Environmental Economics
Spring 2006

 

For some, environmental economics is an oxymoron. After all, how could economic reasoning -- the lifeblood of self-interested individuals and global corporations -- help to reduce environmental damage and preserve precious ecosystems? Isn't it precisely economic growth that has put our planet at risk? As environmentalists, shouldn't we be rallying against economics?

This course is dedicated to the proposition that economic reasoning is critical for (a) analyzing the persistence of environmental damage and ecosystem destruction and (b) designing cost-effective environmental policies.

Over the next twelve weeks, my objective is that each of you:

1. Understands the economic approach to the environment:
2. Can use microeconomics to illustrate the theory of environmental policy:
3. Comprehends and can critically evaluate:

  • alternative environmental standards;
  • benefits and costs of environmental protection;
  • incentive-based environmental policies;
  • socially responsible business practices;
  • the role of social capital in determining environmental outcomes;
  • challenges in the global commons, including biodiversity preservation, energy production, and climate change.

4. Researches and helps to compile a first-rate consulting project.

The course schedule, outlined below, is the 12-week road map for our reading, discussions, and writing. Throughout the semester, feel free to contact me at the coordinates listed on the 'professor' page.

Good luck in this course.

Professor Isham