This interdisciplinary course merges economics and political science to analyze cleantech-related issues within the framework of public policy, defined as 'anything a government chooses to do or not to do.' A primary goal is to understand the factors influencing policy decisions, particularly institutions, context, and decision-making processes. The economic aspect of the course focuses on the tension between economic activities and environmental sustainability, exploring how economic practices lead to environmental degradation and what regulatory actions can balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Politically, the course examines the roles of different government structures in Canada in policy development, evaluating the effectiveness of policies like carbon pricing and subsidies. Students will develop skills to critically assess government policies in environmental economics, understanding the interplay between economic theories and political realities.
- Teacher: Andrew Halliday
Category: 2026W