The purpose of this course is to provide students with a systematic and critical examination of people and the environmental challenge. In recent years, environmental problems (such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, waste disposal, water, etc) have collectively emerged as one of the most serious issues facing humankind. University graduates of any disciplines are expected to possess a reasonable level of environmental awareness to participate as responsible citizens in this critically important debate. To this end, the course presents a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of and policy options for environmental issues. It covers (i) human uses of the natural world, (ii) the multiple drivers of environmental problems, (iii) the consequences of environmental issues and (iv) actions, particularly fiscal policy/tax incentives that can be taken to protect the natural environment.
Course material will be grounded in contemporary legal, economic, taxation and environmental developments to illustrate the practical relevance of topics studied. Emphasis will be placed on environmental related taxation policy as an important means to safeguard the environment.
