Applied Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Assuming that the participants already have a comprehensive understanding of environmental and natural resource economics as well as basic understanding of relevant natural sciences, it is the objective of this course to provide opportunities to integrate and apply this knowledge to a specific environmental and natural resource economics topic. The main focus of the course is on writing a project report focusing on a self-selected  topic founded in economics and within the area of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, based on the knowledge obtained in preceding courses in the M.Sc. study. This will also provide participants with an opportunity to further improve their writing skills and presentation techniques.

Participants are supposed to choose a topic for their project during the first week. As introduction to the project work, in the first week the course teachers will give lectures on the topic of writing a project in environmental and natural resource economics. A list of approximately 25-30 suggested topics for the project will be made available, though participants are encouraged to come up with own ideas for a topic to work with. Topics should primarily be within the specific fields of natural resource economics or economic valuation methods or cost-benefit analysis. After the first week, students are supposed to work on their own (or in groups) on their projects. Supervision is offered during the writing process. In addition, all students must present their problem description for the rest of the class in the 3^rd course week. With this the student obtains feedback in the early part of the writing process. The written project report is to be handed in by the end of the 7^th course week. The course is finished with an oral presentation and examination in the written project.

The economic understanding and analysis of sustainability themes is core to the course such as how to achieve sustainable outcomes and efficient regulation of pollution and natural resources use, and to identify costs and benefits of sustainability initiatives. The self-selected topic can be within a broad range of subject within the United Nations 17 World sustainable development goals, including, but not limiting to, no. 6. Clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean energy, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 12. Responsible consumption and production, 13. Climate action, 14. Life below water and 15. Life on land.