Strategies
- Climate Risk, Return and Portfolio Management
- Climate Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
- Climate Finance and Developing Countries
- Innovations and Emerging Trends
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 20 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | Workshops (all students in one weekly session) |
| Guided Independent Study | 120 | Reading, research, reflection; preparation for lectures, workshops and assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion of academic papers | Assigned academic papers | 1-6 | Oral feedback from the module lead |
| Presentation of the proposal (group) | 5-minute oral presentation in the workshop | 1-6 | Oral feedback from the module lead |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation of real-life cases (group) | 20 | 20-minute oral presentation in workshop and accompanying slides | 1-6 | Oral feedback from the class and written feedback from the module lead |
| Assignment | 80 | 2,750 words | 1-5 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation of real-life cases (group) (20%) | Individual written report on a case (20%, max.1,200 words) | 1=6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Assignment (80%) | Assignment (80%, 2,750 words) | 1-5 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to sit the written examination and/or practical examination as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Bryant, G. and Webber, S. (2023). Climate Finance: Taking a Position on Finance Futures. Columbia University Press, Agenda Publishing.
- Michaelowa, A. and Sacherer, A-K. (Eds). (2022). Handbook of International Climate Finance. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Sherwood, M.W. and Pollard, J. (2023). Responsible Investing: An Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance Investments (2nd ef.). Oxon: Routledge.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- All lecture and tutorial materials are posted on the intranet.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Supplementary reading materials are indicated in the references of each lecture
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 14/06/2023 |
| Last revision date | 18/06/2024 |
