Textbook of Environmental Studies

This textbook provides a concise introduction to micro- and macroeconomics and demonstrates how economic tools and approaches can be used to analyze environmental issues. Written in an accessible style without compromising depth of the analysis, central issues in the public policy debate on environmental problems and environmental policy are discussed and analyzed from an economics perspective. The book is meant as an introductory (and in some parts intermediate) text for undergraduate students in environmental sciences without a background in economics. It also serves as a companion for economists interested in a presentation of the micro and macro foundations of environmental economics, in a nutshell.

This textbook provides a concise introduction to micro- and macroeconomics and demonstrates how economic tools and approaches can be used to analyze environmental issues. Written in an accessible style without compromising depth of the analysis, central issues in the public policy debate on environmental problems and environmental policy are discussed and analyzed from an economics perspective. The book is meant as an introductory (and in some parts intermediate) text for undergraduate students in environmental sciences without a background in economics. It also serves as a companion for economists interested in a presentation of the micro and macro foundations of environmental economics, in a nutshell.

This textbook provides a concise introduction to micro- and macroeconomics and demonstrates how economic tools and approaches can be used to analyze environmental issues. Written in an accessible style without compromising depth of the analysis, central issues in the public policy debate on environmental problems and environmental policy are discussed and analyzed from an economics perspective. The book is meant as an introductory (and in some parts intermediate) text for undergraduate students in environmental sciences without a background in economics. It also serves as a companion for economists interested in a presentation of the micro and macro foundations of environmental economics, in a nutshell.

This textbook provides a concise introduction to micro- and macroeconomics and demonstrates how economic tools and approaches can be used to analyze environmental issues. Written in an accessible style without compromising depth of the analysis, central issues in the public policy debate on environmental problems and environmental policy are discussed and analyzed from an economics perspective. The book is meant as an introductory (and in some parts intermediate) text for undergraduate students in environmental sciences without a background in economics. It also serves as a companion for economists interested in a presentation of the micro and macro foundations of environmental economics, in a nutshell.

Systems that produce, deliver, and consume energy all around us are under- going a transition. This is a textbook that I hope reaches people interested in learning about the socio-ecological dimensions of energy system transi- tions from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including ideas and concepts from engineering, economics, and life-cycle assessment to sociology, polit- ical science, anthropology, policy studies, the humanities, arts, and some interdisciplinary thinkers that defy categories. One prominent voice in cur- rent debates about energy transitions are argue to act on decarbonizing energy systems to mitigate climate impacts from carbon pollution from energy supplies. But other socio-ecological systems will be transformed and may benefit from shifts in energy use and production patterns.

Systems that produce, deliver, and consume energy all around us are under- going a transition. This is a textbook that I hope reaches people interested in learning about the socio-ecological dimensions of energy system transi- tions from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including ideas and concepts from engineering, economics, and life-cycle assessment to sociology, polit- ical science, anthropology, policy studies, the humanities, arts, and some interdisciplinary thinkers that defy categories. One prominent voice in cur- rent debates about energy transitions are argue to act on decarbonizing energy systems to mitigate climate impacts from carbon pollution from energy supplies. But other socio-ecological systems will be transformed and may benefit from shifts in energy use and production patterns. In 2020, 80% of global energy is still supplied from fossil fuels. Many places have taken great strides toward decarbonizing some aspects of life in 2020, but there are many miles to go to make a sustainable future.

“The book describes our common present with unsentimental urgency. Benjaminsen and Svarstad demonstrate the complexity of human engagement with the scarce resources of our planet, and the analytical pathways offered by political ecology. The book’s many vivid examples underscore how power is always part of the equation: people + their environment.