|
on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh |
| Abstract: | There is currently much hope about environmental innovation and green technologies, notably as a response to the threat of climate change. This paper offers a critical perspective on the role of technological innovation to solving environmental problems, based on considering empirical economic studies, energy and environmental rebound, the energy return on energy investment (EROEI) of alternative energy technologies, and various crowding out effects. Features of green technologies and motives of green innovators are briefly discussed. This is followed by an examination of the desirable mix of environmental and innovation policies to stimulate environmental innovation, to escape current and to evade early new lock-ins, and to avoid the occurrence of a “green paradoxâ€. This involves an evaluation of specific policy instruments from an environmental innovation angle. An extended argument is offered to clarify that environmental (CO2) pricing is crucial – even though insufficient – for environmental innovation to deliver definite solutions. In other words, environmental innovation (policy) is no substitute for environmental regulation (through prices). The paper also discusses the importance for environmental innovation of international agreements for regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and international coordination of innovation efforts. |
| Keywords: | climate change; environmental regulation; EROEI; green paradox; rebound; sustainability transition; technological diversity Length 25 pages |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esi:evopap:2010-23&r=env |
| By: | Muller, Adrian (Socioeconomic Institute University of Zurich, Switzerland); Åsa, Löfgren (Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University); Thomas, Sterner (Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University) |
| Abstract: | Decoupling is a crucial topic in the analysis of sustainable development. Without decoupling, continuing and increasing economic growth in developed and developing countries would come with ever increasing environmental pressures, unavoidably destroying the carrying capacity of ecosystems with corresponding detrimental effects on the environment and societies. The prime example today is climate change. If we do not succeed in drastically decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from economic growth, the mitigation goals necessary to avoid catastrophic impacts will never be reached. Due to this importance of decoupling, it is thus essential to know how different policy instruments may support its achievement. The aim of this paper is to address the question whether there is a separate contribution from environmental taxation to decoupling and to offer researchers some guidance on how to optimally address this question.<p> |
| Keywords: | decoupling; environmental taxation; pollution |
| JEL: | O40 Q50 Q58 |
| Date: | 2011–01–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:gunwpe:0486&r=env |
| By: | Katherine Killebrew; Hendrik Wolff |
| Date: | 2010–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:udb:wpaper:uwec-2011-01&r=env |
| By: | Concetta Castiglione (Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)); Davide Infante (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Calabria (Italy)); Janna Smirnova (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Calabria (Italy)) |
| Abstract: | In response to recently growing literature investigating the relationship between environment and institutions, this study investigates how rule of law influences the level of income at the turning point of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). Using an alternative specification of EKC that avoids nonlinear transformation of potentially nonstationary regressors, investigated by Bradford et al. (2005) and Leitao (2010), we find the evidence for the EKC in European countries for carbon emissions. Our results find a negative relationship between pollution and rule of law, demonstrating that when rule of law is strong, the turning point of the EKC occurs at a lower level of income per capita, thus, decreasing emissions. In terms of policy implication, our study suggests that institutional reinforcement should deserve close attention in designing and enforcing policies that limit environmental degradation. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Kuznets Curve, Rule of law, Panel data, Turning point |
| JEL: | O43 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tcd:tcduee:tep0111&r=env |
| By: | Justin Caron (Centre for Energy Policy and Economics, ETH Zurich); Markus Ohndorf (Chair of Economics, Institute for Environmental Decisions IED, ETH Zurich) |
| Abstract: | We focus on the optimal timing of climate change mitigation policies, a decision which is complicated by multiple sources of irreversibility or inertia. The pertinence of Real Option Theory in understanding the optimal amount of necessary precautionary behavior is explored, as are the results from modeling exercises. Generally, it appears that irreversibility associated with sunk abatement capital is stronger than that from accumulating greenhouse gas emissions, implying an "option value" to delaying climate change mitigation. The inclusion of tipping points, or non-linearities in environmental damages, could nevertheless lead to the opposite conclusion. These effects are however not easily quantifiable and are not generally included in modeling exercises. The timing decision will therefore have to be made by policy makers after having subjectively evaluated the importance of potential tipping points. It is for this reason that policy-makers need to be able to themselves understand the intuition behind Real Option theory - the interplay between irreversibility and uncertainty. Many climate-economic modeling exercises have implicitly recognized this fact by integrating strict environmental targets which serve as hard constraints and represent precautionary behavior. |
| Keywords: | irreversibility, inertia, uncertainty, optimal timing, climate policy, real options |
