EDS351 Ecological Economics and Degrowth

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Erik Gomez-Baggethun, Elisabeth Veivåg Helseth

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:40

Course frequency:Annually.

Nominal workload:Lectures: ~18 double-hour lectures (2hx18=36h); seminars: ~7 double hours (2hx7=14h); independent work (preparations for lectures + assignments): 200 hours. Sum: 250h

Teaching and exam period:Autumn parallell

About this course

Ecological economics and degrowth are two related fields concerned with achieving of well-being and social justice within planetary boundaries. Ecological economics is an interdisciplinary field that merges principles from economics, ecology and social sciences to examine the relationship between the economy and the natural environment. It seeks to address the limitations of traditional economics by recognizing that the economy is a subsystem of the larger ecological system, and that there are limits to planet’s resources and capacities to assimilate pollution and waste. Key ideas in ecological economics include the recognition of limits to growth, the understanding that long-term economic well-being depends on the preservation and sustainable use of ecological life support systems and natural resources, recognizing that ecosystems provide critical services (e.g., clean air, water, climate regulation, pollination, soil fertility) that support both the environment and the economy, and the accounting of the social and environmental costs of growth (e.g., pollution, resource depletion, biodiversity loss) in economic decision-making.

Degrowth is a socio-economic and political movement that challenges the traditional notion of economic growth as the primary goal of society. It advocates an intentional and selective downsizing of economic activity in certain sectors to promote an ecologically sustainable and equitable society. Like ecological economics, degrowth emphasizes the need to live within the ecological limits of the Earth and argues that continuous economic growth is incompatible with the planet's ecology and finite resources. Ecological economics and degrowth emphasize social and environmental justice, acknowledging that growth is often accompanied by increasing inequalities. Both approaches advocate a fair redistribution of resources and wealth within and between countries, and across generations, while also taking into consideration the rights and well-being of ecosystems and other species.

Learning outcome

The aim of this course is providing post-graduate students with concepts, frameworks, methods, and tools in ecological economics and degrowth, and with capacity to use them in sustainability research and policy formulations. Emphasis is made on the understanding of the biophysical underpinnings of the economy, environmental accounting and valuation, links between ecosystems and human well-being, sustainable governance of ecological life support systems, and methods and tools to analyse and promote justice and good lives within planetary boundaries.

After following the course, students should have developed a good understanding of the philosophical foundations and the core concepts, methods, and frameworks in ecological economics and degrowth. These will cover notions on environmental limits, resource scarcity and abundance, basic needs and wants, relations between growth and different sustainability indicators, theories and trends on (de)coupling, (de)decarbonization and (de)materialization, methods in environmental accounting, tools in social, ecological, and economic valuation, dynamics in sustainable natural resource and waste management, regulatory tools and economic instruments for environmental protection, and what changes in governance structures could facilitate a development towards a sustainable economy.

  • Learning activities

    Two-hour lectures twice a week. In addition, there will be some seminars. It is expected that students read 1000+ pages of relevant literature for the course. The students should actively participate in the lectures and be able to link the knowledge to practical cases.

    Tuition in the course is campus-based, with no streaming, except indicated otherwise in exceptional circumstances. Except indicated otherwise, lectures will be held physically in class.

    Both lectures and seminars will rely on a variety of forms, that may include self-study, group discussion, classroom role-play on given topics, facilitated group discussions and document analysis. Students will be divided into groups for the course assignment to work on topics discussed in class in relation to theories and methodologies for evaluating environmental problems and solutions.

    The course is offered for the first time in Autumn 2025, therefore some flexibility in form and content needs to be expected.

  • Teaching support
    There is supervision in connection with the assignments.
  • Prerequisites
    Bachelor's degree
  • Recommended prerequisites
    The course is generally adapted to the background of the students enrolled in the MSc Economics and Environmental Governance and the MSc International Environmental Studies. It is also suitable for students enrolled in economics and finance, and various interdisciplinary programs. Knowledge in environment and development studies, ecology, and economics, will allow optimal following of the course. Other fields like finance, engineering and modelling, political science, and social anthropology are also of relevance.
  • Assessment method
    Combined assessment of portfolio and final exam. Compulsory activities required. Portfolio consists of contribution in class/seminars and a written group assignment worth 40% of the final grade. The written exam counts for 60% of the final grade. Written assignment/oral presentation and final exam in English only. One single grade (A-F) is provided at the end of the term.

  • Examiner scheme
    Written assignments and the exam will be marked by the main course teachers. An external examiner will quality check the course content and the evaluation system.
  • Mandatory activity
    Attendance to some classes and all seminars is compulsory. Participation in the assignments and related seminars and supervisions is obligatory. All students must also attend the final wrap up session where the course is evaluated by the students. Absence from mandatory activities without previous notice and justified/documented reason (e.g. health related) will result in the loss of the student’s right to take the exam and be evaluated.
  • Admission requirements
    Bachelor’s degree in relevant interdisciplinary field, social and/or natural sciences.