ECOS3013 Environmental Economics
Essay (or Video) Assignment
Find a news article, academic article, short report, or opinion piece that could benefit from
your training in environmental economics. Research and produce an essay or video on the
same topic, critiquing (as relevant) the article that you found and proposing alternative
methods and/or conclusions. Your grade on the project will be based on the clarity and
persuasiveness of your argument and the strength of your discussion of relevant economic
principles. Any environmental topic is fair game. The original article does not need to be
written by or for economists.
For this assignment, please submit either
1500 word essay OR 5–8 minute video (and transcript)
You will submit your essay/video, as well as a copy of the article that inspired you, online
via Canvas:
Essay: Turnitin
Video: Studio
A draft of your essay (or transcript for your video) is due in tutorial on Monday, 18 Oc-
tober. You will have a chance to receive feedback from your classmates in that tutorial. I
will be accepting final submissions until Friday, 22 October at 11:59 pm. Please note that
essays/videos not submitted on or before the due date are subject to a penalty of 5% per cal-
endar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, the mark will be 0.
If you choose the video, it can be of any format (e.g. live action, documentary, slide video)
but you need to be speaking in the video. It is acceptable to make them using a phone. In
addition to the video, students are required to submit a transcript of the spoken text. This
transcript is not assessed but it will be checked for originality through Turnitin.
In the best essays/videos:
The first paragraph/minute grabs the audience, draws them in, and clearly states an
opinion.
The piece is focused on one idea and expresses an opinion supported by facts. Statistics
and facts presented are accurate and from reputable sources. Sources are included.
The communication is powerful and appeals to a general audience. It avoids jargon,
cliche′s, textbook language, and overused adjectives and adverbs.
The last paragraph/minute draws the piece together, has “punch,” leaves a lasting
impression.
It is clear what article/piece is being critiqued and why that article/piece is being
critiqued.
In case you are stuck, some examples of environmental topics that you could find articles on:
The Australian cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar energy and tax credits.
Water buybacks in the Murray-Darling basin.
Great Barrier Reef’s addition to the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger.
Subsidies to firms that invest in exploration to find and develop new lithium reserves.
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