March 29, 2024
Updated April 14, 2025
15 minute read
Environmental Economist: Shaping Sustainable Futures
An Environmental Economist applies economic principles to understand and solve environmental problems. This field bridges the gap between economic activity and environmental impact, analyzing how human choices affect the natural world and how environmental policies impact economies. It's a vital discipline focused on finding sustainable paths forward for society.
Working as an Environmental Economist can be deeply rewarding. You might find yourself designing innovative policies to combat climate change, placing a monetary value on priceless natural resources like clean air and water, or advising governments and businesses on sustainable practices. It’s a career that directly tackles some of the most pressing global challenges, offering intellectual stimulation and the chance to make a tangible difference.
Overview of Environmental Economist
This section provides a foundational understanding of the environmental economics field, its unique position relative to general economics, and its critical role in today's world.
What is Environmental Economics?
Environmental Economics is a specialized branch of economics concerned with environmental issues. It focuses on the economic effects of environmental policies worldwide. Core objectives include identifying the most efficient ways to reduce pollution, managing natural resources sustainably, and valuing environmental goods and services that often lack market prices.
Professionals in this field study the economic costs of environmental degradation, such as the impact of air pollution on public health or the consequences of deforestation on biodiversity. They also analyze the benefits and costs of different environmental protection measures, helping decision-makers choose the most effective and economically sound strategies.
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Find a path to becoming a Environmental Economist. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/mcc86s/environmental
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Environmental Economist.
Is the second in a series of books on the Planetary Boundaries. This book provides a detailed analysis of each of the nine Planetary Boundaries and discusses the challenges and opportunities for staying within the safe operating space for humanity. The book is written by a team of leading scientists and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Planetary Boundaries and how to use them to guide sustainable development.
Provides a detailed exploration of each of the nine Planetary Boundaries and discusses the challenges and opportunities for staying within the safe operating space for humanity. The book is written by two of the lead scientists who developed the Planetary Boundaries concept.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Planetary Boundaries concept and its implications for human development. The book is written by a team of leading scientists and policymakers and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Planetary Boundaries and how to use them to guide sustainable development.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the food waste problem on a global scale. It explores the causes and consequences of waste throughout the food supply chain, from farm to fork. It is an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and is often cited as a foundational text in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the climate crisis, discussing the science, economics, and politics involved. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand this critical issue.
This book, originally published in 1972, was one of the first to warn of the environmental limits to economic growth. It has been updated several times, and the latest edition includes a new chapter on the Planetary Boundaries concept.
Explores the potential future of humanity, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and space exploration. It provides a comprehensive overview of the major trends shaping our world and their potential implications for the future.
Provides a broad overview of food waste management, covering challenges, opportunities, and policy frameworks. It includes contributions on various aspects of managing food waste effectively. This book useful reference for understanding the multifaceted nature of food waste management.
This practical handbook provides actionable tips and strategies for reducing food waste in the home kitchen. It covers meal planning, storage, and creative ways to use leftovers. While focused on the consumer level, it reinforces the impact of individual actions discussed in broader texts and is highly relevant for anyone seeking to reduce their personal food waste footprint.
Examines the major transitions that have shaped the modern world, from the agricultural revolution to the industrial revolution to the information revolution. It provides a deep understanding of the forces that have driven human progress and the challenges that we face today.
Explores the rise of surveillance technologies and their impact on our privacy and freedom. It provides a chilling look at the future of surveillance and the need for strong protections.
Connects the dots between food waste, global hunger, and climate change. It emphasizes the ethical and environmental dimensions of food waste. It's a valuable read for understanding the interconnectedness of these critical issues.
Examines the role of Natural Capital in water security.
Explores the role of Natural Capital in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Examines the challenges facing capitalism in the 21st century, including globalization, inequality, and climate change. It argues that we need to find new ways to make capitalism work for everyone.
Tells the story of the five previous mass extinctions on Earth and argues that we are now in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, caused by human activity.
Provides a practical guide to Natural Capital management.
While not solely about food waste, Drawdown identifies reducing food waste as one of the most impactful solutions to climate change. The chapter on food waste provides a concise overview of its potential for emissions reduction. It's an essential read for understanding the significance of food waste in the climate context.
Offers an overview of the causes of food waste globally and provides practical solutions for reducing it. It recent publication that addresses the topic directly and aims to provide actionable insights for a sustainable future.
Explores the role of Natural Capital in poverty reduction.
Examines the impact of technology on the future of work. It discusses the potential for job displacement and the need for new skills and education.
Explores the role of Natural Capital in sustainable development.
Examines the collapse of several past societies and argues that environmental factors played a major role in their downfall. Diamond provides some lessons that we can learn from these past collapses and offers some suggestions for how we can avoid a similar fate.
Focusing on the technical aspects, this book explores how food waste can be reduced through processing and converted into valuable by-products. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the scientific and industrial solutions to food waste. is more suitable for those with a background in food science or related technical fields.
Connects food systems, including the issue of food waste, to climate change and regenerative agriculture. While not solely focused on food waste, it provides crucial context on the environmental impact of food production and consumption, highlighting how reducing waste fits into a larger picture of sustainable food systems.
Provides a broad overview of the causes and impacts of global food shortages, with a perspective essay specifically addressing food insecurity, food waste, and food banks. It helps contextualize food waste within the larger issue of food security and global food systems. Recommended for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.
This cookbook offers a practical and inspiring approach to reducing food waste in the home kitchen through creative recipes and tips. It makes the concept of zero-waste cooking approachable for home cooks. It complements theoretical understanding with practical application.
Argues that the natural world is no longer pristine and that human activity has had a profound impact on the environment. McKibben provides a powerful indictment of our current environmental policies and offers some suggestions for how we can change course.
While primarily a cookbook, this book promotes a flexible and resourceful approach to cooking that naturally minimizes food waste. It encourages using what you have on hand and provides recipes that can be adapted to utilize scraps and leftovers. It offers a practical, everyday perspective on reducing waste in the kitchen.
Advocates for a mindful and economical approach to cooking that naturally minimizes waste by emphasizing resourcefulness and using ingredients fully. While not a traditional anti-food waste book, its philosophy aligns strongly with reducing waste through skillful cooking and appreciation of food.
Tells the story of a community revitalizing itself through building a local food system. While not exclusively about food waste, it provides a compelling example of how strong local food networks can inherently lead to less waste and greater food security. It offers a valuable perspective on alternative food systems.
This children's book tells the story of a Lorax, who speaks for the trees. The Lorax powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and the consequences of environmental destruction.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/mcc86s/environmental
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