Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

FutureLearn

Exploring Possible Futures: Modeling in Environmental and Energy Economics

University of Basel via FutureLearn

Overview

Prepare for a new career with $100 off Coursera Plus
Gear up for jobs in high-demand fields: data analytics, digital marketing, and more.

Make informed decisions about pressing environmental issues.

What will our future look like? Will we continue burning fossil fuels or will we live in a 100% renewable world? How can we address climate change and what policies do we need to implement?

We will provide you with model examples to make you familiar with aspects of economic modeling and state-of-the-art research on current debates in energy policy.

This online course explores these concerns, using models in environmental and energy economics. You will learn how to design models, how to interpret and use results to make informed decisions, and how to use models to assess energy and environmental policies.

This course is intended for anyone interested in the topics of environmental economics and energy economics, including students at MSc or advanced BA level and policy makers.

To gain the most from this course, we encourage you to examine the details of the provided model examples, which require some basic knowledge in mathematics and microeconomics.

This course is not facilitated. Learners are encouraged to support one another, share personal experiences, and see new perspectives.

Syllabus

  • Introduction on modeling
    • Welcome to ‘Exploring Possible Futures’
    • Course outline and requirements
    • Supply options
  • System perspective
    • The basic principles of minimization and optimization
    • Supply options, emissions and trade-offs
    • Choice variables
  • Firm perspective
    • Where are the firms?
    • The optimal investment and output decision of the firm
    • The basic principles of equilibrium models
  • Second-best worlds
    • Choosing the right model
    • The monopoly
    • The oligopoly model
  • Putting the pieces together to look into the future
    • From model solutions to model interpretations
    • Design your own future
    • Farewell

Taught by

Julia von Esebeck, Hannes Weigt and Frank Krysiak

Reviews

3.9 rating at FutureLearn based on 9 ratings

Start your review of Exploring Possible Futures: Modeling in Environmental and Energy Economics

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.