Earth Economics from Coursera

After this course you will be an Earth Economist that can provide evidence-based advise on the best global policy. As an Earth Economist you will better understand the behavior and advice of economists, have become a better economist yourself and know where to find Earth's data and how to analyze these world observations. Our planet is too important: we need you to get engaged!

Earth Economics offers a completely new angle to policy analysis by its focus on the truly global level and its empirical orientation on very recent data. Sustainability (environmental and related to the UN's SDGs), equality and heterodox (that is: non mainstream) views on the economy are important for an Earth Economist. Taking stock of emerging planet data and analyzing policies during and following the Global Crisis, Earth Economics provides both a topical introduction into basic economic tools and concepts as well as insights in highly relevant problems and recent developments in planet production, growth and governance. An important issue is the provision of global public goods. Earth Economics highlights the importance of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization.

What's inside

Syllabus

Earth economics: a new and necessary approach

Earth Economics offers a completely new angle to policy analyses by its focus on the truly global level and its empirical orientation on very recent data. Each week offers "Reflections on the economic impact of the Corona virus" (COVID-19) allowing you to apply what you have learned. But we have to look beyond the pandamic. Sustainability (environmental and related to the UN's SDGs), equality and hetrodox (non mainstream) views on the economy are important for an Earth Economist. Taking stock of emerging planet data and analyzing policies during and following the Global Crisis, Earth economics provides both a topical introduction into basic macroeconomic tools and concepts and insights in highly relevant problems and recent developments in planet production, growth and governance. You will also better understand the behavior and advice of economists, become a better economist and know where to find Earth's data and how to analyse these world observations. Our planet is too important: we need you to get engaged!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores policy analysis with a global and data-driven perspective, aligning with current economic trends

Covers relevant topics such as investment, saving, government finance, monetary policy, and long-run challenges, providing a comprehensive understanding of economic principles

Involves economic modeling and analysis, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Offers insights into the role of international organizations, highlighting their significance in global economic governance

Requires prerequisite knowledge in economics, limiting accessibility for beginners

Reviews summary

Earth economics: a global policy perspective

According to learners, "Earth Economics" offers a refreshingly unique perspective on global policy, integrating sustainability and heterodox economic views. Many appreciate its focus on recent data and real-world relevance, particularly its insights into the economic impact of COVID-19 and the Great Recession. While lauded for its innovative approach and providing a solid foundational understanding of global economic challenges, some students note that the course can be quite theoretical, occasionally lacking in-depth practical application for specific macroeconomic tools. The breadth of topics sometimes leads to varying depth across modules, which might require additional study for those seeking deeper dives. Overall, it's considered highly relevant for understanding complex global challenges.

Best suited for learners with some economic background.

"This course can be quite challenging if you don't have a solid background in economics."

"The emphasis on heterodox views is interesting but sometimes presented without enough context for beginners."

"I felt overwhelmed by the breadth of topics without sufficient foundational depth provided within the course itself."

Incorporates recent global events and data trends.

"The way it ties into global policy and current events like COVID-19 is brilliant, making it highly relevant."

"I found the reflections on current economic impacts extremely valuable and timely."

"The course leverages very recent data, which keeps the discussions grounded in current global observations."

Offers fresh, non-mainstream views on global economics.

"This course is a game-changer! The focus on sustainability and heterodox economics is incredibly refreshing and relevant."

"Absolutely vital for understanding the future of our planet. The integration of economic concepts with environmental and social issues is masterfully done."

"I really appreciated the emphasis on recent data and the attempt to provide a global perspective beyond mainstream views."

Organization and depth can fluctuate across modules.

"The course felt disorganized; I struggled to connect the dots between modules at times."

"The depth varied significantly between topics, making it feel more like a survey than a deep study."

"I found the content jumps around, and the instructor's delivery is not always perfectly clear."

Emphasizes broad concepts, less on practical application.

"While the idea of 'Earth Economics' is interesting, I felt the course lacked practical application."

"I was hoping for more practical examples and less conceptual discussion in the lectures."

"Some sections felt a bit rushed, especially the more technical economic models, and could use more depth."

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 Earth Economics with these activities:

Review Basic Economic Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of basic economic concepts to strengthen your foundation for Earth Economics.

