Given that the subject matter is continuously evolving and lacks a consensus among academics, investors and policymakers, this seminar aims to provide students with a foundational understanding while recognizing the need for focused scope within a week-long seminar.
Knowledge
Upon completing the course, students will
- Have a well-rounded understanding of the climate crisis, its economic ramifications, and impact on financial markets.
- Be equipped to evaluate whether climate considerations should be a separate objective or a constraint within existing financial objectives.
- Be aware of the range of institutional investor approaches to climate risk, including the pros and cons of different management strategies, e.g., impact investing vs. active ownership.
- Grasp the role of institutional investors in the movement of capital within the economy.
- Be conscious about the dynamics between principals (owners) and agents (executives).
Skills
Upon successful completion, students should be able to
- Draft a coherent board memo.
- Make informed policy recommendations, considering uncertainty and gaps in current knowledge.
- Discuss the financial implications of the climate crisis.
- Discern between 'greenwashing' and genuine climate policies when evaluating institutional investors.
General Competences
Upon successful completion, students can
- Understand real-world governance challenges in business.
- Master the art of balancing conflicting objectives.
- Apply economic and financial principles to real-world issues.