Environmental Economics
| Module title | Environmental Economics |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEMM260DA |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Module description
Environmental Economics recognizes the vital interplay between the economy and the natural environment. This branch of Economics further acknowledges the urgent need for sustainable development for the benefit of both current and future generations. In a contemporary setting, achieving acceptable levels of sustainability means the successful alignment of business models with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. This module will introduce students to the ways in which economists think about the environment. The module will explore the most pressing environmental issues, and how addressing the same should be incorporated into ESG-conscious business practices.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will introduce the core ideas and philosophies underpinning the study of Environmental Economics, as well as explore the key environmental issues, which impact the achievement of sustainable development, with special reference to climate change, pollution, waste, resource depletion, deforestation and biodiversity.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. critically reflect on how economists view and approach the environment
- 2. critically evaluate the vast interdependence between the economy and the natural environment in terms of a materials balance perspective
- 3. critically discuss the Limits to Growth hypothesis and whether it stands up to thorough academic scrutiny
- 4. critically discuss Sustainable Development as a prerequisite for minimizing the impacts of economic growth on resource use and waste assimilation sinks
- 5. critically reflect on the contemporary environmental issues that inform Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, with special reference to climate change, pollution, resource depletion, waste, deforestation, and biodiversity
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. interpret secondary data and published findings
- 7. evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of environmental-related ESG interventions
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. synthesise relevant data to substantiate the need for ESG alignment
- 9. display written communication skills
- 10. carry out a critical evaluation of environmental policies
Syllabus plan
- How do Economists Perceive the Environment?
- Why is the ‘Limits to Growth’ Hypothesis Controversial?
- Is the Quest for Sustainable Development Achievable?
- Climate Change: How Bad Is It? How Bad Could It Get? What Can We Do About It?
- Pollution: How Bad is It? What Can be Done?
- Resource Use: How Much is Enough?
- Waste: The Search for Effective Waste Management Policies
- Deforestation: Where, Why and How Much?
- Biodiversity Conservation: Do or Die?
- Business and the Environment: Where to From Here?
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 180 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 120 | Asynchronous online learning activities |
| Guided Independent Study | 180 | Including preparation for online content, reflection on taught material, wider reading and completion of assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Ended Questions | 120 words per week | 1-10 | Individual Feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 0 | 35 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video presentation | 35 | 10 15 minutes | 1 3 | Written feedback |
| Individual assignment | 55 | 3000 words or equivalent | 4 - 10 | Written feedback |
| Module Reflection | 10 | 500 words or equivalent | 1 - 10 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video presentation | Video presentation | 1 3 | Reassessment Period |
| Individual essay | Individual essay | 4 - 10 | Reassessment Period |
| Module reflection | Module reflection | 1 - 10 | Reassessment Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Field, B. and Field, M.K. (2020). ISE Environmental Economics. 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill: New York.
Tietenberg, T.H. and Lewis, L. (2019). Environmental Economics: The Essentials. Taylor & Francis: New York.
Please note: The above-mentioned textbooks are introductory in nature, and are to be consulted if further clarification of basic concepts and tools of analysis is required.
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | none |
| Module co-requisites | none |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 10/11/2021 |
