This five week module examines how economic instruments can and have been used in environmental policy. Initially we will define optimal pollution and see how different economic instruments can be used to achieve this outcome. We will look at traditional environmental standards, environmental taxes and pollution permits. The module will be concluded by looking at selection criteria for environmental policy instruments and the practicalities of using economic instruments in the real world. This module covers the basic principles of Geographical Information Systems.
Emphasis is on hands-on experience of the software.
The module concentrates on the analytical and display aspects of GIS, rather than data entry and editing. This means that students can gain an appreciation of the capabilities of the software, without needing to understand the intricacies of how data are actually stored. This also reflects the increasing availability of digital spatial data on the World Wide Web and elsewhere and the reduced importance of digitising and data entry. After an introduction to general GIS concepts in the first week, the module explores four main topics. In the second week, the module describes how cartographic display using GIS differs from more traditional methods and gives practical guidance on map design.