From March 2 to April 10, 2026, students of ALT University participated in the international educational program CERGE-EI Foundation’s Climate Change Economics Course, focused on the economic aspects of climate change.
The participation of students in the program was organized by the Department of International Cooperation of ALT University in collaboration with the Department of Transport Services and Business of the Institute of Logistics and Business.
The classes were conducted in English under the guidance of international expert Silvester Van Koten, PhD. The local instructor from the university was Senior Lecturer of the Department of Transport Services and Business Алик Асель.
The course aimed to develop students’ comprehensive understanding of global climate processes and their impact on economies and modern energy systems. Participants explored both theoretical foundations and practical tools for implementing climate policy.
The program included several key thematic blocks:
🔹 Global Warming as a Modern Challenge
Students examined current and projected climate changes and their economic consequences, including international climate policy and key global indicators.
🔹 Economics of Climate Change
Global warming was analyzed as a classic example of an externality. Students explored market mechanisms and the nature of external effects.
🔹 Decarbonization Instruments and Climate Policy
Participants studied key regulatory tools such as carbon taxes, emission trading systems (ETS), subsidies, and regulatory measures.
🔹 Evaluation of National Decarbonization Strategies
The course included analysis of climate strategies, including those of the European Union, from a cost-benefit perspective.
Special attention was given to the development of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, biofuels) and the growing role of nuclear energy.
Participation in this program contributes to the development of students’ competencies in sustainable development, environmental economics, and modern climate policy.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
This course is aligned with the following SDGs:
- SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 13 — Climate Action
