Nature finance

MGT-541 / 3 credits

Teacher: Coutu Sylvain

Language: English

Remark: MTE-SMT Students : MA3 only

Summary

This course explores the many financial instruments that can come as a support for protection and regeneration of natural assets.

Content

This course starts with an introduction to the scientific fundamental knowledge of key natural assets (such as agricultural commodities, forests, biodiversity and others), and on their economic value for the society.

In a second phase, the course will review the current financial services offered to protect and develop and these assets. This includes traditional financial services (equity, credits, insurance, etc) but also an introduction to carbon an biodiversity credits. Reporting on Nature and some legal aspects (Nature rights) are also presented in dedicated sessions.

This is a pratical course based developed around concrete case study. It is developped with the intervention of several professional experts.

Keywords

Nature - Finance - NbS - Technologies - Case study

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Basic knowledge of Finance is a plus but not a pre-requisite.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Discuss scientific concepts related to nature
  • Propose financial solutions as a support to natural assets
  • Defend the relevance of Nature for our economic and social systems
  • Visualize the job market ecosystem related to Nature Finance

Transversal skills

  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
  • Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
  • Negotiate effectively within the group.
  • Respect relevant legal guidelines and ethical codes for the profession.
  • Take responsibility for environmental impacts of her/ his actions and decisions.
  • Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
  • Write a scientific or technical report.

Teaching methods

In class sessions + Homeworks (mainly readings or videos)

Assessment methods

- One mid-term session on Nature Sciences Basics (30%)

- One mid-term session on Nature Finance tools (30%)

- One Final exam as Poster presentation (30%)

- Exercice (10%)

Resources

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Nature finance
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Nature finance
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Nature finance
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Nature finance
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Nature finance
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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