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Revisit core economic principles such as supply and demand, market equilibrium, and production possibilities.
Practice solving basic economic problems using graphs and equations.

Read 'Earth Economics' by Peter A.G. van Bergeijk

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Earth Economics by reading the foundational text by Peter A.G. van Bergeijk.

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Obtain a copy of 'Earth Economics' and read the assigned chapters.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Participate in class discussions on the book's content.

Explore Data on the Earth Economy

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Gain hands-on experience working with data on the Earth economy to enhance your analytical skills.

Browse courses on Economic Data Analysis

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Identify relevant data sources for the Earth economy.
Use visualization tools to explore and analyze data trends.
Apply statistical techniques to identify patterns and draw insights from the data.

Five other activities

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Solve Economic Problems from Real-World Scenarios

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Enhance your problem-solving abilities by practicing economic problems rooted in real-world situations.

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Identify online or textbook resources with practice problems.
Select problems that cover a range of economic concepts.
Work through the problems independently and check your solutions.

Discuss Economic Policies and their Impact

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives on economic policies and their consequences.

Browse courses on Economic Policies

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Form study groups and schedule regular meetings.
Select specific economic policies for analysis.
Research and present findings on the impact of these policies.

Develop a Model of the Earth Economy

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Create a simplified model of the Earth economy to gain a deeper understanding of its dynamics.

Browse courses on Economic Modeling

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Define the key variables and relationships in the Earth economy.
Translate these variables and relationships into mathematical equations.
Use simulation software to test and refine the model.

Participate in an Earth Economics Case Competition

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Test your knowledge and skills in a competitive setting by participating in an Earth Economics case competition.

Browse courses on Competition

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Identify and register for an Earth Economics case competition.
Form a team or work individually on the case study.
Develop a comprehensive solution and present it to a panel of judges.

Contribute to the Earth Economics Database

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Contribute to the advancement of Earth Economics by actively participating in open-source projects.

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Identify open-source projects related to Earth Economics.
Review the project documentation and identify potential areas for contribution.
Make code contributions or provide feedback on existing code.

Career center

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

Climate Policy Analyst

A Climate Policy Analyst is responsible for developing policies and solutions to mitigate climate change. As an Earth Economist, you can better understand the economic impacts of climate change and the global policy implications of different policy options.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists apply economic principles to analyze environmental issues. They may work for government agencies or consult for businesses on how to minimize their environmental impact. As an Earth Economist, you will learn how to use economic tools to solve environmental problems.

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International Development Economist

International Development Economists work in developing countries to promote economic growth and reduce poverty. As an Earth Economist, you will learn how to apply economic principles to analyze development issues and design effective policies.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve the sustainability of organizations. As an Earth Economist, you will learn how to analyze the environmental and economic impacts of different sustainability initiatives.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. As an Earth Economist, you may be able to use your skills in data analysis and modeling to work as an Actuary.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. As an Earth Economist, you will learn how to use data analysis techniques to solve problems and improve decision-making.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide investment advice to individuals and organizations and take into account macroeconomic factors. As an Earth Economist, you can gain a thorough understanding of the global economy and how it affects financial markets.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers collect and analyze data about consumer behavior and market trends. As an Earth Economist, you will learn how to use research methods to understand the global marketplace.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to improve the efficiency of organizations. As an Earth Economist, you have a background in economic modelling and data analysis, which may be useful in this role.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. As an Earth Economist, you can use your knowledge of economics and policy to help develop and implement effective policies.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and assess risks to organizations. As an Earth Economist, you will have developed a strong understanding of risk and uncertainty, which will be advantageous in this role.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. As an Earth Economist, you have a strong background in statistics, which will be valuable in this role.

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Teacher

As an Earth Economist, you will have a background in economics and policy. This knowledge will be helpful if you wish to teach at a secondary or post-secondary level.

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Journalist

As an Earth Economist, you will have a strong understanding of economics and global issues. This knowledge will be helpful if you wish to become a journalist specializing in economics or global affairs.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide investment advice to individuals and organizations. As an Earth Economist, you have a strong understanding of the global economy and how it affects financial markets.

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