The impact of globalization on the natural environment is an important and politically charged question. This course will examine the mechanisms through which the economic (e.g. trade and foreign investment) and institutional (e.g. international trade and investment agreements) aspects of globalization impact the natural environment both locally and globally. Primarily using an economic approach, the course will present theory and statistical evidence, as well as illustrative case-studies. A range of arguments from proponents and critics of globalization will be presented, and students will be encouraged to develop their own position on controversial issues such as balancing environmental protection with market-access for low-income producers, and the environmental impacts of a global market for biofuels. The course aims to provide students with the factual and conceptual tools necessary to contribute to the ongoing policy debate on the economic aspects of globalization and the environment.

1. Critical Review/Comparison of two papers chosen by the student. 2,00-2,500 words. 37% of course grade. The two documents compared should present substantially different positions on the issue they discuss. Students should assess the quality of the arguments and evidence, as well as identify potential motivations of the authors. The best answers will support their arguments with reference to the literature.
   
   
Policy Paper. 3,000-3,500 words. 45% of course grade. Choose a government policy or position (or something that you think there should be a policy on) relevant to globalization and the environment. You may choose the government of your choice, national or subnational level. Your paper should consider the following questions:


a. In simple terms, what is the policy issue?
b. What is the current government policy/negotiating position (if any)?
c. What is your assessment of the academic literature which is relevant to the setting of this policy?
d. What are the limits of our knowledge?
e. Is there a clear preferred policy based on the academic literature?
f. What other factors (e.g. political, legal) affect the setting of policy in this area and how?
g. Do you think the government should change its current policy: why or why not?
h. If so, what is your recommended policy/negotiating position?
Over the course of the semester you must write three responses to in-class discussions. You may choose which weeks' discussions you wish to respond to. The beginning of each response should briefly summarize the main issues and arguments in the discussion. If the discussion was broad ranging then rather than listing all the topics covered, state which one(s) you wish to focus your response on. You may choose to respond to something that was only briefly covered in the class discussion - particularly if it was an issue you would have liked to talk more about. The rest of the response should describe the effect the discussion had on you.