BREAD-IGC Virtual PhD Course on Environmental Economics, September/November 2023

The Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD), in collaboration with the International Growth Centre (IGC), is offering a virtual PhD non-credit course beginning on 14 September, 2023. This two month-long course, spanning 10 lectures by world-class academics and researchers, covers a variety of topics related environmental economics. To register, please fill out this form.

The environment is tightly linked with economic development. Poor environmental quality may slow development and development itself may be an important source of environmental degradation. On the other hand, higher incomes can help buffer people against environmental shocks and climate change. Our PhD-level course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the economic questions relevant to climate change and economics of the environment.

Throughout the ten-lecture series, we delve into diverse topics such as developing innovative strategies to conserve ecosystem services, establishing efficient pollutant regulation markets, advancing renewable energy initiatives, and assessing the economic ramifications of disproportionate environmental damages, which may lead to adaptation, migration, or other transformative responses to this global economic challenge. Students are challenged to see development through the lens of the environment and identify the urgent questions which remain unanswered. Each lecture is led by expert development economists who can provide deep insights into mitigation and adaptation in the developing world.

The course runs from 14 September to 16 November 2023, with one lecture per week every Thursday at 4:00 to 5:30pm BST/GMT. The last 30 minutes are reserved for Q&A. Those who apply and register for the course by 13 September 2023 are expected to attend regularly and can actively participate in the Zoom class. Late registrations will be considered on the basis of space available.

If you have any questions, please check our FAQ page.

The course is designed for PhD students as well as active researchers in economics and related fields worldwide. Completed or concurrent PhD-level coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics will be necessary to fully benefit from the course content. Course materials (syllabus, lecture presentations, and recorded lectures) will be available after the end of each lecture on the IGC website. The course is an excellent opportunity for a deep dive into the frontier of economic research for development and the environment.

Lecture schedule

These are Kelsey Jack's and Robin Burgess' slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Seema Jayachandran's and Benjamin Olken's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Esther Duflo's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are John Van Reenen's and Mar Reguant's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Bård Harstad's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Gharad Bryan and Melanie Morten's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Rohini Pande and Nicholas Ryan's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Tamma Carleton's and Reed Walker's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Michael Greenstone's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.

These are Clare Balboni and Allan Hsiao's slides. View the reading list. You can find the recording here.