| JEL: | D61 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ied:wpsied:14-10&r=env |
| By: | Alfredo Marvão Pereira (Department of Economics, The College of William and Mary); Rui M. Pereira (Department of Economics, University of the Algarve) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the environmental, economic and budgetary impacts of fuel prices using a dynamic general equilibrium model of the Portuguese economy which highlights the mechanisms of endogenous growth and includes a detailed modeling of the public sector. The fuel price scenarios are based on forecasts by the DOE-US, the IEA-OECD and IHS Global Insight Inc., and represent a wide range of projections for absolute and relative fossil fuel prices. The dramatic differences in relative prices lead to substantially different environmental impacts. Our results suggest that higher fuel prices in the DOE-US scenario would lead to a reduction in emissions that account for 10.2% of the implicit emissions deficit for EU 2020 emissions targets, while relative price changes, led by lower prices for coal, result in a 19.2% increase for the IEA-OECD scenario. Under the IHS scenario, declining fuel prices would increase the emissions deficit by 95.9%. In terms of the long term economic impact, our results suggest a 2.2% drop in GDP in the DOE-US scenario and of 1.9% in the IEA-OECD scenario and an increase of 1.4% in the IHS scenario, which reflect the absolute change in energy costs. As to the budgetary impact, higher fuel prices lead to lower tax revenues, which, coupled with a reduction in public spending translates to lower public deficits. In addition, and from a methodological perspective, our results highlight the importance of endogenous growth mechanisms. A scenario of higher fuel prices would, under exogenous economic growth assumptions, result in larger baseline emissions growth scenarios, substantially smaller economic effects, and rather different budgetary effects. Finally, and from a policy perspective, our results highlight the impact of fossil fuel prices in defining the level of policy intervention required for compliance with international and domestic climate change legislation. As a corollary, we argue that it is critical for both international comparisons and international policy negotiations to define baseline emission targets in function of steady state economic projections under stable price assumptions. |
| Keywords: | Fuel Prices, Endogenous Growth, Budgetary Consolidation, Climate Policy, Dynamic |
| JEL: | Q40 Q43 Q54 C68 D58 H50 H68 |
| Date: | 2011–01–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwm:wpaper:110&r=env |
| By: | Tol, Richard S. J. |
| Abstract: | The European Commission did not publish a cost-benefit analysis for its 2020 climate package. This paper fills that gap, comparing the marginal costs and benefits of greenhouse gas emission reduction. The uncertainty about the marginal costs of climate change is large and skewed, and estimates partly reflect ethical choices (e.g., the discount rate). The 2010 carbon price in the ETS can readily be justified by a cost-benefit analysis. Emission reduction is not expensive provided that policy is well-designed, a condition not met by planned EU policy. It is probably twice as expensive as needed, costing one in ten years of economic growth. The EU targets for 2020 are unlikely to meet the benefit-cost test. For a standard discount rate, the benefit-cost ratio is rather poor (1/30). Only a very low discount rate would justify the 20% emission reduction target for 2020. |
| Keywords: | cost-benefit analysis/cost/Greenhouse Gas emission reduction/uncertainty/Climate change/Policy/growth/emission reduction target |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esr:wpaper:wp367&r=env |
| By: | Tol, Richard S. J. |
| Abstract: | The Ramsey rule for the consumption rate of discount assumes a transfer of money of a (representative) agent at one point in time to the same agent at another point in time. Climate policy (implicitly) transfers money not just over time but also between agents. I propose three alternative modifications of the Ramsey rule to account for this. Taking the Ramsey rule as given, I derive an intuitively clear but ad hoc modification. Using the assumptions underlying the Ramsey rule, I derive a consistent but more elaborate modification. If the discount rate is differentiated by victim, the consistent modified Ramsey rule is simpler and identical to regional equity weights. I apply the modified Ramsey rules to estimates of the marginal damage costs of carbon dioxide emissions. The results confirm that optimal climate policy has differentiated carbon taxes. Results also show that the standard Ramsey rule drastically underestimates the social cost of carbon. |
| Keywords: | Climate change/discount rate/equity/Ramsey rule/Social cost of carbon |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esr:wpaper:wp368&r=env |
| By: | Sanya, Carley |
| Abstract: | State governments have taken the lead on U.S. energy and climate policy. It is not yet clear, however, whether state energy policy portfolios can generate results in a similar magnitude or manner to their presumed carbon mitigation potential. This article seeks to address this lack of policy evidence and contribute empirical insights on the carbon mitigation effects of state energy portfolios within the U.S. electricity sector. Using a dynamic, long-term electricity dispatch model with U.S. power plant, utility, and transmission and distribution data between 2010 and 2030, this analysis builds a series of state-level policy portfolio scenarios and performs a comparative scenario analysis. Results reveal that state policy portfolios have modest to minimal carbon mitigation effects in the long run if surrounding states do not adopt similar portfolios as well. The difference in decarbonization potential between isolated state policies and larger, more coordinated policy efforts is due in large part to carbon leakage, which is the export of carbon intensive fossil fuel-based electricity across state lines. Results also confirm that a carbon price of $50/metric ton CO2e can generate substantial carbon savings. Although both policy options—an energy policy portfolio or a carbon price—are effective at reducing carbon emissions in the present analysis, neither is as effective alone as when the two strategies are combined. |
