Learning outcomes: The participants understand the different networks of economic theories and the insights they provide for the analysis of economic policy problems like climate change mitigation. They can explain strengths and limitations of the different theories and can apply them to different economic policy problems.
Contents: In times of disinformation about climate change and strong interests to preserve fossil pathways, the transition to a green economy requires evidence-informed economic policies, built on empirical findings that draw upon both rigorous and relevant scientific theory. However, the basis of economic advice may either be too unrealistic if it assumes a world of homines oeconomici only (as the economic mainstream does), or too weak if it stops using well-established economic theory (as may occur in heterodox economics).
This seminar presents a pluralist economics perspective on climate change mitigation that widens the perspective for evidence-informed climate change mitigation policy but maintains the claim to using well-established economic theory. It draws upon a taxonomy which includes three major research programs that can help understanding economic mechanisms of change: (1) Neoclassical and Behavioural Economics, (2) New and Original Institutional Economics, and (3) Complexity Economics which contains Ecological and Evolutionary Economics. Fourth, it contains Welfare Economics that can assist measuring policy impacts and their distribution. Besides presenting approaches to economic climate mitigation policy based on these research programs, the seminar provides an introduction into the concept of evidence-based policy. It illustrates how combining a mechanism of change (1-3) with a theory of impact (4) provides a suitable basis for evidence-based policy towards a more sustainable economy.
Examination format: Oral exam, based on questions randomly chosen from a pool of questions the participants have received beforehand.

Literatur:
• Rogowski, W. H. and W. Elsner (2021) How economics can help mitigate climate change - a critical review and conceptual analysis. Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation. DOI: 10.26092/elib/1131
• Further literature provided in the seminar

http://www.uni-bremen.de/en/finpol

http://www.makro.uni-bremen.de