1223-HS2024-0-Environmental Economics: Introduction





Root number 1223
Semester HS2024
Type of course Lecture
Allocation to subject Economics
Type of exam not defined
Title Environmental Economics: Introduction
Description The course provides a theoretical introduction to the field of environmental economics. The course is an elective course either attributable for a Bachelor’s degree in Economics or a Master’s degree in Climate Sciences. Teaching language is English. In the course, we first learn why externalities caused by the unintended joint outputs of production induce perfectly competitive markets to allocate the inputs of production inefficiently and explore the relationship between externalities and the absence of well defined property rights. We then discuss how price and quantity based regulations can overcome these inefficiencies. Finally, we explore the limitations of these instruments in particular regulatory environments, such as international environmental regulation, and apply our knowledge to current environmental issues such as international trade, anthropogenic climate change and the possibility of green growth.

Relevance to "Sustainable Development": The course gives a short introduction to environmental ethics and the Brundtland definition to Sustainable Development and its implications. In addition, the course also provides a general discussion of environmental problems and regulatory instruments from an economic theory perspective.

Language: English

Credits: 3 SWS / 4.5 ECTS

Evaluation: written exam (open book) in English

This course can also be attended by master and PhD students of the Graduate School of Climate Sciences.


Lecture: Tuesday, 08.15 -10.00 h, 101, H4
Exercises with assistant Nalu Hajdu (nalu.hajdu@students.unibe.ch)
Fridays, 14.15 - 16.00 hrs, 114, H4, excercises bi-weekly


1st exam: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 08.15 - 09.45 h, 101, H4
2nd exam: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 08.15- 09.45 h, tba
ILIAS-Link (Learning resource for course) No registration/deregistration in CTS (Admission in ILIAS possible). ILIAS
Link to another web site
Lecturers Prof. Dr. Ralph WinklerDepartment of Economics 
ECTS 4.5
Recognition as optional course possible Yes
Grading 1 to 6
 
Dates Tuesday 08:15-10:00 Weekly
Friday 14:15-16:00 Fortnightly
Tuesday 11/2/2025 08:15-09:45
 
Rooms Hörraum 101, Hauptgebäude H4
Hörraum 114, Hauptgebäude H4
 
Students please consult the detailed view for complete information on dates, rooms and planned podcasts.