ENS2030 Ecological Economics

Intermediate · 1 credit · NAT - Natural Resources

Description: Students examine the economic effects of local, provincial, national and international environmental policies and look at issues such as the costs and benefits of alternative environmental policies to deal with air pollution, water quality, toxic substances, solid waste and global warming.
Prerequisite: ENS1030: Consumerism

Outcomes The student will:

1 explore basic economic systems
- 1.1 define market, planned and mixed economic systems
- 1.2 compare and contrast market, planned and mixed economic systems
2 compare and contrast ecological and neoclassical (e.g., supply and demand, Keynesian) economic models, considering: • natural capital • human capital • manufactured capital • sustainability • externalities (indirect or external costs or benefits) • cost-benefit analysis • economic analysis and valuation
3 use ecological and neoclassical economic models to evaluate a local, provincial or national environmental policy (e.g., environmental regulations, quotas on pollution, taxes and tariffs on pollution, property rights), considering: • natural capital • human capital • manufactured capital • sustainability • cost-benefit analysis • ethics • externalities (indirect or external costs or benefits)
4 investigate and discuss Alberta’s current economic influences regarding sustainable development
- 4.1 determine the primary economic influences in Alberta
- 4.2 identify policies that affect Alberta’s economic and environmental sustainability
- 4.3 identify actions that affect Alberta’s economic and environmental sustainability
5 demonstrate basic competencies
- 5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 5.1.1 communicate
  - 5.1.2 manage information
  - 5.1.3 use numbers
  - 5.1.4 think and solve problems
- 5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 5.2.2 be responsible
  - 5.2.3 be adaptable
  - 5.2.4 learn continuously
  - 5.2.5 work safely
- 5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 5.3.1 work with others
  - 5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
- 6.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
- 6.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities