Arndt-Corden Department of Economics

Understanding economics is the key to sustainably managing valuable but often under-priced environmental assets.

A one-day Crawford School short course will teach non-economists how economics can provide environmental management answers. The course, Environmental and resource economics for non-economists, will be delivered by Crawford economist Dr Paul Burke and Professor Quentin Grafton, Executive Director of the Australian National Institute of Public Policy at Crawford School and held on 16 April 2014.

Burke said that most environmental problems have economic causes and economics also has a lot to say about how these problems can be addressed.

“The course will cover three main areas. First we will discuss how to use economic ideas to analyse problems relating to the environment and also natural resources. We will also look at how economic and market-based instruments can be very useful for solving and addressing these problems. Then we will cover how to communicate policies, economic instruments and economic policies to manage the environment and natural resources.

“We’ll also talk about the best ways of communicating the principles we learn in the class when we’re outside in the policy world,” he said.

Burke said the course will cover a wide range of environmental issues providing participants with a thorough understanding of environmental economics.

“This course will cover a range of different environmental problems including climate change, local air pollution, water pollution and biodiversity management. We’re also going to look at natural resources including fish, water and other types of natural resources.

“The course is tailored to the non-economist so no prior knowledge of economics is required.

“It’s very suitable for people working in the public sector on environmental issues but also for people working in the private sector, private organisations and NGO’s that have an environmental focus.

“Sustainable or green economic growth can be achieved if the right policy settings for environmental and resource management are put in place,” he said.

For more information or to register for the course, please visit: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/executive_education/course/intermediate/3280...