Economics of Environment for Development

MGDI72182 Economics of Environment for Development 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Juan Cristobal Ruiz-Tagle Venero Unit coordinator Global Development Institute 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The unit introduces students to the most important issues in environmental sustainability for economic development of low- and middle-income countries. The unit introduces students to the most important issues in environmental sustainability for economic development of low- and middle-income countries.The starting point for this course unit is the recognition of the importance of resource use and the environment as building blocks for economic development. The course unit aims to impart knowledge and develop critical thinking about a number of selected topics concerned with the interface between environmental sustainability and development, at both the macro- and micro-scale. Central to this is an examination of the trade-offs and complementarities between economic development and the environment faced by individuals, policy makers, private sector and NGOs.The content of this course unit is split into three parts. The first part concentrates on environment and sustainability in the context of the national and global economy. The focus is on the role of wealth in shaping economic development prospects and how natural capital should be managed for sustainability (Week 2), as well as whether green growth can deliver the sustainability transition and the implications of the green economy for how development is measured (Week 3).The second part considers topics that explore different resources and areas of economic development and environmental sustainability policy at the micro-scale. Specifically, the sustainable management of key ecosystems and policies for preserving biodiversity (Week 4); the management of forestry resources and their impact on rural livelihoods and carbon sequestration (Week 5); the demand for and supply of food and agricultural production (Week 6); and management of water and marine resources (Week 7).The third part focuses on pressing environmental issues and its effects on human and socioeconomic development, both at the local and global level. It delves into issues associated to urban development in low- and middle-income countries, particularly the problem of air pollution and its effects on population health (Week 8). Moreover, it covers the economics of clean energy transition for a low-carbon sustainable economy (Week 9).The course closes with a revision of topics and a discussion of the interlinkages between them, thus providing a solid understanding of the economics of environmental sustainability for development. It then prepares students for the summative assessment (Week 10).To follow this course students must have a basic knowledge of economics and ecological or environmental sciences.   The unit aims to:This course unit will enable students to think critically about key issues in development economics and environmental sustainability and how to address them. More specifically, this course unit aims to impart knowledge and develop critical thinking about a number of selected topics  concerned with the interface between the economics of environment and development at the macro and micro scale.This course unit will endow students with a unique opportunity to have in-depth knowledge of the present global challenges of and to meet the requirements of potential employers in academia, private sector and international organizations.  By the end of this course unit, students can expect to be able to understand and critically reflect on:  Conceptual frameworks of economic development and environmental sustainability issues faced by low- and middle-income countries Theoretical perspectives guiding development policy and management of the natural environment The criticality of the natural environment (e.g. natural wealth) for economic growth, development and wellbeing The economic drivers of environmental impacts across a range of development contexts (local, national and international) The empirical evidence about environment and economic development on which these debates are informed The limitations of this economic perspective on the linkages of development and environmental sustainability.   By the end of this course unit, students can expect to be able to understand and critically reflect on:  Able to frame problems on economic development and environmental sustainability in an effective manner.   Draw reasoned conclusions from the theory and evidence.  Elaborate well-reasoned arguments and communicate them in a written essay   By the end of this course unit, students can expect to be able to understand and critically reflect on:  Create and give a presentation and lead a discussion with peers By the end of this course unit, students can expect to be able to understand and critically reflect on:  Work collaboratively with peers Presentation and leadership skills.  Syllabus (indicative curriculum content):This course unit is taught over 10 weeks in Semester 2. Curriculum content for each week includes the following topics:Week 1: Introduction and OverviewPart I: Macroeconomics of Environmental Sustainability and Development Week 2: Theory of Economics of Environmental Sustainability  Week 3: Sustainable Economic Growth and Green GrowthPart II: Microeconomics of Environmental Sustainability and Development Week 4: Economics of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Week 5: Economic Development and Tropical Forests Ecosystems Week 6: Economic Development: Poverty, Food, and Agriculture  Week 7: Economics of Water Management and Marine ResourcesPart III: Further Topics in Economics of Environment and Development   Week 8: Economics of Urban Development and Air Pollution Week 9: Economics of Energy Transitions and the Clean Economy Week 10: Revision and Exam Preparation    Weekly lectures starting in Week 1, accompanied by weekly seminars, which begin in Week 2.In-person lectures will be preceded by a pre-recorded (asynchronous) video that broadly introduces each topic – thus allowing for extra time for questions and discussion during the in-person lectures.Students (working in groups of 3) will be pre-assigned to give a presentation on a topic that is closely linked to that of the preceding lecture. Seminars will start with the students’ presentation, and this will lead to a Q&A and group discussion moderated by the unit’s instructor. Live constructive feedback on this presentation will constitute part of students’ formative assessment.For the summative assessment (carrying 100% of the grade), students are required to submit an individual essay on one of the topics related to environmental sustainability and economic development applied to a low- and middle-income country. The last lecture (Week 10) discusses strategies and provides examples of such essays.All materials will be made available online on VLE.  2 Written assignment (inc essay) 100% Feedback will be provided as per Faculty of Humanities guidelines   N The following references provide an overview of current debates around economics of environmental sustainability and will be referenced throughout the course. In addition, topic-specific readings will be made available before each lecture.-    G Atkinson et al. (eds.), Handbook of Sustainable Development, Edward Elgar, 2014. -    R Lopez and M Toman (eds.), Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability. Columbia University Press, 2006. -    World Bank. The Changing Wealth of Nations: Revisiting the Measurement of Comprehensive Wealth. Washington, D.C. World Bank Group. 2024. -    Dasgupta, S. P. The economics of biodiversity - the Dasgupta review, 2021. -    E Barbier, Economics for a fragile planet, Cambridge University Press, 2022. -    R Bluffstone. Environmental Economics and Ecosystem Services. Routledge, 2025 -    W Adams, Green development: environment and sustainability in a developing world.  Routledge, 2020. -    T Sterner and J Coria, Policy Instruments for Environmental and Natural Resource Management. Routledge, 2012. -    A Banerjee and E Duflo, Poor economics: a radical rethinking of the way to fight global poverty, Public Affairs, 2011. Lectures 20 Seminars 8 0 122