Environmental Economics
Instructors
Credits / Language / Semester
2Credits / English / Winter
Objectives/Overview
Environmental issues, such as climate change or pollution are key problems faced by many nations. The aim of this course to create a basic understanding of how economics can be used to value environmental services and to design environmental policies. The course mixes theory with international examples and a discussion of policy.
Schedule
The following topics will be covered.
1：Introduction & Market Failure Chs. 1, 2, 4, 20
2： Ecosystem Services Ch. 5, 22
3： Environmental Valuation Chs. 2, 3
4： Eco-taxation Ch. 4, 15
5： Tradeable Permits Chs. 15-16
6： Transnational Environment Chs. 16 & 20
7： Climate Change Ch. 16. The Stern Review:
8： Nuclear accidents & other environmental disasters
9： Common-pool problems Ch. 13 & 14
10： Renewable resources Chs. 13-14
The schedule may change according to interests and expertise. References are to the required textbook below.
Teaching Methods
The sessions will involve lectures and class discussion, along with some problem solving.
Grading
Final exam (70%); a take-home exercise (30%)
Required Text
Environmental & Natural Resource Economics, 8th Edition
By Tom Tietenberg , Lynne Lewis, Pearson
Notes on Taking the Course
Students should have a basic understanding of microeconomics before taking this course.
Lecture material can be accessed from the website. Please download the relevant lecture and bring it to class. You will need a password to open files. The password is 'tokyo' (don't include the quotes) and you may need or want to enter it twice.