The Economics of the Environment
Key information
- Start date
- End date
- Year of study
- Year 3
- Duration
- Term 2
- Module code
- 153400136
- FHEQ Level
- 6
- Credits
- 15
- Department
- Department of Economics
Module overview
This course introduces students to economic perspectives on environmental and development issues. The course covers various macro and microeconomic issues as well as economics of climate change. The macroeconomic topics covered in the lectures includes the relationship of the environment to growth and trade, sustainable economic development and the so-called "resource curse". On the micro side the theory and application of environmental policy in developing countries is discussed as well as the link between environment, poverty and population. Then, the applicability of traditional economic analysis to economics of climate change problem is discussed including the thorny issue of intergenerational equity, that is, how to find the balance between the well-being of future and current generations when deciding how to act on climate change. Lastly, we address the failure of international agreements such as Kyoto to make any significant strides towards halting climate. change.
Prerequisites
153400123 - Macroeconomic Analysis
OR
153400130 - Microeconomic Analysis
(Note: For BSc Economics and BSc Development Economics students both these courses are core courses in year 2 of their degrees, but BA two-subject degree students can only take EITHER of these two courses in their year 2)
Objectives and learning outcomes of the module
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply core economic theory and economic understanding to applied environmental issues.
- Show understanding of analytical methods with economic theories and models.
- Select and apply appropriate economic techniques to solve environmental problems.
Method of assessment
AS1 - 10% / AS2 - 90%
Suggested reading
Core readings:
- Kolstad (2000), Environmental Economics, Oxford University Press.
- Hanley N., J.Shogren and B.White. (1997). Environmental Economics in Theory and Practice. 1st edition only. Basingstoke: Macmillan. A333.7 /783687.
- Perman, Ma, McGilvray, Commons (2003), Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, Third Edition, Pearson.
- Pearce D W & R K Turner. Economics of natural resources and the environment Harvester Wheatsheaf 1990.
- Tietenberg T and Lynne Lewis: Environmental and natural resource economics. 9th Edition, Pearson, 2012.
Disclaimer
Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules
