Environmental and natural resources economics

Prerequisites: Intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how economic principles apply to environmental and natural resource management. It explores the economic causes of environmental problems, policy instruments for addressing them, and the sustainable use of natural resources. The course equips students with analytical tools to evaluate environmental policies, assess resource allocation, and understand the trade-offs between economic development and environmental conservation.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyse the relationship between economic development, resource use, and environmental sustainability.
2. Evaluate market failures, externalities, and policy instruments used to address environmental and resource management challenges.
3. Assess the economic impacts of climate change and the effectiveness of mitigation policies such as carbon pricing and emissions trading.
4. Examine the role of institutions, global agreements, and governance structures in shaping environmental policies.
5. Propose sustainable economic strategies, including circular economy practices and energy transition policies, to promote environmental sustainability.

Harris, J. M., & Roach, B. Environmental and natural resource economics: A contemporary approach. Routledge. 3rd Edition or newer.
Perman, R., et al. Natural resource and environmental economics. Pearson Education. 3rd Edition or newer.
Middleton, N. The global casino: an introduction to environmental issues. Routledge.

Right to attend: all students