Natural Resources and Public Goods Economics and Policy
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide students with the necessary tools to analyze the natural resources and public goods issues from both an economic and political point of view. In particular, the course is split in two main parts. In a first phase the natural resources and public goods conceptual framework are outlined and developed, while in the second part of the course will be discussed different themes related to renewable and non-renewable natural resources and ecosystem services with both a regulatory and evaluation approach.
Expected learning outcomes
The skills acquired will make the students able to:
- understand the role of natural resources and public goods in economic development;
- implement an efficient approach for a sustainable use of natural capital in respect to both non-renewable resources and renewable resources;
- understand the basic concepts related to the main economic and assessment tools for the management of natural resources and ecosystem services;
- understand how natural resources concerns can be integrated in policy instruments with specific focus on rural and agricultural sectors.
- understand the role of natural resources and public goods in economic development;
- implement an efficient approach for a sustainable use of natural capital in respect to both non-renewable resources and renewable resources;
- understand the basic concepts related to the main economic and assessment tools for the management of natural resources and ecosystem services;
- understand how natural resources concerns can be integrated in policy instruments with specific focus on rural and agricultural sectors.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1) Introduction to natural resources economics. Natural resources in classical and neoclassical economics.
2) Ecosystem services: concept and frameworks for economic assessment
3) The cost benefit analysis (financial and economic analysis, profitability indicators)
4) Methods for valuing ecosystem services
5) Natural resources and sustainable development
6) The efficient and optimal use of natural resources
7) The economics of renewable and non-renewable resources
8) The economics of recycling
9) The multifunctional role of agricultural and forest resources
10) EU policies for natural and agro-forestry resources
2) Ecosystem services: concept and frameworks for economic assessment
3) The cost benefit analysis (financial and economic analysis, profitability indicators)
4) Methods for valuing ecosystem services
5) Natural resources and sustainable development
6) The efficient and optimal use of natural resources
7) The economics of renewable and non-renewable resources
8) The economics of recycling
9) The multifunctional role of agricultural and forest resources
10) EU policies for natural and agro-forestry resources
Prerequisites for admission
Principles of microeconomics and mathematics are required. Basic knowledge of exponential and logarithmic functions is particularly required.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons
Teaching Resources
Suggested texts
D.W. Pearce, R.K. Turner, Economia delle risorse naturali e dell'ambiente, il Mulino, Capitoli: 1,2,3,16,17,18,19 (non in commercio)
Castellucci L., Lezioni di Economia delle Risorse Naturali, Esculapio, Capitoli: 1,2,3,4,5, 8.4, 8.5
Tietemberg T., Lewis L., Natural Resource Economics: the Essentials, Routledge, Capitoli: 1,3, 5,6,8,10,11,12,14
Masiero, M., Pettenella, D., Boscolo, M., Barua, S.K, Animon, I. & Matta, J.R, Valuing forest ecosystem services: a training manual for planners and project developers --> https://www.fao.org/publications/card/fr/c/CA2886EN/
Texts for in-depth study
Perman, Ma, Common, Maddison, McGilvray, Natural Resource and Environmental Economics (4° ed) Capitoli 1,2,14-18
Harris, Roach, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics - A Contemporary Approach (4° ed) Capitoli 1,2,4,5,6,15-20
Slides and other bibliographic materials provided by teacher during the course
D.W. Pearce, R.K. Turner, Economia delle risorse naturali e dell'ambiente, il Mulino, Capitoli: 1,2,3,16,17,18,19 (non in commercio)
Castellucci L., Lezioni di Economia delle Risorse Naturali, Esculapio, Capitoli: 1,2,3,4,5, 8.4, 8.5
Tietemberg T., Lewis L., Natural Resource Economics: the Essentials, Routledge, Capitoli: 1,3, 5,6,8,10,11,12,14
Masiero, M., Pettenella, D., Boscolo, M., Barua, S.K, Animon, I. & Matta, J.R, Valuing forest ecosystem services: a training manual for planners and project developers --> https://www.fao.org/publications/card/fr/c/CA2886EN/
Texts for in-depth study
Perman, Ma, Common, Maddison, McGilvray, Natural Resource and Environmental Economics (4° ed) Capitoli 1,2,14-18
Harris, Roach, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics - A Contemporary Approach (4° ed) Capitoli 1,2,4,5,6,15-20
Slides and other bibliographic materials provided by teacher during the course
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in a written test.
The test is based on 7 multiple choice questions (T/F) and 2 open questions. Questions may require the resolution of simple exercises. It is necessary to bring a calculator with you.
Test evaluation is based on the correctness of responses, on the competence in the use of specialised vocabulary and on the effectiveness of written exposition.
The final score is expressed as n/30.
The final scores are communicated via the Ariel teaching site.
The test is based on 7 multiple choice questions (T/F) and 2 open questions. Questions may require the resolution of simple exercises. It is necessary to bring a calculator with you.
Test evaluation is based on the correctness of responses, on the competence in the use of specialised vocabulary and on the effectiveness of written exposition.
The final score is expressed as n/30.
The final scores are communicated via the Ariel teaching site.
AGR/01 - AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Bertoni Danilo, Peri Massimo
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Contact the teacher by email to arrange an appointment
Department of Environmental Science and Policy (third floor, via Celoria 2)
Reception:
the teacher receives by appointment
ESP (sede di via Celoria,2 - first floor)