Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Economics and Climate: Introduction to Environmental Economics and Climate Policies
Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Economics and Climate:
Introduction to Environmental Economics and Climate Policies
In this intensive summer course on environmental economics, we will explore together how the economy and the climate interact. We will not only cover the fundamental concepts—externalities, cost-benefit analysis under uncertainty, and market-based solutions like carbon taxes and subsidies—but also map climate policies globally. Economics as a discipline has much to say on how to balance mitigation vs adaptation strategies, which tool to prefer between carbon markets and carbon taxes in developing and developed economies, where to direct emissions reduction efforts, and how to shape institutional frameworks and governance structures that support effective climate action. Substantial attention will be given to how green technology impacts both economic growth and emissions.
Drawing on Nobel laureate Esther Duflo’s analogy of the economist as a “plumber,” we will move from theory to practice, analysing historical implementations through cutting-edge econometric techniques and asking how policies can be improved. Beyond carbon, we will consider biodiversity loss, ecosystem services, and how to measure their value (e.g., contingent valuation, hedonic pricing). We will examine how political economy factors, including lobbying and international negotiations, influence outcomes, and how behavioural insights challenge the notion of fully rational agents. To ensure real-world relevance and hands-on understanding, the course will feature interactive exercises and case studies that simulate policy design and evaluation. Finally, we will confront critical equity issues: the differential impacts of climate change and policy solutions on the Global North and South, on rural and urban communities, and on marginalized populations.
Who should apply:
This course is open to students from any discipline, but will be particularly relevant to students in the Social Sciences, especially Politics and Internatinal Relations, Economics, Government, and Sociology, and students with interest in Political Economy, Foreign Policy, Security Studies, Development Studies, and Climate Policy.
For English requirement information, please see the Apply page.
Location: Lincoln College, University of Oxford
For Ages: 18+ (at time of attendance)
Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights and 14days)
Price: £4599
Date: Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Subject Tutors
Tutor: Dr. Emilien Ravigné
Dr Emilien Ravigné is a postdoctoral researcher at the Smith School, a research associate at INET (Oxford Martin School), and a researcher at Oxford Net Zero. He holds a PhD in Economics from Université Paris-Saclay (CIRED & CentraleSupélec). An environmental economist focusing on climate policies, he studies how the net zero transition affects inequalities, income, jobs, and growth. He is part of the ESRC-funded PRINZ project with François Lafond and Sam Fankhauser, examining the impact of the net zero transition on productivity growth in the UK
Programme Features
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FAQ
How can I book my place on the programme?
To book your place on the Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme, please complete our online application form. Once we have received your application, you will be sent an email to confirm your booking, with details about how to pay the course fees and the date this payment is due.
If you have any questions about the application form, then please contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
What are the English Language requirements?
The Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme is a unique course. This is because it is run by Oxford University academics and is based on a truly stimulating academic programme. For students to be able to make the most of the course, they will be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
If you have any questions or concerns about this English language requirement, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be able to advise you.
Can I organise my own accommodation?
Part of the Lincoln College experience is the opportunity to live, dine and study like an Oxford University student. This is why all students on the programme must stay onsite at Lincoln College.
Can I study more than one course?
There are 9 courses on offer for 2025 and students can choose one to study for the full two weeks.
If students are equally interested and qualified to take two different courses, you are welcome to join us for the whole month. You will choose one subject to study for the first two weeks of the programme and a different subject to study for the final two weeks of the programme.
For example, a student may decide to study history for session 1 of the programme and history of art for session 2.
Will I have to take exams?
There will be no official exams on this course. Students will be assessed based on essays, assignments and projects marked by the course tutor.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
Students will receive personalised feedback from their tutors both as verbal feedback during tutorial or seminar discussions and written feedback on any work they hand in. The nature of this feedback will depend on the course students are studying.
At the end of the programme, students will receive a certificate of attainment provided they have carried out the work to the best of their ability and actively participated in lessons and certifying the level they achieved.
Will I receive credit points?
The Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme is equivalent to 10 hours of credits in both the US and ECTS system. Your current university may choose to accept these credits towards your current degree. To be sure, please ask your university to get in touch with us and our Programme Director will be able to speak to the appropriate person at your university.
Will I be awarded with a certificate?
Yes, all students will receive either a certificate of attainment or a certificate of attendance at a specially organised graduation ceremony. This certificate will prove that you have carried out work of a challenging academic nature and may even be used towards credit at your current university (see above question on credits).
Will my tutor be able to provide me with a reference?
Yes, your tutor will be able to provide you with an academic reference should you require this for any future applications. If this is something you think you may need, it would be a good idea to discuss with your tutor during the programme.
Is it hard to get into Oxford Summer Courses?
The Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme, part of Oxford University’s academic summer courses, is open to adults aged 18 and over, including international students. To ensure participants can fully engage with the course material, a minimum English language proficiency is required. Acceptable qualifications include:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
PTE (Pearson Test of English): 61
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176
LanguageCert International ESOL B2: High Pass
LanguageCert International ESOL C1: Pass
Duolingo English Test: 120
These requirements ensure that all participants can effectively engage with the academic content and discussions throughout the programme.
