Economics 308H - Political Economy of the Envir

This course examines the political economy of environmental degradation and environmental protection. Environmental degradation includes both pollution and natural resource depletion. In addition to the neoclassical economic question of how scarce resources are allocated among competing ends (for example, a cleaner environment versus more consumer goods), the course explores the political economy question of how resources are allocated among competing individuals, groups, and classes. The course is divided into three parts. The first explores environmental policy objectives. The second focuses on U.S. environmental policies. The third focuses on international environmental issues and policies.

Open to Commonwealth Honors College Students only. ECON 103 or RES-ECON 102 Course Objectives

This class provides an overview of contemporary political economy of the environment. The course will also introduce the foundations of environmental economics, ecological economics, and resource economics. We will explore their fundamental principles and analytical methods, including: the economic valuation of environmental goods and services, the economic causes of environmental degradation, the design of policies to regulate pollution, the theory of renewable and non-renewable resources. Our class will also provide ample insights into the policy applications through readings and case studies.