Macroeconomics for a Sustainable Planet

Course Description

Welcome to "Macroeconomics for a Sustainable Planet," an innovative and comprehensive course that bridges the gap between traditional macroeconomic principles and the pressing challenges of sustainable development in our globalized world. Led by renowned experts Professor Jeffrey Sachs from Columbia University and former Chilean Minister of Finance Felipe Larraín, this course offers a unique perspective on how we can achieve economic growth while addressing critical environmental and societal issues.

What Students Will Learn

• A fresh approach to macroeconomics that incorporates sustainable development principles
• Analysis of key economic indicators and their relationship to well-being
• Understanding of labor market dynamics in the digital age
• Sustainable investment strategies and principles
• Theories of business investment and their impact on consumption and saving
• New economic models that consider social capital and environmental impact
• Comprehensive overview of macroeconomic concepts, from GDP and employment to inflation and globalization

Prerequisites

While there are no specific prerequisites listed, this is an intermediate-level course. Students should have a basic understanding of economic concepts and be comfortable with quantitative analysis. A background in economics or a related field would be beneficial but is not required.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to Macroeconomics and 21st-century perspectives
• Output determination and employment
• Labor markets and the changing nature of work
• Money, central banking, and monetary policy
• Exchange rates and currency crises
• Financial markets and economic crises
• Inflation, unemployment, and stabilization policies
• Consumption, saving, and investment theories
• Fiscal policy and public sector economics
• Open economy issues and international trade
• Economic growth models and inequality
• Globalization and sustainable development challenges

Who This Course Is For

• Graduate and advanced undergraduate students in economics, international development, or sustainable development
• Economists seeking to integrate ESG criteria into their work
• Sustainable development practitioners looking to enhance their economic knowledge
• Private sector professionals, particularly those in finance, who need to understand the intersection of economics and sustainability
• Anyone interested in exploring how macroeconomics can address global challenges

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course will be invaluable for:

• Developing economic policies that promote sustainable growth
• Analyzing global economic trends and their impact on society and the environment
• Making informed investment decisions that consider both financial returns and sustainability
• Designing and implementing development projects that balance economic, social, and environmental factors
• Advising businesses and organizations on sustainable economic practices
• Contributing to academic research on sustainable macroeconomics
• Participating in informed discussions about global economic challenges and solutions

Syllabus