| Keywords: | Electricity markets; Energy policy; Carbon dioxide; Climate policy |
| JEL: | H70 C61 L94 |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:28256&r=env |
| By: | Caio Koch Weser |
| Abstract: | Despite low expectations, the UN climate change negotiations in Cancún made important progress thanks to decisive Mexican diplomacy and a renewed conviction that reducing emissions can drive green growth. Reflecting on the outcome of Cancún, two results clearly stand out: first, the collaborative and inclusive – yet decisive – approach by the Mexicans that gave multilateralism another chance; and second, a new narrative of emissions reductions as an important driver for green growth. |
| Keywords: | UN, climate change, cancun, emissions, gree growth, Maxican diplomacy, market opportunities, global warming, Copenhagen, developing countries |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:3483&r=env |
| By: | Alfredo Marvão Pereira (Department of Economics, The College of William and Mary); Rui M. Pereira (Department of Economics, University of the Algarve, Faro, Portugal) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is to study CO2 taxation in its dual role as a climate and a fiscal policy instrument. It develops marginal abatement cost curves for CO2 emissions associated with CO2 taxation using a dynamic general equilibrium model of the Portuguese economy which highlights the mechanisms of endogenous growth and includes a detailed modeling of the public sector. It also considers a pair of complementary cost curves corresponding to the impact of CO2 taxes on GDP and on the public budget. Simulation results show that a tax of 17.00 Euros per tCO2 has the technical capacity to limit emissions growth to 62.6 Mt CO2 in 2020, consistent with the existing climate policy target for Portugal. In turn, changes in tax revenues together with reductions in public spending, lead to a decline of 2.7% in the public debt. These desirable outcomes, however, come at the cost of a 0.7% reduction in GDP relative to steady state baseline levels. In general, we find that stricter emission targets imply greater equilibrium CO2 tax levels and larger GDP losses, although these are accompanied by greater reductions in public debt. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of public spending behavior when projecting the net impact of CO2 taxes on public revenue and the public account and in the designing of policies to promote fiscal consolidation. |
| Keywords: | Marginal Abatement Costs, Economic Effects, Budgetary Effects, Carbon Taxation, Dynamic General Equilibrium, Portugal. |
| JEL: | Q41 Q43 Q54 Q58 C68 D58 H20 H50 H60 |
| Date: | 2011–01–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwm:wpaper:105&r=env |
| By: | Richardson, Robert B. |
| Abstract: | Food security in developing countries depends in part on the sustainable use of natural resources. Food security is usually examined through three dimensions, namely the availability, access, and utilization of food. Ecosystems directly and indirectly support each of these dimensions through the provision of critical ecosystem services that facilitate agricultural production, create income- generating opportunities, and provide energy for cooking. However, in some cases, household uses of natural resources undermine particular elements of food security, hindering national poverty reduction strategies and threatening the sustainability of critical ecosystem functions. I examine the role of ecosystem services in rural food security through the lens of its three dimensions, and highlight the tensions that stem from household-level interactions and uses. In some cases, uses of resources and services that support the access and utilization dimensions may undermine the ecosystem functions that support food availability. The conclusions underscore the importance for the integration of ecosystem services into food security plans and poverty reduction strategies in developing countries. |
| Keywords: | environmental sustainability, ecosystem, food security, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:98782&r=env |
| By: | Bangsund, Dean A.; Leistritz, F. Larry |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:nddaae:99252&r=env |
| By: | Emilio Cerdá; Xiral López-Otero |
| Abstract: | Taking into account the great importance which the non-renewable energy resources have nowadays, and particularly the effects of their consumption on the environment and the problems associated with capturing rents, this paper analyses, through a two-period model, the interaction between producers and importers of a non-renewable energy resource, trying to determine the possible strategic behaviour of both agents, and analyzing the influence on the balance between agents considering or not considering the environmental effects induced by the consumption of such a resource, as well as the simultaneity or not of the decisions of the participants. |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fda:fdaddt:2011-02&r=env |
| By: | Christian Almer; Ralph Winkler |
| Abstract: | We empirically analyze the formation of international environmental agreements within a political economy framework. We develop a theoretical model of state dependent net benefits of ratification predicting (i) strategic behavior with respect to the timing of ratification and (ii) that ratification per se is not necessarily a stronger signal of support compared to signature. Analyzing the signature and ratification process via generalized binary and ordered response models, we find significant evidence for our theoretical predictions. In addition, we show that a wide selection of determinants including economic and political factors influences the decision whether to sign and when to ratify. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change; Generalized Response Models; International Environmental Agreements; Kyoto Protocol |
