OAFP 8075 - The Role of Models in Addressing Socio-Economic and Environmental Challenges

Political decisions and their implementation to address the many socio-economic and environmental challenges of this century are increasingly based on forward-looking scenarios evaluated by modeling tools designed as public goods. These technical tools rely on specific theoretical frameworks and the mobilization of various data sources, which, without knowledge of their existence and their implications on the results obtained, can lead to biased interpretations or, at the very least, insufficiently critical ones. This course adopts a national, European, and international perspective on the use of these tools. It is based on the technical review of some representative models, whether microeconomic, macroeconomic, or technico-economic. This course is aimed at a multidisciplinary audience that does not necessarily intend to become practitioners of technico-economic modeling but wishes to familiarize themselves with it to gain an increased understanding of their role, contributions, and limitations.

Paul MALLIET,Meriem HAMDI-CHERIF

Enseignement électif

English

There are no specific prerequisites for this course regarding the mastery of mathematical tools as generally expected in an economics course. A minimal knowledge of the phenomenon of climate change and its consequences on human activity is nevertheless desired. Each student is expected to read the latest IPCC Synthesis report.

Autumn 2024-2025

The final grade will rest on three components:
- Group work on a research topic, with a presentation of the results followed by a discussion. (40%)
- An online final exam consisting of several questions designed to assess the student's understanding of the lectures given (50%)
- Student engagement during the semester (10%).