Question:

Environmental Economics:  An Introduction

Answer three of the five questions as completely as you can.  Your responses should be a minimum of 250 words (about one page) for each question.

• What do you believe is the best definition of sustainable development? Why is this concept so important to the future of low-income countries and even humanity itself?
• Discuss how the two main proposed carbon mitigation policies work:Carbon tax and cap & trade.What are the advantages and disadvantages to each approach?
• Part of dealing with climate change is planning for it.Discuss two policies associated with adaptation to climate change.
• The Chesapeake Bay continues to be a challenge regards pollution. Based on your readings, videos, and/or NOVA's TMDL plan, do you believe progress can be made in cleaning the bay?
• Environmental problems are global and local.Systems of tradable development rights (TDR's) are policy instruments designed to preserve local environmental assets.Discuss how such a system works.
• Energy policy is focused on reducing the use of fossil fuels. The two main approaches are the development of substitutes and greater efficiency in what we do use. What are the challenges we face in pursuing these goals?