| JEL: | Q54 F53 C25 |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ube:dpvwib:dp1014&r=env |
| By: | Thomas G Measham; Benjamin L Preston; Cassandra Brooke; Tim F Smith; Craig Morrison; Geoff Withycombe; Russell Gorddard (CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Australia) |
| Abstract: | Municipal planning represents a major avenue for achieving adaptation at local and regional scales, however significant constraints need to be acknowledged and addressed if adaptation is likely to advance through this mechanism. This paper considers the role of municipal (local government) planning and in particular the key constraints which currently limit this avenue for adaptation. The paper reviews the constraints recognised in the adaptation literature including lack of information, institutional limitations and lack of resources. We further identify additional constraints which affect local government planning drawing on the field of community-based environmental planning. In relating these constraints to practical attempts towards adaptation, the paper considers planning based on a case study of three municipalities in Sydney, Australia. In doing so, we draw attention to factors thus far under-acknowledged in the climate adaptation literature. These include leadership, institutional context and competing planning agendas. These factors can serve as constraints or enabling mechanisms for achieving climate adaptation depending upon how they are exploited in any given situation. The paper concludes that, through addressing these issues, local, place-based planning can play a greater role in achieving climate adaptation |
| Keywords: | institutional capacity, place-based planning, community engagement |
| JEL: | Q54 P48 |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cse:wpaper:2010-05&r=env |
| By: | Jean-Christophe MARTIN (GREThA, CNRS, UMR 5113); Patrick POINT (GREThA, CNRS, UMR 5113) |
| Abstract: | The region of Aquitaine, located in south-west of France, has implemented a climate plan for the period 2007-2013 in order to avoid 2 883 ktCO2eq per year for 2013. But this region is an important place of transit’s flow between northern Europe and southern Europe. The share of goods transport represents about 30% of road traffic of the Aquitaine region. Moreover, traffic from road transport will not be stabilized according to Becker’s report (2001). As a result, the region council of Aquitaine has planned some road projects in order to increase traffic capacities to avoid too much congestion costs. But, investments decision concerning construction of road infrastructure is performed by cost-benefit analysis. A project leading to an increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could have also a positive net social benefit. If regional council of Aquitaine wants to realize their road projects, it has to implement some GHG offsetting projects. The computation of opportunity cost of projects of road infrastructure construction must be a useful indicator to determine the maximum budget for GHG offsetting projects. This analysis, far away from substituting to cost-benefit analysis, is however complementary to it. We calculated, for Aquitaine region, the budget of opportunity cost of road projects: it was estimated by €2001 1 920 M and €2001 3 592M respectively for a moderate and high increase of traffic for 2007-2013. |
| Keywords: | Input-output analysis, minimum disruption approach, eco-environmental impacts, opportunity cost, road transport, greenhouse gas emissions |
| JEL: | C61 C67 D57 D61 H54 Q54 |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2011-03&r=env |
| By: | Sudeshna Chattopadhyay (Bidhannagar College - EB-2 Sector - I); Sarmila Banerjee (University of Calcutta - Kolkata); Katrin Millock (EEP-PSE - Ecole d'Économie de Paris - Paris School of Economics - Ecole d'Économie de Paris, CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - CNRS : UMR8174 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - Paris I) |
| Abstract: | We examines the challenges faced by the regulator in managing pollution when there is a linkage between a formal and an informal industrial sector across the stages of production. The formal sector is more productive than the informal sector and the latter saves cost by evading pollution regulation due to incomplete monitoring. This creates a natural tendency for the more polluting processes to be concentrated in the informal sector. We show the unintended effects of the standard Pigouvian tax (emission fee), which might lead to further deterioration by encouraging the shift of stages in favour of the informal sector. Instead, we propose a second-best hybrid instrument, comprised of a tax on polluting input and a subsidy on proper disposal of residual waste. |
| Keywords: | Emissions tax, informal sector, pollution control, vertical production. |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-00560558&r=env |
| By: | Gozun, Elisea G.; Laplante, Benoit; Wang, Hua |
| Abstract: | A number of countries around the world have in recent years implemented environmental performance rating and public disclosure programs, and, where evidence is available, these programs have been shown to induce pollution reduction. Based on previous research and practical experiences from several Asian countries, this paper provides a systematic review and discussion of the practical issues involved in designing and implementing environmental performance rating and public disclosure programs, including the legal and institutional framework, scope and coverage determination, performance rating methodology, data collection and verification, disclosure strategy, credibility assurance, program set-up and expansion, etc. The authors offer comments and recommendations, where appropriate, for environmental regulators to tackle these practical issues. The reviews and discussions are intended to be concise, simple, and systematic, and alternative options are discussed in a succinct manner, so that they can be readily used by interested environmental regulators and researchers. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics&Policies,Brown Issues and Health,Water and Industry,Energy Production and Transportation,Environmental Governance |
