Campus life: decoding the IPCC scenarios

Owen Puerini is a Finance student at EDHEC Business School. He joined the MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance for his Master 2. He took part in the writing of a ‘Note d’éclairage’ entitled “Decoding the IPCC scenarios C1 to C8”. He shares his experience with the double degree.

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23 Feb 2023

You are an MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance student. Why did you choose this MSc for your Master 2?

I have a background in finance and investments but I want to build my career in the energy transition. This MSc combines EDHEC’s strong reputation in finance with MINES Paris-PSL’s expertise in energy systems and sustainability, so it felt like the natural choice to bridge the gap between my experience and my long-term goals.

The MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance is a double degree with MINES Paris - PSL, an engineering school. What are the benefits of this interdisciplinary approach to green finance? How is the curriculum organised?

The professors at MINES Paris-PSL provide a much more scientific and engineering-focused curriculum than could be expected from a business school alone. This gives us a solid understanding of basic physics and natural science, both of which provide important context for green finance. The material is mainly delivered through lectures, but also includes guest speakers, group projects, and the occasional in-class exercise or learning expedition.

What are the main highlights of your MiM-Finance years?

The obvious answer is my colleagues in the MSc. They are a great cohort of diverse and highly motivated people with a shared passion for sustainability. I would also add that -as a newcomer to the French education system- the rigor of the first year of the MiM has really struck me. It was quite challenging at times but also very rewarding.

Within the course “Prospective modelling”, you took part in writing a ‘Note d’éclairage’ entitled “Decoding the IPCC scenarios C1 to C8”. Can you explain the main objectives and the main findings?

Our goal was to clarify how the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has modelled different climate scenarios in its Sixth Assessment Report. Each Assessment Report is written by hundreds of scientists from around the world and includes many thousands of pages, so it can be difficult to digest. We explained in simple terms the climate models used in these reports, their underlying mechanisms and assumptions, and some of their key interpretations.

What is the main takeaway from this experience for you?

I gained a better appreciation for just how complicated climate change is, and how our economies and societies can interact with climate in ways that are often nuanced. This exercise also highlighted the speed and scope of changes to our energy system that will be needed if we are to avoid catastrophic temperature increases in the coming decades.

How has this experience changed the way you see IPCC scenarios?

This project - and Professor Maïzi’s lectures in general - helped me develop a baseline understanding of prospective climate modelling. This helps me better understand the IPCC’s reporting on climate change, as well as the broader discussion about climate change.

Which skills did you develop working on this project? How useful will it be for your future career?

This was a great exercise in understanding and then concisely explaining complex information, which can be an invaluable skill in a business setting. It was also a great opportunity to get to know my classmates and their individual styles of working, which has been very helpful for future collaboration.

What are your career aspirations?

I aim to work in infrastructure investing, with a focus on renewables and other sustainable assets.

EDHEC’s motto is: Make an impact. How do you intend to make yours?

I hope to make my impact by contributing to the decarbonizing of our energy system in a way that balances equity with pragmatism.