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Environmental and Ecological Economics (IB)
Basics of Economics
Economics is the study of how people make choices about what to produce, how to distribute goods and services and how to use them
It examines how individuals and societies allocate scarce natural resources to satisfy their wants and needs
This is sometimes referred to as the economic problem
Economics explores both individual decision-making and collective behaviour in markets and economies
How these three questions are answered determines the economic system of a country
Supply and demand
Supply refers to the quantity of a good or service that producers are willing and able to offer for sale at different prices
Demand refers to the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at different prices.
The interaction of supply and demand determines the equilibrium price and quantity in a market
For example, if the price of smartphones decreases, the demand for smartphones may increase because more people can afford to buy them
Market interaction
Markets are any location or platform (both physical and virtual, i.e. online) where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods and services
Market interaction involves the exchange of goods and services based on the forces of supply and demand
For example, in a farmer's market, farmers supply fresh produce, and consumers demand fruits and vegetables
The prices are determined by the balance between what farmers are willing to sell and what consumers are willing to pay
Examples of Markets
Market Type | Description |
|---|---|
Housing Market | Prices determined by supply of houses for sale and demand from buyers |
Labor Market | Wages determined by supply of workers and demand from employers |
Stock Market | Stock prices influenced by supply of shares and demand from investors |
Agricultural Market | Prices determined by supply of agricultural products and demand from consumers |
Foreign Exchange Market | Prices of currencies determined by supply of and demand for different currencies |
Introduction to Environmental Economics
Environmental economics is a branch of economics that applies economic principles to environmental issues and the management of natural resources
It aims to understand how human activities impact the environment and how economic policies can be designed to achieve sustainable outcomes
For example, consider the market for renewable energy:
As the demand for clean energy sources increases due to concerns about climate change, environmental economics helps to analyse which incentives and policies are needed to promote the development and adoption of renewable technologies
Technocentric vs. ecocentrics
Technocentrics believe that advancements in science and technology can solve environmental problems within the existing economic framework
They emphasize the role of innovation in developing modern technologies to address environmental challenges (and therefore reduce their economic impacts)
For example, technocentrics may argue that investments in carbon capture and storage technologies can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from industries like power generation and manufacturing
On the other hand, ecocentrics support a more holistic approach that prioritizes fundamental changes in human behavior towards sustainable living
They do not believe that environmental problems can be solved within the existing economic framework
They emphasis the importance of living in harmony with nature rather than relying solely on technological solutions
This may require challenging or transforming existing economic systems and practices
An example of this perspective is the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, such as minimalism and zero-waste living, which aim to reduce consumption and minimize environmental impact
There is a broad range of environmental value systems held by people and groups around the world – on a basic level these EVSs usually fall into one of three main categories
Perspectives on solutions
The existing economic system often relies on the belief that scientific and technological advancements will be sufficient to address environmental challenges
This perspective is demonstrated by policies and initiatives that focus on developing modern technologies to mitigate environmental impacts
For example, government subsidies for electric vehicles and renewable energy projects aim to incentivize technological innovation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels
In contrast, supporters of environmental economics argue for a shift towards sustainable and responsible human behavior as a solution to environmental issues
This approach is demonstrated by policies and initiatives that prioritize environmental protection and social well-being over economic growth
An example of this approach is the use of environmental regulations that restrict harmful activities and promote sustainable resource management, e.g. regulations on emissions standards for vehicles, which aim to reduce air pollution and improve public health
Environmental and Ecological Economics (IB)
Basics of Economics
Economics is the study of how people make choices about what to produce, how to distribute goods and services and how to use them
It examines how individuals and societies allocate scarce natural resources to satisfy their wants and needs
This is sometimes referred to as the economic problem
Economics explores both individual decision-making and collective behaviour in markets and economies
How these three questions are answered determines the economic system of a country
Supply and demand
Supply refers to the quantity of a good or service that producers are willing and able to offer for sale at different prices
Demand refers to the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at different prices.
The interaction of supply and demand determines the equilibrium price and quantity in a market
For example, if the price of smartphones decreases, the demand for smartphones may increase because more people can afford to buy them
Market interaction
Markets are any location or platform (both physical and virtual, i.e. online) where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods and services
Market interaction involves the exchange of goods and services based on the forces of supply and demand
For example, in a farmer's market, farmers supply fresh produce, and consumers demand fruits and vegetables
The prices are determined by the balance between what farmers are willing to sell and what consumers are willing to pay
Examples of Markets
Market Type | Description |
|---|---|
Housing Market | Prices determined by supply of houses for sale and demand from buyers |
Labor Market | Wages determined by supply of workers and demand from employers |
Stock Market | Stock prices influenced by supply of shares and demand from investors |
Agricultural Market | Prices determined by supply of agricultural products and demand from consumers |
Foreign Exchange Market | Prices of currencies determined by supply of and demand for different currencies |
Introduction to Environmental Economics
Environmental economics is a branch of economics that applies economic principles to environmental issues and the management of natural resources
It aims to understand how human activities impact the environment and how economic policies can be designed to achieve sustainable outcomes
For example, consider the market for renewable energy:
As the demand for clean energy sources increases due to concerns about climate change, environmental economics helps to analyse which incentives and policies are needed to promote the development and adoption of renewable technologies
Technocentric vs. ecocentrics
Technocentrics believe that advancements in science and technology can solve environmental problems within the existing economic framework
They emphasize the role of innovation in developing modern technologies to address environmental challenges (and therefore reduce their economic impacts)
For example, technocentrics may argue that investments in carbon capture and storage technologies can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from industries like power generation and manufacturing
On the other hand, ecocentrics support a more holistic approach that prioritizes fundamental changes in human behavior towards sustainable living
They do not believe that environmental problems can be solved within the existing economic framework
They emphasis the importance of living in harmony with nature rather than relying solely on technological solutions
This may require challenging or transforming existing economic systems and practices
An example of this perspective is the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, such as minimalism and zero-waste living, which aim to reduce consumption and minimize environmental impact
There is a broad range of environmental value systems held by people and groups around the world – on a basic level these EVSs usually fall into one of three main categories
Perspectives on solutions
The existing economic system often relies on the belief that scientific and technological advancements will be sufficient to address environmental challenges
This perspective is demonstrated by policies and initiatives that focus on developing modern technologies to mitigate environmental impacts
For example, government subsidies for electric vehicles and renewable energy projects aim to incentivize technological innovation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels
In contrast, supporters of environmental economics argue for a shift towards sustainable and responsible human behavior as a solution to environmental issues
This approach is demonstrated by policies and initiatives that prioritize environmental protection and social well-being over economic growth
An example of this approach is the use of environmental regulations that restrict harmful activities and promote sustainable resource management, e.g. regulations on emissions standards for vehicles, which aim to reduce air pollution and improve public health
