B2035 - Environmental Economic Policy

Learning outcomes

The course will offer students a multidimensional perspective on the dynamic links between human societies and the environment, using insights from environmental, resource and ecological economics. The course will particularly focus on the design, implementation and implications of economic policies aimed at improving environmental sustainability, without affecting human prosperity. Several types of policies will be analysed and discussed, including fiscal policies (taxes and subsidies), pollution permit markets, public spending policies, behavioural interventions and financial policies. The mitigation and adaptation to climate change will be the main applied focus. At the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing environmental policy debate.

Course contents

Course structure:

1. Introduction + The basics of environmental economics

2. International commitments for sustainability

3. Climate policy-making in practice

4. European policies and regulations

5. Sustainable finance policy-making

6. Behavioural environmental economics and policy design

7. Policy applications in the lab and field

8. EVs vs solar: Comparing policy effectiveness across two clean technology transitions

9. International environmental agreements and climate clubs

10. Negotiation simulation + Student presentations

Readings/Bibliography

Most of the readings will be in the form of academic publications. All readings will be available on Virtuale or through UniBo subscriptions.

While there is no specific textbook for this course, interested students can refer to one of the following:

- Perman, R., Y. Ma, J. McGilvray, M. Common, Natural Resource and Environmental Economics (4th ed., 2013), Pearson Addison Wesley.

- Tietenberg, T., and Lewis, L., Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (12th ed., 2024), Routledge.

- Harris, J.M., Roach, B. Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach (5th ed., 2021), Routledge.

Teaching methods

A mix of traditional lectures and highly interactive modules based on simulations, presentations and guest lecturing.

Assessment methods

The grade for this course will be the combination of:

• Participation

• Presentations

• Written exam

Grading is as following:

• <18 fail

• 18-23 sufficient

• 24-27 good

• 28-30 very good

• 30L excellent

• 
  

AI use

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a valuable tool to support independent study by providing additional explanations, summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, during examinations, the use of AI is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI during the examination constitutes a violation of academic integrity

Teaching tools

See Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Tavoni