Environmental Economics 2400-EN3SL319A
In this course, students will explore how economic tools can be applied to address environmental challenges. The course covers the theory of externalities and public goods, cost-benefit analysis for environmental projects, valuation of natural resources, and environmental policy instruments (such as carbon pricing, emissions trading, and green taxation).
Students will be asked to propose thesis topics within environmental economics and sustainability, present preliminary research questions, identify appropriate methods, and engage with current literature. The course will also train students in academic writing and research presentation techniques. Students are expected to review both assigned and self-selected literature in consultation with the instructor.
Thesis topics may include (but are not limited to):
• The Role of Carbon Pricing in Mitigating Climate Change
• Valuing Ecosystem Services: Economic Approaches and
Applications
• Environmental Kuznets Curve: Empirical Evidence from
Developing Countries
• Circular Economy Models and Their Economic Implications
• Cost-Benefit Analysis of Renewable Energy Adoption
• Green Fiscal Policies and Sustainable Economic Growth
• Economics of Plastic Pollution and Waste Management
• Environmental Impact of Urban Transportation Policies
• Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Trade-offs
• Climate Finance and Adaptation in Developing Economies
Intermediate knowledge of the English language and intermediate knowledge of Finance and Economics is required to participate in the classes.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the students should be able to:
• Understand how environmental issues relate to economic theory and policy
• Identify and analyze market failures in environmental contexts
• Propose and evaluate policy instruments aimed at environmental protection
• Develop a research topic within environmental economics and begin drafting a thesis
• Present and discuss academic literature and empirical studies related to environmental issues
Assessment criteria
In the First semester (winter) students will choose the topics for their seminar and will be evaluated based on the work they present during the class. In the second (summer) semester, students are evaluated based on their performance in their theses. A credit for a class will be received on the basis of the initiative on the part of students, a presentation of a selected research topic that might be included in a thesis as well as on the preparation of the general synopsis of work and writing the first chapter of the thesis.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: