Content
This course will combine insights from behavioral economics and environmental economics
to better understand how individuals and groups make decisions that affect the environment.
Behavioral economics recognizes that real-world behavior frequently deviates from a traditional
economic decision maker due to cognitive biases, social influences, and other psychological
factors.
These behavioral perspectives are essential for addressing major environmental challenges such
as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. They help to identify the underlying drivers
of environmentally relevant behavior and support the development of innovative, effective, and
politically feasible policy interventions.
In this seminar, students will engage with current research topics. Each student will choose a
research paper from a list of potential papers. Students will analyze their assigned paper, write a
detailed report, and present their findings to the class.
Learning outcomes
After completing this seminar, students will be able to:
• Understand and explain core concepts in behavioral economics, sustainability, and environmental
policy, and how these fields intersect.
• Critically evaluate academic research, including identifying research questions, methodological
approaches, strengths, and limitations.
• Analyze behavioral mechanisms relevant for environmental and sustainability challenges and
assess policy implications.
• Communicate complex findings in a clear, structured written report.
• Present and discuss research results effectively in an academic setting, demonstrating strong
oral communication and argumentation skills.
Examination
In this seminar, each student will select a research paper in the field of behavioral and
environmental economics, study it in depth, write a report on it (max. 12 pages), and present
the findings to the class (30 minutes). The final grade will be based on both components: the
presentation (including a discussion) and the written report, each contributing 50% to the overall
grade.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of statistics and microeconomics will be useful.
Teaching & learning methods
The seminar combines independent study with interactive, discussion-based learning. Students will
engage in a close reading of academic research papers with high practical relevance. Introductory
sessions will outline key concepts in behavioral, experimental and environmental economics.
Media & reading list
Moodle, PowerPoint, slides, scientific articles
Examples:
Andor, M. A., Gerster, A., Peters, J., & Schmidt, C. M. (2020). Social norms and energy
conservation beyond the US. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 103, 102351.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeem.2020.102351
Allcott, H., & Rogers, T. (2014). The short-run and long-run effects of behavioral interventions:
Experimental evidence from energy conservation. American Economic Review, 104(10), 3003–
3037. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.104.10.3003
Brandon, A., Ferraro, P., List, J., Metcalfe, R., Price, M., & Rundhammer, F. (2025). Do the effects
of nudges persist? Theory and evidence from 38 natural field experiments (Working paper).
Dechezleprêtre, A., Fabre, A., Kruse, T., Planterose, B., Sanchez Chico, A., & Stantcheva,
S. (2025). Fighting climate change: International attitudes toward climate policies. American
Economic Review, 115(4), 1258–1300. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20230501
Ito, K., Ida, T., & Tanaka, M. (2018). Moral suasion and economic incentives: Field experimental
evidence from energy demand. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 10(1), 240–267.
https://doi.org/10.1257/pol.20160093
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