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Teaching Environmental Macroeconomics to Undergraduate Students

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  • Sahar Milani

    (St. Lawrence University)

Abstract

Since environmental economics is typically under the umbrella of microeconomics, there is less emphasis on macroeconomic issues in undergraduate-level environmental economics textbooks. This presents a significant content deficiency because it limits the discussion of global environmental policy and growth. In this paper, I propose a simplified version of Brock and Taylor (J Econ Growth 15(2):127–153, 2010)’s “green” Solow model that is accessible for undergraduates. I assume that the growth rate of emissions is equal to the growth rate of capital per effective worker in addition to several omissions. The result is a restatement of the model that requires no calculus or differential equations to understand. I also discuss how this stand-alone content can be taught to students of different skill levels and in various class formats as a complement to empirical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Sahar Milani, 2023. "Teaching Environmental Macroeconomics to Undergraduate Students," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 49(3), pages 391-407, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:49:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1057_s41302-023-00239-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-023-00239-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Green Solow model; Sustainable growth; Undergraduate curriculum;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation

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