ECO 3060 - Political Economy of the Environment

3 cr

How do we have both a healthy environment and a healthy economy? The goal of this class is to examine the intersections of economic and ecological systems in a social and political context, and to help students develop an understanding of the controversies around the analytical and policy frameworks now evolving which may or may not help to solve some pressing environmental problems. In particular, students will learn to use the tools of economic analysis, both neoclassical and alternative, to provide perspective to the issues. They can expect to gain insight into the complexity of the political and economic issues surrounding the environmental and environmental justice movements. Finally, students can expect to gain insight into the debates around growth and sustainability.
Prerequisite: any Economics course is highly recommended, but not required.
Spring, odd years