Business and The Environment

(3 Credits)

Environmental problems typically arise from “market failures.” This course examines several environmental issues at local, national, and international levels, with a particular focus this year on energy and climate change, but also briefly on water and population. Drawing on the theories of externalities, market failure, and mechanism design, it explores the causes of these problems and some of the potential remedies, including government regulation, “cap-and-trade,” and carbon taxes, as well as potential related business opportunities. The schedule will include lectures by relevant industry representatives.