Units / ECX5640
ECX5640 · Economics of climate change
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Economics
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Climate change is the most significant environmental challenge the world is facing today. It has major implications for the global and domestic economies, including Australia's. This unit conveys the multifaceted nature of the economic problem that climate change represents. Uncertainty and catastrophic risk as well as inter- and intra-generational equity concerns are crucial to the evaluation of climate change impacts and to achieving international action. Options to achieve optimal stabilisation targets and pathways using economic principles and policy are contrasted. The implications of climate change mitigation for key industry sectors are also assessed.
Offerings
The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.
Assessment
The Handbook publishes no assessment items for this unit yet.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- ECC3640 — Economics of climate change
Learning outcomes
- understand the possible impacts of climate change on economics
- analyse the economic costs of climate change, and how industries can adapt to climate change at minimum cost
- understand how economic instruments such as carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes can mitigate climate change
- analyse how key industries such as electricity and transport can respond to climate change policies and lessen emissions.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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