| Date: | 2011–01–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:5551&r=env |
| By: | Horii, Ryo (Tohoku University and Yale University); Ikefuji, Masako (Osaka University) |
| Abstract: | Using an endogenous growth model with physical and human capital accumulation, this paper considers the sustainability of economic growth when the use of a polluting input (e.g., fossil fuels) intensi.es the risk of capital destruction through natural disasters. We .nd that growth is sustainable only if the tax rate on the polluting input increases over time. The long-term rate of economic growth follows an inverted V-shaped curve relative to the growth rate of the environmental tax, and it is maximized by the least aggressive tax policy from among those that asymptotically eliminate the use of polluting inputs. Moreover, welfare is maximized under an even milder environmental tax policy, especially when the pollutants accumulate gradually. |
| JEL: | H23 O41 Q54 |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecl:yaleco:86&r=env |
| By: | Anthony T H Chin (Department of Economics, National University of Singapore); Zhang Peng (Department of Economics, National University of Singapore) |
| Abstract: | The European Union has proposed a Directive to include aviation activities in the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2012. The allowance allocation method which will be put in place is relatively easy to implement with low administration cost. However, careful scrutiny suggests that the allocation method does not favor airlines with high energy efficiency. This study proposes an alternative allowance allocation method which is fairer in that it rewards energy efficient airlines. Further, the new method is easy to implement with low administrative cost. The Cournot model serves as the theoretical foundation upon which the experiments are designed to simulate the aviation industry under the ETS. The equilibrium is calculated for each allowance allocation method. Results from experiments suggest consistency with theoretical outcomes. |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sca:scaewp:1002&r=env |
| By: | David Albouy; Walter Graf; Ryan Kellogg; Hendrik Wolff |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:udb:wpaper:uwec-2011-03&r=env |
| By: | Fay, Marianne (The World Bank); Iimi, Atsushi (The World Bank); Perrissin-Fabert, Baptiste (The World Bank) |
| Abstract: | Developing countries are faced with a substantial and persistent infrastructure deficit. Climate change complicates this challenge, affcting the way we design and manage infrastructure (defined here as transport, power, water and sanitation) and increasing costs. But all s not negative: Climate change affects both the economic and financial analysis of infrastructure projects in a way that could help achieve long-pursued but elusive goals, such as better maintenance and greener, more efficient design. Further, climate finance could bring additional financing, although that will require increasing the scale of available resources and addressing the fact that climate finance tends to provide ex post financing, ill-suited to a sector characterized by a need for substantial ex ante funding. |
| Keywords: | Infrastructure finance; Developing countries; Climate change; Adaptation; Mitigation; Inertia; Uncertainty |
| JEL: | D81 H54 H81 Q54 |
| Date: | 2010–12–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:eibpap:2010_007&r=env |
| By: | Thomas Kaeo Duarte (Kamehameha Schools); Sittidaj Pongkijvorasi (Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Economics); James Roumasset (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Economics Department); Daniel Amato (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Botany Department); Kimberly Burnett (University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization) |
| Abstract: | We optimize groundwater management in the presence of marine consequences of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Concern for marine biota increases the optimal steady-state head level of the aquifer. The model is discussed in general terms for any coastal groundwater resource where SGD has a positive impact on valuable near-shore resources. Our application focuses of the Kona Coast of Hawai’i, where SGD is being actively studied and where both near-shore ecology and groundwater resources are serious sociopolitical issues. To incorporate the consequences of water extraction on nearshore resources, we impose a safe minimum standard for the quantity of SGD. Efficient pumping rates fluctuate according to various growth requirements on the keystone marine algae and different assumptions regarding recharge rates. Desalination is required under average recharge conditions and a strict minimum standard, and under low recharge conditions regardless of minimum standards of growth. |
| Keywords: | groundwater management, marine ecology, dynamic optimization, safe minimum standard, sustainability science. |
| JEL: | R13 D58 O15 L83 |
| Date: | 2010–10–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hai:wpaper:201021&r=env |
| By: | Marina Recalde (Departamento de Economía, Universidad Nacional del Sur and GEPAMA-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina); Jesus Ramos-Martin (Departament d’Economia i d’Història Econòmica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain) |
| Abstract: | The link between energy consumption and economic growth has been widely studied in the economic literature. Understanding this relationship is important from both an environmental and a socio-economic point of view, as energy consumption is crucial to economic activity and human environmental impact. This relevance is even higher for developing countries, since energy consumption per unit of output varies through the phases of development, increasing from an agricultural stage to an industrial one and then decreasing for certain service based economies. In the Argentinean case, the relevance of energy consumption to economic development seems to be particularly important. While energy intensity seems to exhibit a U-Shaped curve from 1990 to 2003 decreasing slightly after that year, total energy consumption increases along the period of analysis. Why does this happen? How can we relate this result with the sustainability debate? All these questions are very important due to Argentinean hydrocarbons dependence and due to the recent reduction in oil and natural gas reserves, which can lead to a lack of security of supply. In this paper we study Argentinean energy consumption pattern for the period 1990-2007, to discuss current and future energy and economic sustainability. To this purpose, we developed a conventional analysis, studying energy intensity, and a non conventional analysis, using the Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) accounting methodology. Both methodologies show that the development process followed by Argentina has not been good enough to assure sustainability in the long term. Instead of improving energy use, energy intensity has increased. The current composition of its energy mix, and the recent economic crisis in Argentina, as well as its development path, are some of the possible explanations. |
| Keywords: | Argentina, energy intensity; energy mix; economic development; societal metabolism, integrated analysis |
| JEL: | O11 O13 O54 Q01 Q57 Q58 |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aub:uhewps:2011_03&r=env |
| By: | Medel, Carlos A. |
| Abstract: | This paper develops two fisheries models in order to estimate the effect of global warming (GW) on firm value. GW is defined as an increase in the average temperature of the earth's surface because of CO₂ emissions. It is assumed that (i) GW exists, and (ii) higher temperatures negatively affect biomass. The literature on biology and GW supporting these two crucial assumptions is reviewed. The main argument presented is that temperature increase has two effects on biomass, both of which have an impact on firm value. First, higher temperatures cause biomass to oscillate. To measure the effect of biomass oscillation on firm value Pindyck's (1984) model is modified to include water temperature as a variable. The results indicate that a 1 to 20% variation in biomass causes firm value to fall from 6 to 44%, respectively. Second, higher temperatures reduce biomass, and a modification of the Smith's (1968) model reveals that an increase in temperature anomaly between +1 and +8°C causes fishery's value to decrease by 8 to 10%. |
| Keywords: | fisheries; fisheries economics; global warming; climate change |
| JEL: | Q22 Q54 |
| Date: | 2011–01–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:28373&r=env |
| By: | Deters, Henning |
| Abstract: | The working paper examines the decision-making process of what has most likely been the most contentious European environmental policy-item in 2009: the regulation 443/2009 setting carbon dioxide emission performance standards for new passenger cars. In contrast to the empirical trend of rather stringent protection levels, where environmental front-runner countries, encouraged by the Commission and the European Parliament, are able to set the pace, the regulation in question was largely shaped by the most reluctant member state's Germany with its high-volume, premium car manufacturers.By process-tracing the legislative decision-making, the paper accounts for this lowest-common-denominator outcome. Commission and EP had 'greener' preferences than the Council. Yet, both actors suffered from a of lack internal consistency, with national differences leading to strong in-fights between Commissioners and limiting the voting coherence of EP party-groups. The issue was therefore already highly politicized at the agenda-setting stage. This, and the fact that the dossier was handled in a fast-track procedure, curtailed Commission influence. In the Council negotiations, Germany was able to muster a potential blocking minority together with those, mostly east-European countries, were subsidiaries of German car companies are located. 'Greener' member states were, however, not prepared to veto down the regulation although they criticized its lack of ambition. -- Dieses Arbeitspapier untersucht den Entscheidungsprozess eines der am stärksten umstrittenen Gegenstände europäischer Umweltpolitik der vergangenen Jahre: Die Verordnung 443/2009 zur Verringerung der CO2-Emissionen von Personenkraftwagen. Im Gegensatz zu dem empirischen Trend eher strenger Schutzniveaus, bei dem die umweltpolitischen Spitzenreiter, unterstützt von Kommission und Europäischem Parlament (EP), die Leitlinien vorgeben, war die hier untersuchte Verordnung stark von den Vorstellungen des am wenigsten ambitionierten Mitgliedstaates geprägt, in diesem Fall Deutschland, mit seiner volkswirtschaftlich bedeutsamen und stark am Premium-Markt orientierten Automobilindustrie. Das Papier führt eine Prozessanalyse der Politikformulierung durch, um dieses Ergebnis aufzuklären. Obwohl Kommission und EP tatsächlich eine ambitionierte Verordnung befürworteten, konnten sie sich im interinstitutionellen Entscheidungsprozess letztlich nicht durchsetzen. Beide Akteure litten unter der geringen internen Kohärenz ihrer Positionen. Die nationalen Positionsunterschiede führten zu intensiven Konflikten zwischen den involvierten Generaldirektionen auf der einen, und schwacher Parteigruppendisziplin auf der anderen Seite. In den Ratsverhandlungen vermochte Deutschland gemeinsam mit den vorwiegend osteuropäischen Ländern, in denen Tochtergesellschaften und Produktionspartner deutscher Automobilhersteller ansässig sind, eine potentielle Sperrminorität herzustellen. Die 'grüneren' Mitgliedstaaten waren hingegen nicht bereit, die Verordnung abzulehnen, obwohl sie deren Anspruchsniveau als zu gering kritisierten. Der intensive Verteilungskonflikt im Lager der Automobilherstellerländer konnte mittels einer raffinierten Regelung zur Lastenteilung gemindert werden, machte aber dennoch eine Entscheidung auf höchster politischer Ebene notwendig. |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:sfb597:142&r=env |
