Dates on Friday. 22.04.22, Friday. 06.05.22, Friday. 13.05.22 12:15 - 13:45, Friday. 24.06.22, Friday. 01.07.22 12:15 - 15:45, Location: A01 0-006, A13 0-027, V04 0-033 (+1 more) Ecological Economics is concerned with integrating the study and management of "nature's household" (ecology) and "humankind's household" (economics). This integration is central to many of humanity’s current problems and to governing economic activity in a way that promotes human well-being, sustainability, and justice.
The aim of the module “Ecological Economics” is to introduce students to core concepts and policy implications from the field of Ecological Economics. The module is structured into three parts. First, students will be introduced to the topic by two lectures on the specific vision and paradigms of Ecological Economics as distinguished from environmental & resource economics and on the history of Ecological Economics. Second, the students work out and discuss the core analytical concepts (ecological footprint, ecosystem services, social-ecological resilience, substitutability of natural capital, time) as well as the core normative concepts (justice, human behaviour) in Ecological Economics. Third, the students will discuss and reflect certain policy implications following from Ecological Economics – specifically the economics of degrowth and the measurement of welfare. The basis for discussion will be classical and current scientific papers.
Hinweise zum Modul
Prerequisites
none
Prüfungszeiten
end of semester
Module examination
written exam
Skills to be acquired in this module
This course aims at giving students an understanding of reasons, goals and instruments for climate policy, as well as implied complications due to the long term characteristics and the international dimension of climate change. Students first learn basics about the natural science of climate change and the main statements of climate research about the anthropogenic contribution to climate change. The economic interpretation of high pollution as a symptom of a market failure then leads to the treatment of policy instruments, and the understanding of economic efficiency as a prerequisite for effective climate policy. Game theoretic analysis of international negotiations and agreements provides key insights about the international dimension of the problem. By means of practical examples students then see in detail the functionality and pitfalls of selected implemented (or currently discussed) policies, e.g. the EU-ETS.With successful completion of the course, students shall be able to judge climate policy issues on an informed scientific basis (natural science and economics).
