Economic History: Climate Crises and Energy Transitions -Past and Present
Source: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-climate-crises-and-energy-transitions-past-and-present-EKHE44 Parent: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/university-glance/mission-vision-and-values/sustainability/sustainability-education-lund-university
Course • Bachelor's level • 7.5 credits
How have climate crises shaped energy transitions – and what does that mean for the future? This course helps you understand the historical roots of today’s climate challenges and equips you to think critically about sustainable solutions.
Start
Autumn 2026
Level
Bachelor's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Course code
EKHE44
- Overview
- Teaching and learning
Overview
This course explores the deep connections between climate change and energy transitions, from the Little Ice Age to the present. You’ll learn how fossil fuels broke historical growth limits and triggered today’s climate crisis, and how societies have responded to energy challenges over time.
The course covers key events like the oil crises of the 1970s and the recent energy crisis during the war in Ukraine and examines current climate policies such as the EU Emission Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. You’ll also gain insight into renewable and nuclear energy innovations, land-use constraints and the political and economic debates surrounding climate action.
Whether you're curious about technology-driven solutions or degrowth perspectives, this course gives you the tools to form your own informed view on how climate and energy shape our world.
Teaching and learning
You’ll take part in lectures, group exercises and student presentations. Through written assignments and discussions, you’ll develop your ability to analyse climate and energy issues from a historical and economic perspective.
You’ll learn to work independently and in multicultural teams, and gain practical skills like creating Excel graphs and performing basic calculations of carbon emission drivers. The course encourages critical thinking and helps you understand why climate change is such a complex problem – and what might be the most effective paths forward.
You’ll explore arguments from both technology optimists and degrowth advocates, and reflect on how past industrial revolutions shape today’s challenges.
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to engage in climate debates with confidence and clarity.
- Dates
- Requirements and selection
- Tuition fees
Dates
Autumn Semester 2026
Apply via Antagning.se (in Swedish) by 15 April.
Lund - Part time 50%
Start
2 November 2026
2 Nov 2026
End
17 January 2027
17 Jan 2027
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Part time
Language
English
City
Lund
Requirements and selection
Prerequisites
General requirements
Selection criteria
Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \ semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 16,250 \ First payment: SEK 16,250
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Overview
This course explores the deep connections between climate change and energy transitions, from the Little Ice Age to the present. You’ll learn how fossil fuels broke historical growth limits and triggered today’s climate crisis, and how societies have responded to energy challenges over time.
The course covers key events like the oil crises of the 1970s and the recent energy crisis during the war in Ukraine and examines current climate policies such as the EU Emission Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. You’ll also gain insight into renewable and nuclear energy innovations, land-use constraints and the political and economic debates surrounding climate action.
Whether you're curious about technology-driven solutions or degrowth perspectives, this course gives you the tools to form your own informed view on how climate and energy shape our world.
Teaching and learning
You’ll take part in lectures, group exercises and student presentations. Through written assignments and discussions, you’ll develop your ability to analyse climate and energy issues from a historical and economic perspective.
You’ll learn to work independently and in multicultural teams, and gain practical skills like creating Excel graphs and performing basic calculations of carbon emission drivers. The course encourages critical thinking and helps you understand why climate change is such a complex problem – and what might be the most effective paths forward.
You’ll explore arguments from both technology optimists and degrowth advocates, and reflect on how past industrial revolutions shape today’s challenges.
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to engage in climate debates with confidence and clarity.
Dates
Autumn Semester 2026
Apply via Antagning.se (in Swedish) by 15 April.
Lund - Part time 50%
Start
2 November 2026
2 Nov 2026
End
17 January 2027
17 Jan 2027
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Part time
Language
English
City
Lund
Requirements and selection
Prerequisites
General requirements
Selection criteria
Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \ semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 16,250 \ First payment: SEK 16,250
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Contact us
Academic advisor
Håkan Lobell
Email: studievagledare@ekh.lu.se