ECON 5517

This course is designed to provide an expanded view of the environmental dimensions and sustainability of human economic activities. Emphasis is placed on broadening the scope of economic inquiry to consider larger questions such as the positioning of the human economy within a finite Earth system and the related implications, considering the strengths and limitations of alternative economic models (e.g., circular economy, steady state economy) and macroeconomic measures of wellbeing that go beyond tracking GDP. The course encourages students to explore bigger questions about the role economic actors play in creating contemporary environmental and sustainability challenges, the tools and approaches available to mitigate and address these issues, and practical examples of current approaches taken by firms and government.