Environmental and Natural Resources Economics from edX

How can we create a sustainable society that protects the environment while maintaining a prosperous society? Why have humans caused environmental degradation on local, regional, and global scales, and what can we do about it? Public officials, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses need professionals who can answer these questions in order to design a new sustainable world.

Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources, including how markets function and how incentives affect people’s, businesses’ and institutions’ behavior.

Within economics, environmental and natural resource economics is the application of the principles of economics to the study of how environmental and natural resources are developed and managed. It focuses on weighing the private and public implications of choices that we make ranging from a local through a global scale. Learners will apply economic tools to evaluate the allocation and utilization of natural resources and the management of the natural environment within agriculture.

Learners will also focus on the importance of agricultural economics through the analysis of agricultural problems associated with socially optimal use of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources over time including problems of common property resources, irreversible forms of development, and preservation of natural areas. This course will also examine the effects of economic growth on the environment; application of economic theory of external diseconomies, cost-benefit analysis, program budgeting, and welfare economics to problems in an agricultural environment.

With increasing competition for limited land, water and other natural resources throughout the world, as well as growing concern about environmental degradation, there is a growing need for professionals who can assist in the process of balancing economic and environmental tradeoffs. Learners will be well-prepared upon completion of the course to contribute to the goals of organizations and agencies in both the private and public sectors by providing a strong basis to guide policy and management choices that directly and indirectly affect our environment.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Assess effects of human non-judicious use of natural resources resulting in agricultural problems and environmental degradation
Apply environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources

Analyze the effects of economic growth on the environment and agricultural practices
Through evaluation of current environmental policy, the learner will be able to propose policy modifications to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

Assess effects of human non-judicious use of natural resources resulting in agricultural problems and environmental degradation
Apply environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources
Analyze the effects of economic growth on the environment and agricultural practices
Through evaluation of current environmental policy, the learner will be able to propose policy modifications to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Anil Giri, who are recognized for their work in environmental economics

Examines ways to balance economic and environmental tradeoffs, a skill applicable to various sectors

Core audience includes professionals who seek to contribute to sustainable development in both private and public sectors

Reviews summary

Somewhat passable course

According to students, Environmental and Natural Resources Economics is somewhat passable due to a high importance on assignments and deadlines.

This course places a lot of importance on assignments and deadlines.

"This course is fallen into the past career of my specialization in natural resources management and public health that I obtained last year."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Environmental and Natural Resources Economics with these activities:

Explore Online Tutorials on Natural Resource Management

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Tutorials will complement course lectures by providing additional perspectives and practical insights.

Browse courses on Natural Resource Management

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Search for reputable online platforms offering tutorials on natural resource management.
Select tutorials that align with your interests and the course topics.
Actively participate in the tutorials, taking notes and asking questions as needed.

Read 'Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy'

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This book provides a solid foundation for understanding principles of agricultural economics which is the foundation of this course.

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Read the first three chapters, focusing on understanding the basic concepts of agricultural economics.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your comprehension.

Solve Environmental Economics Practice Problems

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Solving practice problems will enhance your understanding of key concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Environmental Economics

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Access online practice problems or textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own, referring to course materials when needed.
Check your answers and review any areas where you need improvement.

Five other activities

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Participate in Hands-on Workshops on Environmental Impact Assessment

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Workshops will allow you to gain practical experience in assessing the environmental impacts of proposed projects.

Browse courses on Environmental Impact Assessment

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Identify and register for workshops on environmental impact assessment.
Actively participate in the workshops, applying the techniques to real-world scenarios.
Complete any assignments or exercises associated with the workshop.

Develop an Economic Analysis of an Agricultural Policy

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This project will allow you to apply economic principles to evaluate and make recommendations regarding agricultural policies affecting environmental sustainability.

Browse courses on Agricultural Policy

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Identify an agricultural policy that interests you and gather relevant data.
Analyze the policy's economic impacts, considering both intended and unintended consequences.
Develop recommendations for improving the policy's effectiveness and sustainability.
Write a report presenting your analysis and recommendations, supported by evidence from your research.

Attend Virtual Conferences Related to Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

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Conferences provide opportunities to engage with experts, gain industry insights, and expand your professional network.

Browse courses on Environmental Economics

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Research upcoming virtual conferences in the field of environmental and natural resource economics.
Register for and actively participate in the conference, attending presentations and engaging in discussions
Connect with professionals in your field, exchanging knowledge and exploring potential collaborations.

Create a Comprehensive Study Guide

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A comprehensive study guide will serve as a valuable resource for reviewing course content and preparing for assessments.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, and lecture slides.
Organize the materials into logical sections based on the course structure.
Summarize the key concepts and highlight important examples.
Add practice questions or exercises to test your understanding.

Design a Sustainable Agriculture Plan for a Local Farm

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This project will allow you to apply the principles of environmental and natural resource economics to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Sustainable Agriculture

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Select a local farm and gather information on their current agricultural practices.
Analyze the environmental and economic impacts of the farm's current practices.
Design a sustainable agriculture plan that addresses the identified environmental and economic issues.
Present your plan to the farm and discuss the potential benefits and challenges of implementing it.

Career center

Learners who complete Environmental and Natural Resources Economics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists study the economic aspects of farm production and agribusiness, as well as the allocation and efficient use of resources in the agricultural industry. This course will help build a foundation for this career, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment and agricultural practices, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Economist

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists apply economic theory and principles to environmental issues, such as pollution control, natural resource management, and climate change. This course will be particularly helpful for preparing for a career as an Environmental Economist, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and minerals. This course will provide a strong foundation for a career as a Natural Resource Manager, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as a Conservation Scientist, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This course may be helpful for preparing for a career as a Policy Analyst, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. This course will help build a foundation for a career as a Sustainability Consultant, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and policy. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as an Environmental Lawyer, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about environmental issues. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as an Environmental Educator, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Environmental Journalist

Environmental Journalists report on environmental issues. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as an Environmental Journalist, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Journalist

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop plans for the use and development of land and other natural resources. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as an Environmental Planner, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as an Environmental Scientist, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and environmental interactions. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as a Geographer, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. This course will provide a helpful foundation for a career as a Hydrologist, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its interactions with the Earth's surface. This course may be helpful for preparing for a career as a Meteorologist, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans and their interactions with the Earth's atmosphere and landmasses. This course may be helpful for preparing for a career as an Oceanographer, as it covers topics such as the effects of economic growth on the environment, the application of environmental economic theory to the allocation and utilization of natural resources, and the evaluation of current environmental policy to inform new policy that realizes better ecosystems services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer