Miljö- och naturresursekonomi

The version indicates the term and period for which this course syllabus is valid. The most recent version of the course syllabus is shown first.

by Director of Undergraduate Studies Bo Jonsson Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences 07 Feb 2011

by Director of Undergraduate Studies Bo Jonsson, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences 18 Feb 2013

After completing the course the student should be able to use the theoretical tools presented at the course to:a)    Describe and critically examine the different schools of thought regarding both the sustainable development problem ethical views on the economy – environment interdependence.

b)    Use neoclassical economic theories to identify and analyze both graphically and mathematical the presence of different market failures that give rise to an inefficient use of environmental resources.

c)    Using both graphical and mathematical tools to analyze the impacts and the efficiency of different environmental policy instruments such as emissions trading, environmental taxes and emission limits.

d)    Explain and critically evaluate the basics of methods designed to value environmental impacts and changes in economic terms as well as the limitations of such methods, and use this knowledge to conduct simple economic valuation studies.

e)    Using both graphical and mathematical tools analyze and discuss the meaning of optimal use of different natural resources – renewable as well as non-renewable – and the causes of deviations from these criterias. Furthermore, the student should be able to suggest and evaluate the impact of different policy measures designed to promote an efficient use of natural resources.

f)    In written form as well as orally summarize, discuss and critically evaluate different works of science within the field

g)    In writing perform a review of scientific publications relevant to a current research topic.

•    The sustainability problem
•    Ethics, economics and the environment
•    Welfare economics and market failures
•    Pollution control: targets
•    Pollution control: instruments
•    International environmental problems
•    Valuation of the environment in theory and practice
•    Efficient and optimal use of non-renewable natural resources
•    Efficient and optimal use of renewable natural resources
•    Policy instruments and natural resource extraction

Lectures and seminars.
The course is if necessary given English.

The examination of the course consist of; a) a final written exam (4,5 ECTS), b) seminars (1,5 ECTS) and c) a written literature review (1,5 ECTS). The grade on the final exam determines the overall grade on the course.

Patrik Söderholm - Professor

Perman, R et al. (2011). Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, Fourth Edition, Addison Wesley.
Journal articles may be added to the list.

Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences

Patrik Söderholm, patrik.soderholm@ltu.se, 0920-49 20 78

Jerry Blomberg, jerry.blomberg@ltu.se, 0920-49 23 35

Study guidance for the course is to be found in Fronter two weeks before the course starts. Students applying for single subject courses get more information in the Welcome letter.