Study Notes for International Environmental Economics

Course Introduction

  • Greeting and class commencement at 09:40.

  • Confirmation of audible communication from back row with a thumbs up from students.

Course Identification

  • Title: International Environmental Economics

  • Course Codes: Econ C184 / Environmental Econ C132 / EEP 132

  • Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 09:40 to 11:00 AM (Berkeley time).

Class Structure Overview

  • Each class will begin with a relevant news item tied to environmental economics.

  • There may be a temporal disconnect between topics in the news and class coverage; adjustments hoped over the semester.

Example of News Relevance

  • Real estate websites (e.g., Zillow, Redfin) reportedly present information about environmental risks (e.g. flood risk scores).

    • Experiment by economists on Redfin showed that revealing flood risk information altered buying behaviors of potential homeowners.

    • Research implied a gap in buyers' understanding of environmental hazards.

  • Recent news indicated Zillow has made accessing climate risk data more challenging.

Importance of Information in Environmental Economics

  • A recurring theme: Environmental hazards significantly affect work and life, but people often lack comprehensive information about these hazards.

  • How information dissemination can drive behavioral change, both positively (i.e., informed consumers) and negatively (i.e., profit-driven companies withholding information).

Class Overview Goals

  • Introduce the basic statistical facts driving course content.

  • Discuss logistics, including syllabus, grading structure.

  • Preview each of the 28 lectures scheduled for the course (excluding midterms and sections).

Teaching Method and Class Engagement

  • Three to four-minute stretch breaks will occur roughly midway through each class.

  • Breaks will also feature relevant imagery.

  • Class organized around an overarching question: "How should policymakers and scholars design and analyze environmental policy in a globalized world where much economic activity and pollution crosses political borders?"

Topic Relevance.

  • Discussion will balance academic perspectives (research and policy), focusing on:

    • Government policies of varying nations (U.S., China, etc.).

    • Analysis of energy goods (electricity, gas, coal) and natural resources (groundwater, forests).

  • Emphasis on how energy and environmental issues are mutually inclusive.

    • Energy challenges and opportunities linked to environmental policy.

  • Exploration of economic activities (production, consumption, employment) in relation to environmental goods (pollution, degradation, resource depletion).

Geopolitical Perspective

  • Examination of policy done within administrative borders; connectivity and implications of borderless environmental challenges (e.g., sea-level rise).

  • Class designed to fill a gap in the courses available in universities globally, focusing on unique environmental economic topics.

Objectives of the Course

  • The course aims to foster:

    1. Understanding of international environmental economics, enabling students to navigate discussions in credible publications (e.g., Wall Street Journal, Economist).

    2. In-depth knowledge about research topics that reflect ongoing global environmental issues, presented in a contemporary framework.

    3. Development of quantitative social science skills, enhancing ability to critically analyze original research and formulate independent perspectives.

Learning Topics Covered Across Classes

  1. Life Cycle Analysis

    • Covers methods to assess global environmental impacts of consumer products.

    • Discusses input-output tables and environmental footprints.

  2. Introductory Econometrics

    • Basic econometrics principles explained in an understandable way for students of all backgrounds.

  3. Environmental Policy Instruments

    • Exploration of trade-offs in regulatory approaches (taxes vs. quotas).

  4. Valuation of Environmental Goods

    • Techniques to measure non-market goods and services related to the environment.

  5. Time Value of Environmental Costs

    • Discount rates and their implications for policy and long-term environmental planning.

  6. Satellite Imaging and Big Data for Environmental Analysis

    • Use of contemporary technology and machine learning to monitor environmental changes.

Classroom Interaction and Engagement Policy

  • Emphasis on student engagement; questions encouraged to facilitate understanding.

  • Networking opportunities during breaks and after class for further discussion.

  • Digital communications supported through a course website (bCourses) and office hours.

Administrative Details

  • Office hours for instructor and GSIs detailed with timings and locations.

  • Syllabus and course-related documents available on the course website.

  • Mandatory attendance in section discussions as these contribute to overall grading.

Assessment Format and Expectations

  • Weekly quizzes, graded materials, and important dates noted.

  • Unannounced quizzes at the end of each week (starting in week 2).

  • Midterm examination contents to encompass material from classes 1-11.

  • Final exam details aligned with university policies.

Student Engagement Assessment

  • Various student-led brainstorming sessions concerning personal interests related to international environmental economics.

  • Students invited to share important themes they want to cover, including topics like climate negotiations and pollution issues.