Date of Award
Summer 8-15-2024
Document Type
Thesis (Master's)
Department or Program
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
First Advisor
Peter DeShazo
Second Advisor
Ramon Lecuona
Third Advisor
Roberto Mangabeira Unger
Abstract
The climate crisis is no longer news, and society needs to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions. Otherwise, the consequences of climate change will become increasingly catastrophic.
This thesis develops a framework to drive green investments, which reduce society’s dependance on fossil fuels. Initially, the research provides a comprehensive examination of these investments, followed by an exploration of three strategies to enhance their adoption: leveraging financial instruments and capital markets, implementing regulatory frameworks, and harnessing the power of technologies. To integrate these elements within a comprehensive framework, the study employs market research, reviews relevant literature, and includes interviews with prominent political leaders, such as the Minister of Economy and Finance of Uruguay and the Mayor of Paris. Additionally, it incorporates personal field research and techno-economic analysis conducted in Uganda.
The results culminate in a framework that integrates multiple perspectives into a cohesive approach, all under the overarching principle of reducing society’s dependence on fossil fuels. It demonstrates that there are numerous viable pathways to drive green investments, each requiring careful consideration. The analysis proposes unique design mechanisms and provides distinct perspectives on how each instrument should be utilized, emphasizing that they must be orchestrated simultaneously, though not necessarily in perfect harmony.
The thesis concludes by reflecting on the various strategies examined, acknowledging that these strategies are unlikely to achieve their intended targets. Moreover, even if they were to succeed, the reality of climate change and the finite nature of fossil fuels underline a broader issue—the unsustainability of the existing system. It suggests that the entire framework of society needs to be reconsidered, a process that could lead to humanity’s most daunting yet exciting challenge.
Recommended Citation
Gibrat, Baptiste, "Driving Green Investments To Address Climate Change" (2024). Dartmouth College Master’s Theses. 192.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/masters_theses/192
Included in
Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Economic Theory Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Finance Commons, International Economics Commons, International Relations Commons, Macroeconomics Commons, Other Economics Commons, Other International and Area Studies Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons
