ECO0378 - ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

courses

ID:

ECO0378

Duration (hours):

57

CFU:

SSD:

ECONOMIA APPLICATA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (16/02/2026 - 29/05/2026)

Course Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the recent development of the economic science, which - starting from the environmental economics – aims to explore the relationships between economics, environment and society. In recent decades, a number of theories and empirical studies have been developed, questioning the mechanistic approach of traditional economic theory and addressing the interrelationship between the economic, environmental and ethical-social dimensions. Methodologies for measuring well-being that “go beyond GDP” have also been proposed. Expected learning results At the end of the course students will be able to critically discuss topics related to the following questions: - What are the theoretical foundations of environmental economics? - What is the link between Economy, Environment and Society? - What is Sustainable Development? Which dimensions are included? - What Sustainable Development strategies can be implemented by companies and public organisations? And how are they implemented? - What is the transition from linear to circular economy? - Which is the role of public policies in supporting the transition to Sustainable Development and Circular Economy? - How can the well-being of an individual and the whole society be measured?

Course Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of economics

Teaching Methods

The course consists of in-class lectures (15 hrs.), streaming lessons given through MS Teams (20,5 hrs.) and asynchronous mode by Moodle e-learning platforms (9,5 hrs.). The lessons are supported by slides and case studies. Students are encouraged to actively participate to classes, by asking questions and/or making comments. During the integrative teaching hours (12 hours), students will work on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda and on theoretical topics, even using data, in preparation for an individual essay (see learning assessment methods).

Assessment Methods

Assessment is based on a written exam consisting of short open-ended questions (40%) and a project work (60% of the final grade). The written exam consists of two midterm exams (halfway through and at the end of the course): each exam (lasting 30 minutes) is based on two open-ended questions chosen from a selection of three. The 8-10 page project work will be a summary of a topic chosen together with the professor/tutor on sustainable development (for example, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda) or another topic related to the course syllabus. The project work will also include an analysis of data related to the chosen topic. It must be submitted at least two weeks before the second midterm exam. For students who are unable to take the midterm exams and complete the project work, learning will be assessed through a single 60-minute written exam consisting of four open-ended questions.

Part I: Fundamentals of environmental economics and policy. - Economic approach to environmental analysis and the limits to growth - Externalities, public goods, environmental goods, and efficient allocations of environmental resources - Economic instruments of environmental policy and the limits of public intervention: command-and-control instruments, tax-subsidies, property rights, and emissions markets Part II: Sustainable development and circular economy - Definition and dimensions of sustainable development - Sustainable Development Goals and policies' evolution: UN 2030 Agenda, European Green Deal, etc. - Sustainable development measurement - Climate change and the economy - Transition from linear economy to circular economy, bioeconomy and Industrial Symbiosis - Social responsibility and corporate strategies. Part III: Economics and Ethics - Determinants of individual well-being and happiness - The problems of GDP as well-being indicator - Multidimensional indicators of a society's well-being.

Course Language

Italian

More information

By appointment, in-person or remote. The reading list is available on the course's webpage in E-learning. Slides and articles/documents on different topics will be made available. A Tutoring Service is available at the Department of Economics. More detailed information is available at the following link: https://www.uninsubria.it/servizi/tutti-i-servizi/tutorato-dieco