Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - ECON 460 D100

Seminar in Environmental Economics (3)

Class Number: 1339

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 302 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focus will vary from term to term. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description: 

The objective of the course is to apply economic models to environmental problems. After a brief examination of some of the key microeconomic models applied to environmental problems, a variety of topics in environmental economics will then be covered, with emphasis dependent on the interests of the class. Environmental policy analysis will be emphasized and applied to problems such as ecosystem degradation, climate change, urban air pollution, and water pollution. Other topics may include the effects of environmental policy on economic innovation and growth, international trade, and development. Seminar presentations will be related to these specific topics and dispersed throughout the semester.

Topics:

1 The Role of Government and Social Choice

2 Efficiency and Markets & Market Failure and Externalities

3 Property Rights

4 Environmental Demand Theory     

5 Sustainable Resources (Fishery and Forests)         

6 Regulating Pollution

7 Prescriptive Solutions: Standards

8 Pigouvian Taxes and Subsidies

9 CAC, Emission fees, Marketable permits

10 More on Marketable permits: Cap and trade        

11 Regulation with Unknown Controls

12 Risk, uncertainty and Moral Hazard

           

Grading

  • Article Summaries 20%
  • Assignments 20%
  • Literature Review Paper 20%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Environmental Economics 2nd ed. by Charles Kolstad. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN: 0195119541


RECOMMENDED READING:

Theory of Environmental Policy (2nd edition), by William J. Baumol and Wallace E. Oates; Publisher: Cambridge University Press


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html