Economics 255: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Winter 2005
Instructor: Jim Casey
Contact Info: Huntley Hall Rm. 205A, Ext. 8102,
Email: Caseyj
Prerequisite: Economics 101
This course meets from 11:00-12:00 on MWF
Contents
(1) Course Objectives
(2)
Readings
(3) Requirements
(4) Course Outline
(1)Course
Objectives:
The course is an introduction to both environmental and natural resource
economics. Throughout the semester we will see how economic principles can be
and are being used in public and private decision making involving the
management and use of environmental and natural resources. Aspects pertaining
to fisheries, forests, species diversity, agriculture, solid waste and various
economic policies to reduce air, water and toxic pollution will be discussed.
The lectures, reading assignments, discussions and papers will be directed at
using microeconomic analysis for dealing with environmental and natural resource
problems.
(2) Readings:
Kahn, James R. The Economic Approach to Environmental and Natural Resources, The Dryden Press, Second Edition 1998.
Selected articles from - Resources for the Future
(3) Requirements: Throughout the semester you will be required to write two short policy briefs. You must choose to answer two of three assigned questions. (Options are at the bottom of the page as of 1/17/05) You may turn these in at any time during the semester. The last day for the first paper will be the Friday before Feb. break. If you have not turned in your second paper by the last day of class you will receive a zero for the entire assignment. Each paper is worth 10% of your final grade. There will be two exams each worth 25%. Two problem sets each worth 5 points and the remaining 20% is for class participation. Notice this does not say class attendance. You will be required to engage actively in the discussions in this class. Whenever we have a reading assignment outside of the text you will need to bring a 100 word abstract to class. This abstract should summarize the article and show reflection on your part that you have not only read, but thought about the article as well.
PREPARATION FOR DISCUSSION
100 Word Abstracts: What is this all about?
Throughout the term articles will be assigned that will be the focus of a subsequent discussion. Students will be required to turn in--at the beginning of the class the article will be discussed--a 100 word abstract based on their reading (lots of reflection and a bit of writing). Abstracts must: (1) identify the question or issue being explored in the article, (2) the author’s hypothesis and if they have a view on the validity of the hypothesis if they express one, and (3) a brief summary of the evidence they bring to bear on the hypothesis and whether it is consistent with the hypothesis--if they discuss evidence.
READING POLICY
Students are expected to read the assigned materials. Discussion is contingent upon preparation by all of the stakeholders in the educational process--faculty and students. It is the responsibility of all of us to be prepared to participate and learn together. Hence, if you have not read the assigned material you should not attend the discussion section. If you attend class and it is apparent that you have not read the material--you will be required to meet with the Professor during office hours.
At the beginning of each discussion section an attendance sheet will be passed around for students to sign. If you must miss a meeting of the section, you must notify me in advance and offer an explanation for your expected absence. If you miss a second meeting, you will asked to visit with me for a discussion regarding your contribution to the groups learning.
(4) Course Outline
I. Theory and Tools of Environmental and Resource Economics:
Kahn chapters 1-5
The Economic Importance of Chesapeake Bay Tributaries - (we will discuss this paper Friday the 14th)
What's Nature worth? - Definitely worth reading but we will not discuss in class
II. Renewable Resources and Agriculture:
Fisheries and Water Resources -
Kahn chapter 11 - Jan 24
Kahn chapter 15 - Jan 26
Marine Protected Areas: Economic and Social Implications - Jan 28
Temperate and Tropical Forests -
Kahn chapter 12 - Jan 31
Kahn chapter 13 - Feb 2
Feb 4 - Kramer and Mercer (1997)
Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture -
Kahn chapter 14 - Feb 7
Kahn chapter 17 - Feb 9
Test
# 1 - Feb 11
III. Exhaustible Resources and Pollution:
Global Climate Change - Kahn chapter 7 - Monday
Wednesday: REP America's policy paper on Global Climate Change
Friday: RFF Guide to Climate change economics and policy
Note: no abstracts due this week
Energy & Air Quality - Kahn chapters 8,9 and TBA
Monday, March 7 - wrap up of climate change discussion
Wednesday, March 9 - chapter 8 from Kahn
Friday, March 11 - Chapter 9 from Kahn
IV. , Development and Environment
Kahn chapters 6, 18, 19 - Week number 10
Environment and Development.ppt
Weeks 11 and 12 - Trade, Growth, and The Environment
Wednesday the 23rd - http://www.rff.org/Documents/RFF-IB-02-13.pdf
Friday the 25th - http://www.rff.org/Documents/RFF-IB-02-26.pdf
Monday the 28th - http://www.rff.org/Documents/RFF-DP-03-18.pdf
Wednesday the 30th - http://www.rff.org/Documents/RFF-IB-02-29.pdf
Please choose two of the three policy questions. You must answer yes or no and then make a sound economic argument to support your position. Remember - we are pretending I am a very busy Senator who only has time to read 2-3 pages. Yet, I must be informed and able to defend my vote.
Should the United States adopt a policy for mandatory reductions in carbon emissions?
Should the United States help fund the development of "green" energy production in Central and South America?
Does the United States need more federally protected public land?