Regional Energy-Environmental Economic Modeling for Policy Analysis

How can policy makers balance economic growth with environmental protection? Understanding the complex interactions between regional economies, energy systems, and environmental policies is essential for creating sustainable future pathways. This course provides a clear, structured introduction to regional energy-environmental economic modeling, helping you translate real-world policy questions into analytical frameworks. You will begin by mastering foundational economic principles, energy system basics, and regional modeling concepts before moving into practical applications. By reading through detailed explanations, step-by-step model formulations, and policy simulation scenarios, you will develop a strong conceptual and practical foundation in environmental economics. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of regional economic modeling and environmental economics - Analyze how energy policy decisions impact regional GDP, employment, and emission levels - Configure basic computable general equilibrium and input-output model structures - Evaluate modern decarbonization pathways, including carbon pricing and renewable energy mandates - Interpret model outputs to make evidence-based policy recommendations - Practice formulating policy scenarios using clear mathematical and economic logic This text-based course guides you from basic definitions and economic theories to complex multi-sector policy evaluations. It is designed for beginners, aspiring policy analysts, urban planners, and environmental advocates who want to understand the quantitative tools driving modern climate and energy policy. No prior background in advanced economic modeling is required to start.