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Environmental Economics for Environmental Sciences

ENR21306

About this course

The course provides an introduction to environmental economics and is developed for students of non-economic study programmes. It is also suitable as an introduction to environmental economics for students of economic study programmes. The aim of the course is to show how environmental problems can be approached and analysed using economic theory. Furthermore, the course demonstrates how economics provides guidance to address serious environmental problems such as global warming, ozone depletion, air and water pollution at different scales (global, regional). In particular, the course will establish the foundations of environmental economics. The students will learn how markets function and under which conditions markets fail, giving rise to a misallocation of resources causing environmental problems. These insights will then be used to analyse how policy interventions can correct market failure and enhance social welfare. The course also introduces students to recent policy developments regarding environmental and sustainability issues.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the theoretical foundations of environmental economics

  • Explain key concepts, strengths and limitations of environmental economic analysis (e.g. sustainability, efficiency, Pareto optimality, market failure, externalities)

  • Analyse important environmental problems (e.g. pollution) from an economic point of view

  • Explain key economic instruments and policy measures for solving economic problems (e.g. taxes, subsidies, tradable permits) on an international scale

  • Apply economic concepts in a specific case in the domain of environmental economics

  • Compile and structure information about a topic in environmental economics for writing a scientific essay

Assessment method

  • Written test with open and closed questions (60%)
  • Assignment other (20%)
  • Assignment essay (20%) Paper

Prior knowledge

As a background, ENP10806 Environmental Policy Instruments or some basic understanding of (micro-) economic theory would be useful, but not mandatory. However, knowledge of basic mathematic calculus (e.g. MAT14803, but this is also covered in many high schools) is strongly recommended.

Resources

  • Perman, R., Y. Ma, J. McGilvray, and M. Common (2011): 'Natural Resource and Environmental Economics', 4th ed., Pearson Education, Harlow. Additional material will be announced in the course guide.

Additional information

course
6 ECTS
  • Level
    bachelor
  • Mode of instruction
    on campus
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Starting dates

  • 27 Oct 2025

    ends 21 Dec 2025

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P2
    Period 2 morning
    Register before 28 Sept, 23:59
  • 9 Mar 2026

    ends 3 May 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P5
    Period 5 afternoon
    Register before 8 Feb, 23:59
These offerings are valid for students of TU Eindhoven