Climate and Resource Economics (B-KUL-I0I41A)
Aims
Students gain knowledge of the concepts and methods related to the economics of climate change. They understand the theories of non-renewable and renewable resource extraction and the theory of land allocation. Students can use comparative statics and dynamics to derive policy implications and can connect theoretical insights with empirical research. They can reflect on sustainable management strategies for renewable resources, with a focus on forest resources. Students understand the basic concepts of economy-wide modeling. They can interpret the results of integrated assessment models (IAMs) used for climate change research and can critically reflect on economic analyses of climate change policy.
Previous knowledge
Knowledge of these topics is required in order to start this course:
- Intermediate economics (Bachelor’s level)
- Environmental and/or resources economics
It is recommended to have successfully completed or simultaneously follow the course Environmental and Resources Economics I or a non-KU Leuven equivalent.
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started before 2021-2022) (Leuven et al) (CITY, SOCIETY AND SPACE) 120 ects.
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started before 2021-2022) (Leuven et al) (EARTH AND CLIMATE) 120 ects.
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started before 2021-2022) (Leuven et al) (GIS AND SPATIAL MODELLING) 120 ects.
- Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: landbouwkunde (Leuven) (Major bio-economie en beleid) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (Leuven)
- Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Agricultural and Resource Economics) 120 ects.
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started in 2021-2022 or later) (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
Activities
3 ects. Climate and Resource Economics (B-KUL-I0I41a)
Content
This course is structured in five parts.
Part I: Economics of Climate Change
- Introduction to concepts and methods of climate change economics
Part II: Non-Renewable Resources
- Optimal non-renewable resource extraction
- Resource curse
- Dynamic stock pollution problem
Part III: Renewable Resources
- Optimal renewable resource extraction
- Impact of property regimes and externalities on resource extraction
- Land allocation model
- Sustainable management of forest resources (institutional design, policy regulations, non-state interventions)
Part IV: Integrated Assessment Models
- Introduction to economy-wide models (input-output models, general equilibrium models)
- Integrated assessment models (benefit-cost & detailed process IAMs)
Part V: Climate Change Policy
- Mitigation vs. adaptation policy
- Challenges of IAMs
- Priorities for economic analyses of climate change policy
Course material
Study materials consists of
- PowerPoint presentations
- Course notes
- Chapters 8, 14, 15, 16, & 17 of the book Perman et al (4th edition) Natural Resource and Environmental Economics.
- Scientific papers