Environmental Econ

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APScience, Economics

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What it is

This Crash Course video discusses the ways that economic tools can be used to help us achieve our environmental goals.
Topics discussed include cap and trade policies, subsidies, incentives, interventions, and regulations.

Teaching tips

Positives

This helps students understand the complexity behind finding global solutions to climate change.
It focuses on using basic economic principles to help preserve the environment.

Prerequisites

Economic terms and concepts in the video include the tragedy of the commons, negative externality, market failure, and cap-and-trade.
Students should have a basic understanding of climate change and other environmental issues.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers can use this video as a basis for students to present or debate different economic solutions to climate change.
As the video states, many different approaches will be required to solve this global issue. Consider having students develop an economic solution presented in the video that incorporates conservation solutions and individual actions as well.
Economics teachers can also check out the Economics and Greenwashing Interactive Game.

From the scientist review

This resource provides in detail economic policies that can help government achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. It is insightful and recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Subjects: Science, Economics
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Crash Course
Authors: Crash Course
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · MW.Eco.8.a. + 9 more

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Standards

MW.Eco.8.a.Describe an international economic policy in terms of intended and unintended market outcomes (e.g., sanctions, free trade agreements, tariffs).
CG.Eco.9.a.Describe the roles of the executive branch in developing and implementing economic policies in the United States (e.g., Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve Board, Internal Revenue Service).

Connecticut Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-ESS3-4.Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ESS3-C.1.The sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources. (HS-ESS3-3)

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Eco.1.9-12Analyze how incentives influence choices that may result in policies with a range of costs and benefits for different groups.
D2.Eco.15.9-12Explain how current globalization trends and policies affect economic growth, labor markets, rights of citizens, the environment, and resource and income distribution in different nations.
D2.Eco.3.9-12Analyze the ways in which incentives influence what is produced and distributed in a market system.
D2.Eco.7.9-12Use benefits and costs to evaluate the effectiveness of government policies to improve market outcomes.
D2.Eco.8.9-12Describe the possible consequences, both intended and unintended, of government policies to improve market outcomes.
D2.Eco.9.9-12Describe the roles of institutions such as clearly defined property rights and the rule of law in a market economy.

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