Spring 2025
ENVECON 161 001 - LEC 001
Advanced Topics in Environmental and Resource Economics
Aaron Smith
Class #:33190
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Agricultural and Resource Economics and Policy
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
60
Enrolled: 20
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 80
Waitlist Max: 20
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, 8 hours of outside work hours per week, and 1 hours of the exchange of opinions or questions on course material per week.
Final Exam
THU, MAY 15TH
03:00 pm - 06:00 pm
GSPP 150
Other classes by Aaron Smith
Course Catalog Description
The roots of environmental and resource economics. Theories of land and resource rent. Models of optimal use of renewable and nonrenewable resources with applications to energy and timber. Balancing environmental and extractive values. Resources, growth, and sustainability. Special topic: the problem of global climate change.
Class Description
About 25% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the food system. Agricultural production is
also responsible for significant water and air pollution. On the other hand, fuels produced from agricultural products
may provide potential low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels. In this class, we will study the large challenges in
environmental quality, energy production, and climate that stem from agriculture. We will seek to understand why
things are as they are and how government policies affect outcomes. We will build our understanding from
economic theory and data analysis. Disagreement and debate are encouraged.
Class Notes
Computing: We will use R for the computing in the class. Prior experience with R will be helpful, but not
necessary.
Reading: Students will read and interpret academic and policy papers. There is no textbook.
Assessment: Students will write a blog, review a research paper(s).. show more
necessary.
Reading: Students will read and interpret academic and policy papers. There is no textbook.
Assessment: Students will write a blog, review a research paper(s).. show more
Computing: We will use R for the computing in the class. Prior experience with R will be helpful, but not
necessary.
Reading: Students will read and interpret academic and policy papers. There is no textbook.
Assessment: Students will write a blog, review a research paper(s), make a presentation, and write a final paper.
Some of the presenting and writing may be done in groups. There will likely be a midterm exam.
Details to be finalized, depending in part on class size and available teaching assistance. show less
necessary.
Reading: Students will read and interpret academic and policy papers. There is no textbook.
Assessment: Students will write a blog, review a research paper(s), make a presentation, and write a final paper.
Some of the presenting and writing may be done in groups. There will likely be a midterm exam.
Details to be finalized, depending in part on class size and available teaching assistance. show less
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Reserved Seats
Reserved Seating For This Term
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials