Unit 2: Economics and Ethics

Objectives

• To review basic economic principles.
• To explore the limitations of economics from an ecological point of view.
• To examine the attributes of a sustainable economy.
• To explore the meaning of sustainable ethics.
• To develop an understanding of "wicked problems" in natural resources

Photo credit: NASA

Readings

Natural Resource Conservation (text)

• Sections 2.1-2.3 (including Ethics in Resource Conservation 2.1)

Unit 2 Study Guide

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Ethics and Natural Resources

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Lecture Video

Lecture 2

Wicked Problems and Natural Resource Management--Dr. Hal Salwasser

Dr. Salwasser's lecture is on the "wicked" nature of natural resource issues and tools for resolving these complex issues in a democratic society. He explores this topic through an analysis of forest management in the Sierra Mountains of California. As you listen to his lecture, consider how human values and ethics contribute to the complexity of natural resources issues and what you think about the role of science in natural resource management decision-making.

Lecture 2 Slides

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Printable Lecture Notes

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Assignments

1. Participate in this week's graded class discussion

Graded Class Discussion Instructions

2. Select and submit a topic for your issue paper.

Send me an email (dawn.anzinger@oregonstate.edu) by 12pm PST Sunday with a brief description of your issue paper topic. This assignment is worth 3 points. Once you have received my go-ahead, you may begin research.

Instructions for the Issue paper assignment

Supplemental Research

The following are links to sites containing material related to this week’s lecture topics. They are provided for your information only and are not assigned reading.

Economic Pathways to Ecological Sustainability

Link opens browser with a full-text article by P. Dagupta, S. Levin, and J. Lubchenco. An excellent article explaining why markets often fail to conserve natural resources.

The Environmental Economics Programme (EEP)

Link opens new browser window. The Environmental Economics Programme (EEP) seeks to identify and promote practical means of bringing environmental values into the market place, in ways that benefit poor people and countries. Check out their current research projects.