Learning objectives
a) Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to provide knowledge of the compatibility and
interaction between economy and environment, in particular as regards the use of common resources and sustainable development. The approach starts by widening the notion of "economic system" to understand those parts traditionally excluded in economics textbooks,
due to the non-applicability of market mechanism.
b) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding The aim of the course is to equip the student to solid theoretical tools in order to analyze the complex relationships of the economic system with
its environment, including the social relations and collective preferences in relation to environmental values. This will allow the student to manage
in their working and professional life the increasingly strict environmental standards.
c) Making judgments
The object of the course is to provide tools for independent judgment regarding the interpretation and management of economic facts that go
beyond the mainstream micro and macro textbooks.
d) Communication skills This course is designed to provide suggestions and ideas for many issues widely discussed in various institutional and organizational levels.
e) Learning skills
The course aims to provide the analytical tools to engage critically withthe complex picture of environmental issues in the global economy.
Prerequisites
Basic elements of micro- and macroeconomics
Course unit content
This course examines some of the major issues in environmental sustainability and sustainable development, both empirically and theoretically.
After defining the concepts and challenges that sustainable development poses to us, it continues with a detailed analysis of the issues that lead to the broadening of economic analysis to non-market factors.
To this end, in order to better understand the structural transformations that accompany the development process, the economic interactions between the market and the environment will be studied, as well as ways of valuing economically important goods outside the market.
It will also look at some key elements in the analysis of sustainability: energy, food resources, and agricultural development.
Finally, macroeconomic analysis will address the two main issues under discussion today: globalization as an intrinsic phenomenon of development, and international policies and agreements that can manage, fix, and address sustainability
Full programme
1. Changing Perspectives on the Environment
2. Resources, Environment, and Economic Development
3. The Theory of Environmental Externalities
4. Common Property Resources and Public Goods
6. Valuing the Environment
11. Energy The Great Transition
12. Global Climate Change - Science and Economics
14. Global Climate Change - Policy Responses
21. World Trade and the Environment
22. Policies for Sustainable Development
Bibliography
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach - 5th edition
Jonathan M. Harris, Brian Roach
Routledge, 2021
Teaching methods
Lectures, examples and case studies, given in attendance.
Elly documents will be released during course lessons.
Group work on specific topics is scheduled during the course, with classroom presentations.
Should the evolution of the pandemic make it necessary to come back to remote lectures, all necessary information will be provided on Elly
Assessment methods and criteria
The written exam (taken in attendance) will last 60 minutes.
Knowledge and understanding, the ability to study
and to think strict and clearly about a subject, will be assessed through two open-ended questions dealing with theoretical or empirical topics in broad terms, for up to 20 marks.
The application of knowledge and understanding through a logical problem solving, will be assessed
through one open-ended question up to 10 marks.
The final vote (on the scale of thirty) corresponds to the sum of the three previuos scores. The “lode” will be awarded on the basis of a clear mastery of the subject.
Exam results will be available no later than one week and will be automatically (ESSE3) sent via e-mail at the institutional e-mail address of the student.
On-line registration is needed.
To make use of any kind of electronic device or notes during the exam is strictly forbidden.
Workgroup for attending students will be weighted as 10/30, and 20/30
will be marked for written exam. All other candidates will be weighetd on 20/30 marks.
Should the evolution of the pandemic make it necessary to come back to remote examination, all necessary information will be provided on Elly.
Other information
Not attending students will only have to rely on this syllabus to prepare for the exam.
The syllabus for attending students could be slightly different, according to study cases and slides used during lectures.
Please note that to attest attendancy a time-randomly raising of signatures would be collected in classroom. Please check professor's webpage for office hours and other educational infos.
Please note that the detailed syllabus will be available on Elly.
studied in the textbook.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
In our course we will analyze som topics regarding clean and available water, the importance of energy sources, and the overall impact of economic activities on climate
