ECON316

The course explores the economic causes and consequences of human-induced climate change-the "mother of all externalities"-and potential solutions. Particular attention is paid to low probability/high damage events (fat tails), tipping points and the estimation of damages from climate change. Students use the tools of economics to understand evaluate the effectiveness, costs, and benefits and distributional consequences of policies designed to reduce climate change. Students investigate the role of adaptation and innovation as potential climate solutions and evaluate the equity implications of climate impacts and climate policy. Only open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite(s): ECON 250, 255, and 260.