Argomenti dell'insegnamento
This course provides an introduction to the economics of climate change, combining scientific foundations with economic theory and practical policy analysis. Students will first develop a solid understanding of the basic science of climate change, including key concepts such as greenhouse gas dynamics and the links between economic growth and environmental quality. Building on this foundation, the course explores how climate change impacts are assessed, from evaluating vulnerability and human capital effects to analyzing adaptation strategies and the economic costs of climate disruptions.
The second part of the course focuses on mitigation and policy solutions, examining global emission trends, technological options, and the economic logic behind instruments such as carbon taxes, emissions trading systems, subsidies, and regulatory approaches. Special attention is given to the social cost of carbon and the practical functioning of carbon markets worldwide. Alongside policy design, the course addresses the role of corporations and competitiveness under climate regulation, as well as the behavioral dimensions of climate action, including biases, social norms, and interventions that shape decision-making.
Modalità di insegnamento
The course is taught through a combination of lectures, in-class discussions, and applied exercises. While lectures provide the theoretical and empirical foundations of climate economics, students are actively involved in discussing assigned case studies and research papers prepared at home.