ENR-20306 Environmental Economics and Policy

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

Economics (BscA; BBC/BIN), Sociology (BscA; BBC/BIN)

Continuation courses:

Advanced Environmental Economics, Economics and Management of Natural Resources, Cost-Benefit Analysis and Environmental Valuation

Contents:

The main aim of the course is to gain insights into the most important environmental issues from an economic and policy point of view. The course provides an introduction into environmental economics and environmental policy and their application. The central theme is the relationship between the economy and the environment, characteristics of the sustainability discussion and policy and control methods to manage and monitor environmental problems. Problems will be analysed on an (inter)national as well as on a sectoral and company level. During the course, it will be discussed which aspects are important for setting up and executing environmental policies. Furthermore, much attention will be paid to policy and economic instruments used for changing environmentally damaging behaviour.

Aims:

- acquire knowledge on the relation between the environment and the economy and on sustainability issues;
- have insight in the most important environmental themes from an economic and policy point of view;
- understand the different instruments applied in environmental policies;
- gain insight on how to deal with international environmental problems

Activities:

Students have to study the literature discussed during the lectures and solve a number of exercises in order to learn to apply some of the methods discussed. Furthermore, students will work in groups of 4 to 5 students on a case study in which they apply the subjects discussed during the lectures to analyse an important environmental issue.

Examination:

Students will be tested by way of a written exam and a case study report.

Literature:

Textbooks will be announced at a later stage.