Climate and Resource Economics (B-KUL-I0I41A)

3 ECTSEnglish20 Second term
N. |  Janssens Charlotte (substitute)
This course is taught this academic year, but not next year. This course is taught this academic year, but not next year.
POC Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen

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.

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.

Activities

3 ects. Climate and Resource Economics (B-KUL-I0I41a)

3 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture20 Second term
N. |  Janssens Charlotte (substitute)
POC Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen

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 

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

Evaluation

Evaluation: Climate and Resource Economics (B-KUL-I2I41a)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Closed questions, Open questions
Learning material : Calculator