ENR-30306 Theories and Models in Environmental Economics

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures24
Problem-based learning10
Tutorial24
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)dr. X Zhu
Lecturer(s)dr. X Zhu
prof. dr. EC van Ierland
dr. EH van der Werf
Examiner(s)prof. dr. EC van Ierland

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Advanced Environmental Economics and Policy (ENP-32306)

Continuation courses:

Thesis Environmental Economics (ENR-80418/-80439), Economics and Management of Natural Resources (ENR-31306); Cost Benefit Analysis and Valuation Methods; Selected topics in Environmental and Resource Economics

Contents:

The course focuses on applied analysis of the relationship between economic activity and environmental problems. Different methodologies of making environmental scenario studies are discussed at an intermediate level. Methodologies that will be dealt with include systems, dynamic optimisation, input-output, computable general equilibrium and game-theoretic modelling.
Some of the major environmental problems, including climate change, cannot be analysed without taking the international aspects into account. Therefore, the course will deal explicitly with the economic theory on international trade and its relation with the environment.
This course provides students the analytical insights and skills to develop and critically evaluate applied environmental-economic models.

Learning outcomes:

After the course, the students are able to:
- comment on empirical studies from international journal articles;
- analyse and evaluate the theoretical background of applied environmental economic optimisation models;
- apply GAMS to set up an environmental economic model and do a scenario study;
- translate environmental economic problems into mathematical optimisation models;
- perform a policy analysis in the field of environmental economics and report on it by writing a research report and giving a scientific presentation.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures, computer practical, self-study and working in small groups on a paper.

Examination:

The examination will be based on a written exam and a paper. Both parts will have to be completed successfully to pass the course.

Literature:

The literature for this course will consist of two readers, made by ENR; one reader will consist mainly of articles from international journals, the other is for the computer modelling.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MMEManagement, Economics and Consumer StudiesMScC: Economics, Environment and Policy6AF
MCLClimate StudiesMSc6AF