Green Economics

Climate change, financial crisis and out-of-control globalisation—all the major problems facing the world have their root in the economic system. The system is broken: we need something radically different. This is what green economics offers. It is a coherent and wide-ranging set of policy prescriptions for a just and sustainable economy that has been developed over the past 30 years. Starting out with a recognition of planetary limits and an understanding of the importance of using resources wisely, this three-week course on green economics addresses key economic issues such as trade, money, economic development and work.

The first week covers an introduction to green economics including the issues of energy and money, the need to include wider perspectives and a consideration of the importance of land in the economy. The second week focuses particularly on climate change, with consideration of how our economy will need to adapt to a low-carbon future. The third week focuses on how we will meet our needs in a green economy, with an exploration of work and livelihood and questions of ownership and co-operative working.

Presentations that I use in teaching this course are available on the student resources page. A useful assigment question is: 'Why is energy especially important to a green economist? Explain what principles you would use to direct energy policy within a green economy.'