Free course: Understanding the European Green Deal – History, challenges, and opportunities
The von der Leyen Commission made the transition to a low-carbon society an absolute priority for the EU when it first introduced the European Green Deal in 2019. Even when the EU was confronted with crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia invading Ukraine, the EU’s commitment to climate action did not waiver.
To help you make sense of what the European Green Deal entails, what drives it and how it has been affected by internal and external challenges, you can now take a free course that builds on the expertise of GreenDeal-NET. The course is self-paced, meaning you can take it at your own speed, and you can also choose to follow just a few modules, although we of course recommend completing the course from start to finish!
The course is open to everyone and takes around 23-28 hours to complete. It is particularly well suited for people with prior knowledge of EU institutions and policymaking, as well as with a solid understanding of climate- and energy-related issues. Not sure if it’s the right fit? You can take a quiz at the start of the course to test your knowledge levels. Additionally, you can assess and reinforce your understanding of the course material with engaging quizzes and reflection exercises throughout the modules.
Divided into eight modules, the course addresses some fundamental questions regarding European climate and energy policy:
- How did EU climate and energy policy develop?
- What makes the European Green Deal different from previous climate and energy packages?
- What are the main internal and external challenges for EU climate policy?
- What do we need to deliver the objectives of the EGD?
If you don't have a Canvas account, please register below under "Free Canvas Account" and use the following code to join: T7ACYL
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Course Outline
Module 1: Setting the scene: The Evolution of EU Climate and Energy Policy from 1990 to 2020
The story of how the EU's climate and energy governance has developed over the past 30 years
Module 2: Delving into the European Green Deal
A comprehensive overview of the main objectives and instruments of the European Green Deal.
Module 3: The European Green Deal in Practice
An in-depth look at two case studies of sectoral climate legislation, i.e., transport and agriculture.
Module 4 The future is now: The EU’s role in the transition to a low-carbon society, challenges and opportunities
Paying critical attention to the dominant paradigms driving the EU’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050
Module 5 Looking in: The internal dimension of EU climate governance amidst societal, natural, and geopolitical challenges
Discussing and reflecting on a number of EU internal crisis trends, including increasing social divisions, rise of populist parties, and governance challenges
Module 6 Broadening the debate: Democratic innovations and climate change
Discussing democratic innovations and science-based decision-making in EU climate governance.
Module 7 Adaptation to Climate Change: Potential and Limits
An in-depth analysis of climate adaptation, the potential of EU intervention in the policy area, and barriers to effective adaptation governance.
Module 8 Looking out: The external dimension of the European Green Deal
A look at the geopolitical shifts affecting the EU’s leadership role in climate and energy policy, and how EU climate policy can impact other countries.
This course builds on work created by the GOVTRAN network and is open to anyone wishing to further develop their knowledge of EU climate and energy policy. In addition to being freely available, it is self-paced – meaning you can start it when you want and go at your own speed.
If you have any questions or feedback concerning the MOOC, please contact mooc.greendealnet@vub.be directly.