Environmental Economics and Policy
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
To provide the knowledge base of economics (political economy, enterprise economy and macroeconomics) to reach a level of knowledge sufficient to interpret their action in the context of society and, in particular, for the understanding of the economics of environmental issues , from sustainability and resource management, through the study of incentives, leading to the consideration of the effects of environmental change and land in terms of value.
Expected learning outcomes
Interpretive skills of the political economy, economic policy and economic aspects of environmental and ecolocical policy. Basic knowledge for the valuation of environmental assets, projects, damage and services.
Lesson period: Second 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
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into three parts.
Part one - Microeconomics
Demand and supply theory.
Demand and supply of goods, price determination, and market equilibrium.
Price and income elasticity of demand.
Production function, production costs, and elasticity of supply.
Market structures and firms' choices.
Efficiency and market failures.
Part two - Environmental and territorial control policies
The use of market mechanisms to protect the environment.
Environmental taxes and charges.
Ecological taxes.
Tradable environmental permits.
Environmental standards.
Part three - Economic analysis of environmental sustainability
Economic analysis of environmental sustainability.
Nutrition transition and environmental impact.
The case of the plastic tax.
Nudge-based policies.
Part one - Microeconomics
Demand and supply theory.
Demand and supply of goods, price determination, and market equilibrium.
Price and income elasticity of demand.
Production function, production costs, and elasticity of supply.
Market structures and firms' choices.
Efficiency and market failures.
Part two - Environmental and territorial control policies
The use of market mechanisms to protect the environment.
Environmental taxes and charges.
Ecological taxes.
Tradable environmental permits.
Environmental standards.
Part three - Economic analysis of environmental sustainability
Economic analysis of environmental sustainability.
Nutrition transition and environmental impact.
The case of the plastic tax.
Nudge-based policies.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures aimed at introducing the main concepts of microeconomics, environmental economics, and environmental and territorial control policies. Slides and teaching materials provided by the instructors will be used during the lectures and made available on the Ariel platform.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides and additional teaching materials provided by the instructors, available on the Ariel platform.
Recommended readings:
J. Sloman, D. Garratt, Elementi di economia, Il Mulino.
Kerry Turner, David Pearce, Ian Bateman, Economia Ambientale, Il Mulino.
Recommended readings:
J. Sloman, D. Garratt, Elementi di economia, Il Mulino.
Kerry Turner, David Pearce, Ian Bateman, Economia Ambientale, Il Mulino.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview covering the topics addressed during the course.
Students may take the exam only after registering for the exam session through the UNIMIA system.
Grades will be expressed on a 30-point scale and communicated to students through the University's exam registration system.
Six exam sessions are guaranteed each year.
The oral exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- knowledge of the fundamental concepts covered during the course;
- use of appropriate terminology;
- completeness of answers;
- demonstration of understanding of the topics covered during the course;
- ability to address the course concepts and topics critically and in an integrated manner.
Specific procedures are available for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities, as described on the following pages:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
To make use of these procedures, students are asked to inform the instructor by email at least 15 days before the exam, copying the relevant office: [email protected] or [email protected].
Students may take the exam only after registering for the exam session through the UNIMIA system.
Grades will be expressed on a 30-point scale and communicated to students through the University's exam registration system.
Six exam sessions are guaranteed each year.
The oral exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- knowledge of the fundamental concepts covered during the course;
- use of appropriate terminology;
- completeness of answers;
- demonstration of understanding of the topics covered during the course;
- ability to address the course concepts and topics critically and in an integrated manner.
Specific procedures are available for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities, as described on the following pages:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
To make use of these procedures, students are asked to inform the instructor by email at least 15 days before the exam, copying the relevant office: [email protected] or [email protected].
AGRI-01/A - Agricultural and Food Economics, and Rural Appraisal - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts: