Student Researchers Sharpen Their Skills at the Center for the Blue Economy
| by Caitlin Fillmore
Students put their skills to work and get a career head start in innovative roles in ocean research at the center based at the Middlebury Institute.
Associate Professor; Program Chair, Environmental Policy and Management; Director, Center for the Blue Economy
Jason Scorse completed his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics at UC-Berkeley in 2005 with a focus on environmental economics and policy, international development, and behavioral economics. Upon graduation, he became a full-time faculty member of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. He teaches courses in environmental and natural resource economics, ocean and coastal economics, and behavioral economics. In 2009 he was promoted to the Chair of the Environmental Policy and Management program, and in 2011 Professor Scorse became the Director of the Center for the Blue Economy, which provides “leadership in research, education, and analysis to promote a sustainable ocean and coastal economy.”
Professor Scorse has consulted for major environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club, The Natural Conservancy, Earth Justice, and Oceana. In 2010 his book, What Environmentalists Need to Know About Economics, was published by Palgrave Macmillan. Dr. Scorse holds a position on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Research Activities Panel and Save Our Shores’ Policy Committee, and is the MIIS faculty liaison for UC-Santa Cruz’s MARINE program.
We thought the climate crisis was a future problem, but it is here now. That’s the reality, but rather than fall into despair, we must face this reality and work to solve the problem. Dr. Jason Scorse explains.
ENPG 8542 Upcoming
Envirn & Natural Resource EconCourse Description
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
The purpose of this course is to develop competency in economic theory as it relates to environmental issues, and the analytical skills necessary to evaluate, as well as craft, effective, efficient, and just environmental policies. We will highlight policies that influence (both directly and indirectly) the environment and natural resource use, and analyze their implications. The emphasis will be on identifying and assessing the appropriate economic tools for addressing current environmental issues. Students will learn how to “think like an economist,” which may not make for great party conversation, but is essential for conversing intelligently about the world’s major environmental problems and developing solutions.
Terms Taught
ENPG 8666 Upcoming
Intl Marine Pol Speaker SeriesCourse Description
International Marine Policy Speaker Series
The primary purpose of this speaker series is to introduce incoming EPM students who are pursuing the “Ocean and Coastal Resource Management” concentration to a wide range of cutting-edge interdisciplinary topics. (In order to be eligible for the CBE Summer Fellows Program students must enroll in this course—auditing is acceptable—in addition to committing to the 16 units of advanced coursework in their second year.)
The series will include topics from the local to international levels, with a focus on the policy and economic implications. Students are encouraged to use these talks as networking opportunities, catalysts for future research, and most importantly, to help focus their career goals.
The series is open to all EPM and IPM students interested in ocean and coastal issues, as well as members of the MARINE network and the larger Monterey community.
Terms Taught
IEPG 8542
Envirn & Natural Resource EconCourse Description
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
The purpose of this course is to develop competency in economic theory as it relates to environmental issues, and the analytical skills necessary to evaluate, as well as craft, effective, efficient, and just environmental policies. We will highlight policies that influence (both directly and indirectly) the environment and natural resource use, and analyze their implications. The emphasis will be on identifying and assessing the appropriate economic tools for addressing current environmental issues. Students will learn how to “think like an economist,” which may not make for great party conversation, but is essential for conversing intelligently about the world’s major environmental problems and developing solutions.
Terms Taught
IEPG 8666
Intl Marine Pol Speaker SeriesCourse Description
International Marine Policy Speaker Series
The primary purpose of this speaker series is to introduce incoming IEP students who are pursuing the “Ocean and Coastal Resource Management” concentration to a wide range of cutting-edge interdisciplinary topics. (In order to be eligible for the CBE Summer Fellows Program students must enroll in this course—auditing is acceptable—in addition to committing to the 16 units of advanced coursework in their second year.)
The series will include topics from the local to international levels, with a focus on the policy and economic implications. Students are encouraged to use these talks as networking opportunities, catalysts for future research, and most importantly, to help focus their career goals.
The series is open to all IEP and IPM students interested in ocean and coastal issues, as well as members of the MARINE network and the larger Monterey community.
Terms Taught
IPMG 8698
Directed StudyCourse Description
Student must obtain a faculty advisor, complete a Directed Study proposal form, obtain signatures, and submit to the Associate Dean of Academic Operations for approval.
Terms Taught
Dr. Scorse believes strongly that the innovation in public policy is in the implementation since we already have the basic theories worked out about what we need to do; the difficult part is the how. To that end, he believes a greater understanding of psychology, sociological, communication, and political economy are needed, as there is a lot of power and inertia behind the status quo. Dr. Scorse is convinced that along with shifting our energy systems away from fossil fuels to renewable sources, a shift away from animal foods towards a plant-based lifestyle is needed to achieve true sustainability.
In his spare time he longboards, cooks gourmet vegan food, and writes fiction for when he starts his new career after we’ve solved all of the world’s great environmental challenges.
Dr. Scorse has been teaching at the Institute since 2004.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles, Books, and Book Chapters
| by Caitlin Fillmore
Students put their skills to work and get a career head start in innovative roles in ocean research at the center based at the Middlebury Institute.
| by Mark C. Anderson
Through a partnership with several world-class marine labs, environmental policy and management faculty and students are working to enlighten the public on the importance and elegance of apex predators.
Alum Kimberly Aiken shares how her connections through the Institute and hands-on experience led her to become the first-ever communications officer for an organization that advances sustainable development in the Arctic.