Topics will be explored through the use of case study examples, group-based analysis and problem solving. The learning is supported by readings, videos and live, interactive online sessions. Participants are encouraged to share their own knowledge and expertise in group-based discussion forums.
Upon completion of the course, participants will have a foundational understanding of the relationship between climate change and the economy. Participants will develop their ability to identify climate-related financial risks within their own organizations—critical groundwork for effective planning and decision-making for mitigation and adaptation.
As an introductory course, this course is suited to those with limited previous experience in climate-related finance or economics. However, a basic understanding of climate science is presumed.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Physical Risks
Physical risks arise when climate-related hazards (extreme weather events, wildfire, sea-level rise, etc.) interact with vulnerable human and natural systems. When those risks materialize, they can have a range of financial impacts on an organization, including (for example): direct costs for restoration and repair, lost sales revenues, declining consumer demand, and increased financing and insurance costs.
In this module, we’ll use case study examples to explore physical risks of climate change for private and public organizations in the face of a range of potential climate hazards. We’ll explore both direct physical risks (i.e., those related to an organization’s own vulnerabilities) and indirect risks (i.e., those that materialize elsewhere in an organization’s value chain, such as with its suppliers, transportation infrastructure, consumers, etc.)
Module 2: Transition Risks
Module 2 focuses on so-called “transition risks”—risks arising from the process of transitioning (possibly rapidly) to a low-carbon economy in response to climate change. Transition risks can arise from changes in policy, technology, and market conditions. The financial risks of transition include increased input prices and operating costs, abrupt changes to asset values, and deterioration of competitiveness and market share.
In this module, we’ll apply a range of policy, technology and market scenarios to uncover the transition risk exposure of some sample organizations.
Module 3: Systemic Risks
Module 3 explores systemic risks—risks that impact entire economies. Besides the scope of the potential impacts, one of the characteristics of systemic risk is that it is difficult—if not impossible—to diversify against the risk. So, even organizations that otherwise have relatively low exposure to physical and transition climate risks are likely to be impacted, should the systemic risks materialize.
In this module, we’ll examine three inter-related systemic risks: financial stability; macro-economic stability (e.g., GDP, price levels, unemployment, interest rates); and, public budgetary failure. We’ll explore how these three system-level risks interact with each other, and with the physical and transition risks identified in Modules 1 – 2.
Module 4 Quantifying Risk Under Deep Uncertainty
Module 4 examines the challenges of quantifying financial risk given the complex dynamic nature of the climate-economy system, and explores how underpricing risk can result in decision-making that is, at best, sub-optimal, and at worse, potentially catastrophic. Unlike the risks normally encountered by an organization, climate risks are characterized by a higher probability of extreme impacts that are not only financial, but also existential.
When financial models fail to account for the likelihood of extreme values, climate change risk will be underpriced. As a result, decision-makers (governments, businesses, households) may make less-than-optimal choices that can exacerbate, rather than mitigate, the climate crisis (for example, by delaying or watering down action).
In this module, we’ll explore the complex dynamic nature of climate and economies, and consider various models for decision-making under deep uncertainty.
Learner Effort:
3 hours per week
Computer Requirements:
A week prior to the course start date you will receive an email from us with information on how to access the online course. At that time you will be encouraged to visit a short orientation website to familiarize yourself with our online learning platform. You will find the computer requirements for this course through this link: computerservices.royalroads.ca/computer_equip_requirements.
