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Economics of Sustainable Development - ENV00036C

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module provides students with the opportunity to learn about the role that environmental economics can play in the design and implementation of sustainable environmental policies. The module explores the underlying economic causes of environmental degradation and some of its many implications.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to give students the opportunity to learn about the role that environmental economics can play in the design and implementation of sustainable environmental policies. Overall, this module explores the underlying economic causes of environmental degradation and its implications for (i) designing tools to inform decision-making when managing for sustainability (this is, cost-benefit analysis, environmental valuation, ecosystem services approach, natural capital accounting), (ii) for the success of international agreements to tackle global challenges, nature conservation and climate change, and (iii) for developing efficient local and national environmental policies and strategies as tradable permits, taxes, or payments for ecosystem services. On completion of this module, students would have achieved an understanding of how economists account for future environmental impacts, balance development against nature, measure sustainable development into national accounts, bring ecosystem services into individuals', firms' and nations' decision-making, account for uncertain consequences, and address the challenges of strategic interactions in international cooperation. We will explore applications to current policy problems such as climate change and biodiversity conservation.

This module aims to provide you with opportunities to develop the following skills which will be of use to you during your degree and into future employment:

  • A deep understanding of the relationship between the economy and the environment.

  • Ability to take economics concepts and theories and use them to answer policy or business questions relevant to the environmental assets and impacts of the organisation.

  • Awareness of natural capital concepts and derived policies in the private and public sector.

  • Apply decision-making tools as cost-benefit analysis

  • Knowledge and critical thinking in national and international environmental policies.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module a student will be able to:

  • Discuss interactions between the economy and the environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying economic principles guiding environmental policy.
  • Present economic concepts and arguments that are relevant for sustainable development.
  • Use insights from economic analysis that can be used to address global sustainability challenges.
  • Discuss the arguments behind the need to account for the social benefits of environmental quality.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the strengths and shortcomings of different environmental policies and approaches for sustainability.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Four weeks turn-around time on write-up. Feedback is via a written feedback sheet showing comments by markers. Ongoing verbal feedback throughout the module.

Indicative reading

Goodstein E.S. and Polasky S. (2014) Economics and the Environment. Wiley. (essential)

Anderson D.A. (2019) Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management. Routledge.

Harris and Roach (2018) Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. Fourth edition. Routledge.

Hanley N., Shogren J.F., and White B. (2013) Introduction to Environmental Economics. Oxford University Press.

Stiglitz J.E., Sen A., Fitoussi J.P. (2009) Mis-measuring our lives. Why the GDP doesn't add up. The New Press


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.