Natural Resources and Public Goods Economics and Policy

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/01
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide students with the necessary tools to analyze the natural resources and public goods issues from both an economic and political point of view. In particular, the course is split in two main parts. In a first phase the natural resources and public goods conceptual framework are outlined and developed, while in the second part of the course will be discussed different themes related to renewable and non-renewable natural resources and ecosystem services with both a regulatory and evaluation approach.
Expected learning outcomes
The skills acquired will make the students able to:
- understand the role of natural resources and public goods in economic development;
- implement an efficient approach for a sustainable use of natural capital in respect to both non-renewable resources and renewable resources;
- understand the basic concepts related to the main economic and assessment tools for the management of natural resources and ecosystem services;
- understand how natural resources concerns can be integrated in policy instruments with specific focus on rural and agricultural sectors.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1) Introduction to natural resources economics. Natural resources in classical and neoclassical economics.
2) Natural resources and sustainable development
3) The efficient and optimal use of natural resources
4) The economics of renewable and non-renewable resources
5) The economics of recycling (principles)
6) Ecosystem services: concept and frameworks for economic assessment
7) The cost benefit analysis (financial and economic analysis, profitability indicators)
8) Methods for valuing ecosystem services
9) EU policies for environment and natural resources
10) The multifunctional role of agricultural and forest resources
11) EU policies for the sustainability of the agricultural and forest sector
12) Rural Development Policies and Agri-environment-climate policies
Prerequisites for admission
Principles of microeconomics and mathematics are required. Basic knowledge of exponential and logarithmic functions is particularly required.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons
Teaching Resources
Suggested texts
D.W. Pearce, R.K. Turner, Economia delle risorse naturali e dell'ambiente, il Mulino, Capitoli: 1,2,3,16,17,18,19 (non in commercio)
Castellucci L., Lezioni di Economia delle Risorse Naturali, Esculapio, Capitoli: 1,2,3,4,5, 8.4, 8.5
Tietemberg T., Lewis L., Natural Resource Economics: the Essentials, Routledge, Capitoli: 1,3, 5,6,8,10,11,12,14
Masiero, M., Pettenella, D., Boscolo, M., Barua, S.K, Animon, I. & Matta, J.R, Valuing forest ecosystem services: a training manual for planners and project developers --> https://www.fao.org/publications/card/fr/c/CA2886EN/

Texts for in-depth study
Perman, Ma, Common, Maddison, McGilvray, Natural Resource and Environmental Economics (4° ed) Capitoli 1,2,14-18
Harris, Roach, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics - A Contemporary Approach (4° ed) Capitoli 1,2,4,5,6,15-20

Sotte, Franco (2021). "La politica agricola europea." Storia e analisi. Collana Economia Applicata, Agriregionieuropa-Associazione Alessandro Bartola, Ancona. Downloadable with registration at: https://agriregionieuropa.univpm.it/it
Coldiretti, Divulga (2023), Dove sta andando la PAC. Il PSP dell'Italia 2023-2027. Linee guida. Downloadable at: https://giovanimpresa.coldiretti.it/notizie/attualita/pub/la-prima-pubblicazione-sulla-nuova-pac-italiana
Coldiretti, Divulga (2024), Dove sta andando la PAC. Il PSP dell'Italia 2023-2027. Primo anno di applicazione. Downloadable at: https://giovanimpresa.coldiretti.it/senza-categoria/online-la-nuova-pubblicazione-sulla-pac-tutto-quello-che-occorre-sapere-dopo-il-primo-anno-di-applicazione/


Slides and other bibliographic materials provided by teacher during the course
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in a written test.
The test is based on 7 multiple choice questions (T/F) and 2 open questions. Questions may require the resolution of simple exercises. It is necessary to bring a calculator with you.
Test evaluation is based on the correctness of responses, on the competence in the use of specialised vocabulary and on the effectiveness of written exposition.
The final score is expressed as n/30.
The final scores are communicated via the Ariel teaching site.
AGR/01 - AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Contact the teacher by email to arrange an appointment
Department of Environmental Science and Policy (third floor, via Celoria 2)
Reception:
the teacher receives by appointment
ESP (sede di via Celoria,2 - first floor)