Simulating UN climate change negotiations in Rotterdam
Paul Pelzl course ENE470 is a collaboration between nine CEMS schools, and finishes with a big event where all students come together to try to solve climate issues.
'While we all know something about climate change and related policy efforts, students have expressed that the course gives them a much deeper understanding of the problem, and why solving it is so difficult. Moreover, coming together with 100-200 peers to negotiate a climate agreement over several days offers learning that goes beyond the topic of climate change – it creates practical skills and memories for a lifetime,' says Paul Pelzl.
The associate professor at the Department of Business and Management Science has been teaching the course five times. This year, the final negotiation event was held in Rotterdam, organized by one of the participating schools, the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Students form groups months in advance
'We spend lots of time preparing for the event locally at NHH, also in the form of various assignments. Students form groups already months before the event, and then represent a certain country or organization at the event. The goal is to negotiate a new climate agreement,' Pelzl explains.
This year, same as last year, NHH also had the important task of providing Working Group chairs, which moderate the negotiations.
ENE 470 Climate change: Strategies and role plau (model UNFCCC)
Proud of the students
'It has been really exciting to teach this course. First, the students are usually very motivated and engaged, which makes teaching much more pleasant and inspiring. Second, it’s great to experience how students rise to the challenge of truthfully representing specific countries during the final negotiations, building on the groundwork we lay in class. Twice over the past three years, this was recognized by NHH students winning the Best negotiator award, which made me very proud,' he explains enthusiastically.
The course is closely connected to real-world developments: international politics and climate change policies are constantly evolving, making the course very dynamic and tangible for both Pelzl and the students.