ECN306 Economics of Sustainability
Credits (ECTS):5
Course responsible:Arild Angelsen
Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås
Teaching language:Engelsk
Course frequency:Annually
Nominal workload:125 hours
Teaching and exam period:This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel. The first part is lectures and some group work. The last part is group work and presentations.
About this course
The course consists of two parts. First, it provides an introduction to key concepts, theories and conceptual frameworks on the economics of sustainability. Topics include: definitions and operationalization of sustainability (environmental, social, economic), 'doughnut economics' and 'limits to growth'/planetary boundaries, policy instruments (green taxes, cap-and-trade, green nudging, etc.); valuation and risk; and political economy. Second, students will apply these to a case (problem or policy related to sustainability), using a modified case study format: defining the problem, identifying main stakeholders, outlining and assessing options (solutions), and strategy for implementation. Examples of case topics include Norwegian policy issues (e.g., subsidies of electric vehicles, rush-hour taxes, petroleum licenses, technology development), or international issues (e.g., carbon trading, supply chains).
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Has a broad overview of key concepts, frameworks and theories on sustainability
- Has solid knowledge of selected theories relevant for the economics of sustainability
- Has solid knowledge of the case method
Skills
- Can critically evaluate policy proposals on sustainability.
- Can apply economic theories and concepts to a case problem.
- Can search for literature, data and other relevant information for the case study.
- Can write a report in the case study format.
General competence
- Can present their own work in a structured and engaging way.
- Can work in teams on a joint project.
Learning activities
Teaching support
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Admission requirements