This module introduces you to the concept that human-induced climate change is a reality. The module aims to encourage students to engage in current debates about the role of business in addressing climate change at the regional, national and global levels. The module will examine important concepts such as carbon footprints, offsetting, free market vs command and control approaches, green-washing and the development of ‘Environmental, Social, Governance’ reporting. These concepts will be illustrated with case studies that highlight best practice governance and highlight the risks when companies get it ‘wrong’. Careers, work-placements and jobs information in the topic areas will also be covered in this module.

Attention is also given to the public awareness of climate change and the diverse methods used to engage with and develop public understanding of climate change, as a precondition for changes in lifestyles, community action, and wider social change.

1. Oral presentation 30% (in pairs or threes depending on class numbers) – case study or specific sector [Learning outcomes 1&4]

2. Individual assignment 70% [Learning outcomes 2&3]

This module will use a mix of presentation techniques and interactive tasks to explore the module content. You will be challenged to unpick the different demands of and approaches to governance within a range of organisations, from small business to global conglomerates.

This module will focus on key aspects of the wider operating environment for the organisation, introducing key concepts and models of climate change, leading you through a selection of interactive tasks using analytical tools to identify significant environmental factors which will impact on day-to-day decisions.

You will undertake formative assessments (including a formative oral presentation to help develop these skills and to prepare you for your summative oral presentation) during the module to help you monitor your learning and provide you and us with ongoing feedback on your progress, that helps you prepare for the summative assessment(s) during or at the end of the module.

1. Evaluate critically the different tools and approaches that business have available to engage with climate change and ESG reporting. Problem Solving

2. Evaluate the relationship between economic growth, competitiveness and carbon emissions within different sectors. Analysis

3. Analyse the response of politics, governance and institutional development to climate change. Application, Knowledge and Understanding

4. Critically assess the risks and opportunities created by climate change for different organisations, present the findings and reflect on the implications for sustainable development. Communication, Enquiry.

VLE
Internet Resources
Specialist Texts
Case Studies

Veerabhadran, R., Aines, R., Auffhammer, M. (2019) Bending the Curve: Climate Change Solutions. California: eScholarship

Molthan-Hill, P. (2017) The Business Student's Guide to Sustainable Management ¿ Principles and Practice. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge

Heinelt, H., & Smith, R. (2020) Sustainability, Innovation and Participatory Governance. Abingdon: Routledge

The module aims to encourage students to engage in current debates about the role of business in addressing climate change at the regional, national and global levels. The module will examine important concepts such as carbon footprints, offsetting, free market vs command and control approaches, green-washing and the development of ‘Environmental, Social, Governance’ reporting. These concepts will be illustrated with case studies that highlight best practice governance and highlight the risks when companies get it ‘wrong’. Careers, work-placements and jobs information in the topic areas will also be covered in this module.