Environmental Economics

Environmental Economics

Major Courses

-

School of Economics and Management

2Year

KCCBG2MCA1

2.00Credits

講義 (Lecture)

Spring semester 2026

(Spring semester)

Hidenori Niizawa

part-time lecturer

English

13／14／15

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Objectives: To understand environmental issues based on economics, and to be able to not only emphasize the importance of environmental issues, but also to be able to evaluate the policies that are being implemented or that should be implemented.
Achievement Targets: 1) To be able to explain basic concepts of environmental economics accurately using concrete examples; 2) To be able to explain principles of environmental policies using numerical examples and compare their effects

externality, Tragedy of the Commons, Prisoner's Dilemma, sustainability,
command and control, environmental tax, emissions trading,
circular economy, extended producer responsibility, deposit refund system
climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution of the ocean

Course Description
You may think that environmental issues are subjects of natural sciences. That is not correct. In this course, you will realize the power of economics to understand the structure of environmental issues and to propose solutions to environmental issues.
In this course, after studying basic concepts and theories, students will examine the current state of global environmental issues and the actions being taken to address them.

Course Content
Part 1 Guidance and Introduction
1  Guidance, What is Environmental Economics? Is the environment special? Economy in the environment, What are environmental issues?
Part 2 Basic concepts
2  Efficiency, Market failure, Externality
3  Coase theorem
4  A classification of goods
5  Tragedy of the Commons
6  International cooperation and prisoner's dilemma
7  Multilateral environmental agreements
8  Sustainable development
Part 3 Theory and experiences of environmental policy
9  Introduction, Command and Control
10 Pricing - tax on bads
11 Pricing - emissions trading
Part 4 Circular Economy
12 Introduction, Extended producer responsibility, Deposit-refund system
Part 5 Global environmental issues
13 Climate change
14 Deforestation
15  Marine plastic litter
Final exam

• The list above shows the order in which the topics will be covered. 
• A laptop, tablet, or smartphone is required for every class, as quizzes will be administered using Google Forms. Please refer to the Course Precautions and Requirements section. 　

In-person

In-person classes only．
Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits.

Limited permission for use

In this course, the use of generative AI is permitted only within the following scope, and use beyond this scope is prohibited.
The use of generative AI is allowed for individual preparation and review.
The use of generative AI during class sessions is not permitted.
When using generative AI, please pay attention to the contents described in "Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Education at the University of Hyogo (For Students).")

No textbook.
The PPT or PDF files will be distributed.

N. Gregory Mankiw, Principles of Microeconomics, eight edition, 2018, Cengage Learning. (chapter 10 Externalities and 11 Public Goods and Common Resources)  It doesn't matter if it's an old or new edition.

Before each class: At the start of the course, the complete set of PPT files used in the previous academic year will be uploaded to the Universal Passport. In addition, the updated PPT file for each class will be posted by Sunday before each lecture. Students are expected to read them in advance.  At a minimum, they should identify any areas they do not understand. Approximately 2 hours per session is expected.
After each class: Review your notes and quiz answers shortly after each session to reinforce your understanding while the material is still fresh. Aim to spend about 2 hours per session.

By answering online quizzes during class and listening to my comments, students can deepen their understanding of the material. Some students may also respond orally.

Standard of grading
Grading based on
   

Answers to in-class quizzes will be given in class.
For the final exam, a review will be posted on the Universal Passport after the exam is graded.

• Environmental Economics is an application of microeconomics.
• Attendance will be recorded at each class. Students with an attendance rate below 50% will not be allowed to take the final examination. If any irregularities regarding attendance are discovered, the student will not be allowed to take the final examination.
• No special consideration will be given for absences due to club or circle activities. Special consideration will be given for job-hunting activities upon prior notification. Students who wish to participate in university or departmental events should consult in advance.
• A laptop, tablet, or smartphone with network access is required to submit answers to each quiz (which also serves as an attendance survey). (This does not mean that you are expected to look up answers online.) Some questions require short answers, so please prepare a device that allows you to type quickly.
• During the lecture, you are not permitted to engage in activities unrelated to the lecture. If a student is found doing something unrelated to the lecture, the related equipment, books, or materials will be collected, and the student's attendance for that session will be cancelled. If urgent contact is required, students must temporarily leave the room.

Not applicable