ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY ECONOMICS

Understanding the challenges and solutions to climate change requires an in-depth analysis of the links between the economy and our energy system. Starting with the economic principles of climate change and environmental economics, this course will deepen concepts related to energy systems and their relationship to the economy and climate change. The course will explain energy systems, how they work, and how they are shaped by energy, environmental, and climate policies, as well as by the rapid changes in climate conditions we are experiencing. The course falls within the elective courses and allows to acquire the knowledge necessary for a correct understanding, measurement and management of the specific sustainability dimensions of climate change and energy systems. Practical lessons allow direct experimentation of the knowledge and skills proposed during the course (climate-economic modelling, data analysis, regression analysis, depending on time available).

1. Understand the relationship between energy, the economy, and the environment
2. Acquire a basic energy literacy and understand energy systems
3. Acquire a basic knowledge of the history of environmental and energy policy
4. Acquire acquaintance with the application of theoretical and empirical approaches to energy and environmental issues
5. Understand the basics dynamics behind energy demand and markets
6. Learn how perform descriptive analyses with data related to energy, emissions, policies
7. Acquire the ability to explain and communicate why we need energy and environmental policies to other students in the context of small groups in class

Graduate knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics. Check also the website:
https://www.unive.it/web/en/4624/exams

Topic 1 (2 lectures) Energy, the economy, and climate change
Filippini & Srinivasan (2024), Chapters 1, 2.4
Topic 2 (3 lectures) Natural resource economics
Perman et al. (2003), Chapters 14, 15, 16
Topic 3 (3 lectures) Energy demand and energy poverty in a changing climate
Filippini & Srinivasan (2024), Chapters 3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
Topic 4 (2 lectures) Economic efficiency, market failures and policy interventions
Filippini & Srinivasan (2024), Chapter 2
Topic 5 (2 lecture) Policy instruments
Filippini & Srinivasan (2024), Chapters 7
Topic 6 (3 lectures) Energy investments and energy-related market reforms
Filippini & Srinivasan (2024), Chapters 4, 6

Filippini & Srinivasan (2024) An Introduction to Energy Economics and Policy [FA2024]
Perman R., Ma Y., McGilvray J. and Common M., (2003), Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, Pearson, Available in Moodle, Chapters 5, 14, 15, 16 [PER2003]
Additional scientific articles suggested by the professor during the course

Written exam (individual, closed book, 90 minutes). The written exam will consist of 4 questions. The questions will cover the topics discussed during the course and addressed in the Moodle materials. Each answer is graded on a scale of 0 to 8 points.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

For each question, the maximum grade (8) may be awarded if the student demonstrates excellent knowledge of the concepts and the topic addressed by the question; excellent understanding of the question; excellent ability to summarize/describe data and results from other studies and to develop a critical evaluation of the existing literature; and excellent communicative writing skills.
A score of 7.5 on each question can be obtained if the student demonstrates excellent knowledge of the concepts and the topic addressed by the question; excellent understanding of the question; excellent ability to summarize/describe data and results from other studies; and good communicative writing skills.
A grade of 4.5 on each question is awarded if the student demonstrates good knowledge of the concepts and the topic addressed in the question and understanding of the question; a fair ability to summarize/describe data and results from other studies; and a fair ability to communicate in writing.

Lectures, discussions. Homework assignments may be given.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development