Chapter 1
What is Environmental Economics?

Learning Objectives
1.Distinguish between efficiency and equity concepts and why they are central to environmental economics.
2.Describe the incentives that contribute to pollution arising from people and firms.
3.Define and distinguish between open access, private, and common property rights and explain why the assignment of property rights can help reduce pollution.
4.Explain why people do not take into account the air pollution their vehicle emits when they drive.
5.Describe the anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas emissions and what changes are needed in the economy to reduce these emissions.
6.Explain the tradeoffs between economic growth and the environment.