This blog is part of an MBA course at the Cornell Johnson School of Management designed to give entrepreneurs, investors and managers the tools to understand the intersection of Energy, the Environment and Economics. The posts will largely be written by the students. It will combine ideas about the science, economics and political economy behind energy and the environment respectively; with cases applying the material to analyze business strategy, the strategy of government, NGOs and activists, sustainable development, investment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Energy use and its impact on the environment will be two of the most important issues of the 21st century. The large role of energy in geo-political relationships combined with the fact that most of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with global climate change come from energy production means the energy sector is poised for dramatic change, and thus great opportunity. This course is designed to be a primer for potential entrepreneurs, investors, managers and policy makers on energy and environmental issues.
We will consider the economic, social, political and strategic realities of the sector using political/economic analysis, and strategic case analysis. Topics will include environmental economics, energy economics, environmental ethics, the politics of energy, NGO activism, climate change, the oil sector, the electricity sector, alternative energy, the international context, and sustainability.