| By: | Shilei Niu (Department of Economics, University of Waterloo); Margaret Insley (Department of Economics, University of Waterloo) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impact of ramping rate restrictions imposed on hydro operations to protect aquatic ecosystems. A dynamic optimization model of the profit maximizing decisions of a hydro operator is solved for various restrictions on water flow, using data for a representative hydro operation in Ontario. Profits are negatively affected, but for a range of restrictions the impact is not large. Ramping restrictions cause a redistribution of hydro production over a given day, which can result in an increase in total hydro power produced. This affects the need for power from other sources with consequent environmental impacts. |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wat:wpaper:1017&r=env |
| By: | Smith, Mark; Parkins, John R. |
| Abstract: | The forest economy is in transition across Canada. Faced with high dollar values, increasing competition within the global market, high input costs for energy, labour and fibre, and growing expectations for environmental performance, the forest sector is undergoing significant economic transitions as companies across the country cut costs, close mills and shed jobs. This report contributes to our understanding of community response to mill closure with a detailed description of six case study communities during a period of forest industry mill closures. Three communities are in British Columbia (Mackenzie, Quesnel and Fort St. James) and three communities are in New Brunswick (Dalhousie, Nackawic and Mirimachi). Empirical information is derived from national and local media reports as well as recent data from the Census of Canada. Key thematic areas include resilience, economic diversification, the nature of mill closure, union involvement, government involvement and concerns over government policy changes such as appurtenancy. |
| Keywords: | media analysis, rural sociology, community development, rural development, social change, Community/Rural/Urban Development, R52, R58, Q33, |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ualbpr:98645&r=env |
| By: | Alfredo Marvão Pereira (Department of Economics, The College of William and Mary); José Manuel Belbute (Department of Economics, University of Evora) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is to analyze the degree of persistence of final energy demand in Portugal. Our results suggest the presence of a strong level of persistence for aggregate final energy demand.inal demand for gas is the most persistent component of energy demand, while the final demand for coal is the least persistent. In turn, final demand for petroleum and biomass tend to have levels of persistence similar to aggregate final demand. The case of final demand for electricity is inconclusive. These results have the important implication for the design of environmental policies. First, the fact that final energy demand is highly persistent is good news in that environmental policies in Portugal can be implemented in a favorable setting in which their effects will tend to be long lasting. Second, the high persistence of gas and the fact that biomass and petroleum have levels of persistence that are similar suggests that fuel switching policies will be relatively easy to implement in these cases. The case of coal is somewhat different in that switching away from coal may not be easy. In turn, the case of electricity is somewhat ambiguous. While the fact that it is also highly persistent suggests that shocks to its final demand will produce long lasting effects, it is not clear, however, how they compare to the effects on the other final demand components and therefore we can make no statements about fuel switching. |
| Keywords: | Persistence, final energy demand, fuel switching, environmental policy, Portugal |
| JEL: | C14 C22 O13 Q41 |
| Date: | 2011–01–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwm:wpaper:109&r=env |
| By: | Leahy, Eimear; Lyons, Seán; Tol, Richard S. J. |
| Abstract: | Vegetarianism is increasing in the western world. Anecdotally, this trend can be attributed to heightened health, environmental and animal welfare concerns. In this paper we investigate the factors associated with vegetarianism among adults in Ireland. Using the 2007 Survey of Lifestyles, Attitudes and Nutrition, we use a logit model to assess the relationship between vegetarianism and the socioeconomic and personal characteristics of the respondents. We also analyse the factors associated with varying levels of meat consumption using an ordered logit model. This paper adds to the existing literature as it is the first paper to estimate the determinants of vegetarianism and partial vegetarianism in Ireland. |
| Keywords: | Ireland/Consumption |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esr:wpaper:wp369&r=env |
| By: | Robert, Christopher (Harvard Kennedy School); Zeckhauser, Richard (Harvard Kennedy School) |
| Abstract: | Policy analyses frequently clash. Their disagreements stem from many sources, including models, empirical estimates, and values such as who should have standing and how different criteria should be weighted. We provide a simple taxonomy of disagreement, identifying distinct categories within both the positive and values domains of normative policy analysis. Using disagreements in climate policy to illustrate, we demonstrate how illuminating the structure of disagreement helps to clarify the way forward. We conclude by suggesting a structure for policy analysis that can facilitate assessment, comparison, and debate by laying bare the most likely sources of disagreement. |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecl:harjfk:rwp11-004&r=env |
