This is an introductory course to the field of ecological economics and related topics in environmental economics and political economies. It covers basic approaches to the relationships between ecological and economic systems covering both traditional and alternative economic theories and worldviews. Overall, the course examines the role of economics in understanding and valuing environmental problems. Current environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, ocean acidification and freshwater use are introduced through this framework. Students will be guided through multiple approaches and analytical frameworks developed historically and by unconventional economists to frame and interpret these issues. Finally, the course looks at the application of ecological economic principles to environmental problem-solving by presenting a set of policies targeting areas such as pollution and natural resources management. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to think about the relationship between the economy and the environment, the role of economic analysis in understanding and valuing the environment, and examine approaches to problems of social and economic development, environmental and related policies.

This is an introductory course to the field of ecological economics and related topics in environmental economics and political economies. It covers basic approaches to the relationships between ecological and economic systems covering both traditional and alternative economic theories and worldviews. Overall, the course examines the role of economics in understanding and valuing environmental problems. Current environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, ocean acidification and freshwater use are introduced through this framework. Students will be guided through multiple approaches and analytical frameworks developed historically and by unconventional economists to frame and interpret these issues. Finally, the course looks at the application of ecological economic principles to environmental problem-solving by presenting a set of policies targeting areas such as pollution and natural resources management. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to think about the relationship between the economy and the environment, the role of economic analysis in understanding and valuing the environment, and examine approaches to problems of social and economic development, environmental and related policies.