This course provides an introduction to environmental and climate economics by examining the interconnections between economic activity, environmental conditions, and human well-being. It introduces key concepts and analytical tools, including externalities, public goods, environmental valuation, cost-benefit analysis, discounting, and the design of environmental and climate policy instruments. Particular attention is given to the strengths, limitations, and distributional implications of these approaches.

The course applies these concepts to a range of environmental challenges, including environmental inequality, globalization and environmental protection, the management and enhancement of natural assets, deforestation, biodiversity loss, air pollution, and climate change. It also introduces political-economy perspectives on environmental decision-making and climate policy, with a focus on how economic interests, institutions, and power relations shape environmental outcomes.

The course uses a blended learning format that combines in-person instruction with asynchronous online learning. In-class sessions include lectures, discussions, group activities, student presentations, and the application of course concepts to case studies.

The asynchronous online component allows students to engage with additional materials at their own pace. Activities may include watching recorded lectures and video inputs, completing assigned readings, contributing to online discussions, and submitting short exercises or assignments.

Throughout the semester, students will work on a project related to an environmental or climate policy issue. They will present their project in class and receive individual feedback at key stages of its development.

If you have a valid registration for the lecture, but will not participate, please deregister during the registration period of LPIS. Your place will be available for other students.
During the registration period, free places are filled according to the “first-come, first-served” principle.
After the end of the registration period, the number of places is increased and students on the waiting list will be registered for the lecture. Students in the Specialization-program will be added first, should places remain, they will be filled by BaWiSo-students based on their progress in their studies.

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