Foundations and Methods for Ecological Macroeconomics

TRAINING CONTEXT

Ecological Macroeconomics is an emerging field exploring how economic systems interact with environmental constraints, ecological transition policies, and climate change. The
course spans structured lectures discussing theory, applications, and interactive scenario analysis. Theoretically, the course introduces foundations for ecological macroeconomics,
evaluating the limitations of traditional macroeconomics and proposing alternative perspectives. Students will gain introductory knowledge on modelling methods for ecological macroeconomics, with applied case studies based on the Eurogreen model for Italy. A hands-on session of scenario analysis will employ an online simulator to compare transition
pathways. By the end, students will be able to discuss the trade-offs emerging from the interaction between socioeconomic and environmental targets, obtaining the ability to
critically evaluate policy design in the context of the climate emergency.

OBJECTIVES

• Understand the foundational concepts of ecological macroeconomics and how economic systems interact with environmental constraints and ecological boundaries
• Articulate the relationships between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity within macroeconomic frameworks
• Critically evaluate traditional macroeconomic theory and its limitations in addressing ecological problems, while obtaining knowledge about alternative theoretical approaches to macroeconomics.
• Gain introductory knowledge of modelling methodologies and scenario analysis in the context of ecological macroeconomics.
• Assess the socioeconomic effects of climate policy, and the environmental trade-offs emerging from social policies, considering their potential to promote sustainable and equitable outcomes.
• Analyze and discuss how policy design may (or not) address the social barriers to climate policy.

TOOLS AND TEACHING METHODOLOGY

The course combines expository lectures on theory and modelling with active student participation. An interactive policy analysis activity will have students simulate and assess
different scenarios. The professor also offers office hours for students interested in discussing research proposals or dissertations in ecological macroeconomics.

PROGRAMME

• MODULE 1: Introduction to Ecological Economics and the Social CohesionPerspective
Introductory lecture to the course, defining the field of ecological macroeconomics, anddiscussing the emerging trade-offs between social targets and climate policy.
• MODULE 2: Ecological Macroeconomic Modelling and the EurogreenFramework
This lecture presents the foundations of modelling applied to Ecological Macroeconomic perspective, with Brief description of the module content.
• MODULE 3: Macroeconomic Challenges of the Green Transition: Inflation, Monetary Policy, and Distribution
This lecture presents an overview of the challenges of inflation policy and distributive conflict in the context of climate change and the energy transition, with an applied case-study for Italy.
• MODULE 4: Climate Damage and the Costs of Inaction: the socioeconomic impact of natural disasters in Brazil
This lecture presents an empirical analysis of the socioeconomic impact of climate-related disasters, proposing an open debate on how to integrate climate damage in macroeconomic
analysis and how to design and to assess adaptation policies.
• MODULE 5: Office Hours
In the fifth day of activity, the professor remains available to receive students interested in discussing research proposals or dissertations in ecological macroeconomics, as well as
visiting and collaboration opportunities.