ESG standards and compliance requirements have proliferated across the globe as governments and businesses work together towards a more sustainable planet, which in the end should ultimately benefit corporate bottom-line (a.k.a. profit). However, environmental solutions may clash among each other and with other social structures and political priorities. Economics plays a vital role in arbitrating this dilemma by creating markets for environmental attributes, providing valuation techniques, balancing costs and benefits, nudging firm and consumer behavior, offering financial hedging instruments, etc.

This course will take the student through various environment-related economic theories and policies, as well as their nuances. We will also cover businesses solutions to environmental issues. Students will be invited to think critically about these matters from a broader multi-disciplinary context.

1. Instructor's own materials
2. Main reference (no need to purchase):
Tietenberg, Thomas (Tom), & Lynne Lewis 2018. Environmental and Natural Resource Economics 11th ed., Routledge, New York, NY.
3. Journal and news articles