Environmental Economics

Module title	Environmental Economics
Module code	BEMM183Z
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	30
Module staff	Dr Mario Du Preez (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	12

Number students taking module (anticipated)	25

Module description

Environmental Economics recognizes the vital interplay between the economy and the natural environment. This branch of Economics further acknowledges the urgent need for sustainable development for the benefit of both current and future generations. In a contemporary setting, achieving acceptable levels of sustainability means the successful alignment of business models with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. This module will introduce students to the ways in which economists think about the environment. The module will explore the most pressing environmental issues, and how addressing the same should be incorporated into ESG-conscious business practices.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will introduce the core ideas and philosophies underpinning the study of Environmental Economics, as well as explore the key environmental issues, which impact the achievement of sustainable development, with special reference to climate change, pollution, waste, resource depletion, deforestation and biodiversity.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. critically reflect on how economists view and approach the environment
2. critically evaluate the vast interdependence between the economy and the natural environment in terms of a materials balance perspective
3. critically discuss the Limits to Growth hypothesis and whether it stands up to thorough academic scrutiny
4. critically discuss Sustainable Development as a prerequisite for minimizing the impacts of economic growth on resource use and waste assimilation sinks
5. critically reflect on the contemporary environmental issues that inform Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, with special reference to climate change, pollution, resource depletion, waste, deforestation, and biodiversity

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. interpret secondary data and published findings
7. evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of environmental-related ESG interventions

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. synthesise relevant data to substantiate the need for ESG alignment
9. display written communication skills
10. carry out a critical evaluation of environmental policies

Syllabus plan

How do Economists Perceive the Environment?
Why is the ‘Limits to Growth’ Hypothesis Controversial?
Is the Quest for Sustainable Development Achievable?
Climate Change: How Bad Is It? How Bad Could It Get? What Can We Do About It?
Pollution: How Bad is It? What Can be Done?
Resource Use: How Much is Enough?
Waste: The Search for Effective Waste Management Policies
Deforestation: Where, Why and How Much?
Biodiversity Conservation: Do or Die?
Business and the Environment: Where to From Here?

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
120	180	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	34	Asynchronous online learning activities
Guided Independent study	266	Including preparation for online content, reflection on taught material, wider reading and completion of assessments

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Open ended questions	120 words per week	1-10	Individual feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
65	35	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Video presentation	35	10-15 minutes	1-3	Written feedback
Individual assignment	55	3000 words or equivalent	4-10	Written feedback
Module reflection	10	5000 words or equivalent	1-10	Written feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Video presentation	Video presentation	1-3	Reassessment period
Individual essay	Individual essay	4-10	Reassessment period
Module reflection	Module reflection	1-10	Reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Field, B. and Field, M.K. (2020). ISE Environmental Economics. 8^th Edition. McGraw-Hill: New York.

Tietenberg, T.H. and Lewis, L. (2019). Environmental Economics: The Essentials. Taylor & Francis: New York.

Please note: The above-mentioned textbooks are introductory in nature, and are to be consulted if further clarification of basic concepts and tools of analysis is required.

Key words search

Environmental, Social, Governance, Economics, Pollution, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Biodiversity, Deforestation, Resource Depletion, Waste.

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	Yes
Origin date	10/11/2021
Last revision date	08/07/2024