Water Economics

The course aims to introduce non-economists to the economic analysis of water-related problems and their impacts on the environment and society. The course also deals with solutions regarding how to move towards a more sustainable and economically efficient use and management of water resources. Topics include water demand and supply, market failures that result from an inefficient allocation of resources, as well as water markets and water pricing. The course offers both a lecture in the form of several short videos and short assignments in which students can test their knowledge.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The learning objectives of the course are as follows:

• To understand the fundamental nature of water as a natural resource and water-related problems from an economic perspective;
• To become familiar with the instruments and institutions of water resource management, like water pricing and water markets, as well as their efficiency and effectiveness;
• To understand the interrelations between hydrological systems and the economy

ABOUT INSTRUCTOR

Peter Robinson is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), VU University. His research focuses on a few water-related topics, such as understanding individual preparedness decisions against flood risks and the economic valuation of coral reefs. He is involved in teaching within several programmes at IVM.

Certification

This course is a part of the certificate program named ‘WE are Water Eduction (Myanmar)’. Learn more about the program here.