| By: | Melchior, Tobias (RWTH Aachen University); Madlener, Reinhard (E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN)) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates whether coal- or biomass-fired Integrated Gasification Combined-Cycle (IGCC) power plants can serve as an economically viable future technology for providing clean electricity and heat in Germany. In the context of CO2 emission reduction in power generation, energy conversion technologies that enable the implementation of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) need to be considered. IGCC is one such technology, as it utilizes coal or biomass but does not necessarily emit CO2. We therefore investigate whether IGCC plants can, from an economic perspective, be an alternative to nuclear and/or conventional coal-fired power plants. Our research is undertaken with the help of scenario analysis. The possible shut-down of nuclear power stations as well as of outdated coal-fired power plants, together with the evolution of CO2 prices, provides the starting point of our study. The option of hot gas cleaning in IGCC plants is of particular interest, as it is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of IGCC technology and allows for combined heat and power production (CHP). Corresponding supplementary earnings (incl. subsidies) are compared with an increase in specific investment costs. Besides the hot gas cleaning advancement, we also investigate the injection of pure CO2 (separated from the IGCC process) into oilfields, as it reduces the costs of CO2 transport and storage through Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). Based on the results, a judgement on the ability of IGCC technology to replace nuclear power stations and/or conventional coal-fired power plants in Germany is made. Net present values calculated provide decision-support for energy suppliers about the if and when to invest in IGCC plants. We find that only a partial substitution of current power plants by IGCC facilities is reasonable, e.g. for locational reasons, whereas a complete abandonment of IGCC technology seems to be unlikely from the current point of view. |
| Keywords: | IGCC; Economic evaluation; Hot gas cleaning |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:fcnwpa:2010_022&r=env |
| By: | Jean-Christophe PEREAU (GREThA, UMR CNRS 5113); Luc DOYEN (CNRS-MNHN, CNRS, UMR 7204); Rich LITTLE (CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research); Olivier THEBAUD (CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research) |
| Abstract: | This paper deals with the sustainable management of a renewable resource based on individual and transferable quotas (ITQs) when agents differ in terms of harvesting costs or catching capabilities. In a dynamic bio-economic model, we determine the feasibility conditions under which a fishery manager can achieve sustainability objectives which simultaneously account for stock renewal, economic efficiency and maintenance of fishing activity for the agents along time. We show that the viability of quota management strategies based on fixing Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits depends on the degree of heterogeneity of users in the fishery, the current status and the dynamics of the stock. In particular for a given stock, we compute the maximin effort for a given set of agents and we derive the maximal number of active agents for a given guaranteed effort. An application to the nephrops fishery in the Bay of Biscay illustrates the results. |
| Keywords: | Renewable resource; Sustainability; Total allowable catch; Individual and transferable quotas, maximin, feasibility set |
| JEL: | Q22 |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2011-01&r=env |
| By: | Stéphanie Aulong; Robert Kast |
| Abstract: | The objectives of the paper are (1) to apply Füssels (2007) conceptual framework of vulnerability to a concrete ongoing research and (2) to discuss on the resulting choice of an adequate vulnerability approach. The research aims at assessing the vulnerability of South Indian farmers to global change at two periods of time: medium term (2030-2040) to account for rapid global economic changes, and long term (2045-2065) to account for climate change and variability. The term vulnerability is dened in so many ways that its use has become controversial. Fussel proposed an original conceptual framework of vulnerability based on a common and transversal terminology understandable whatever the scientic domain of concern. This conceptual framework relies on the description of six dimensions of the vulnerability concept. The rst four dimensions describes the vulnerable situation and the last two dimensions explain the factors of vulnerability. Füssel argues that with this set of dimensions, it is possible to class any conceptual approach of vulnerability found in the literature. After the six dimensions were adapted to South Indian farmers vulnerability, the use of a cross-scale integrated approach of vulnerability appears clearly as the most appropriate.[...] |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lam:wpaper:03-11&r=env |
| By: | Sherry L. Larkin; Sergio Alvarez; Gil Sylvia; Michael Harte |
| Abstract: | Many of the world.s fish stocks are considered to be in need of rebuilding. In response, global agreements, including UNCLOS, have sought to adopt some (optimal) level of fish biomass, usually the level associated with the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). While establishing a sustainable level of harvest is goal with intuitive appeal, the pursuit of MSY ignores many relevant economic and social factors that are critical to the sustainability of a fishery. |
| Keywords: | Fisheries Rebuilding, Fisheries Economics, Fisheries management, Bioeconomic Modelling, Striped bass, Northern Prawns, North Atlantic Cod, Spiny Lobster, Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring |
| JEL: | Q22 Q27 |
| Date: | 2011–01–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:agraaa:38-en&r=env |
| By: | Plot-Vicard, Emmanuelle |
| Abstract: | L’objectif de cette thèse est de savoir s’il existe des écarts entre les attentes des parties prenantes et l’information diffusée par l’exploitant sur le risque nucléaire dans son rapport annuel. Dans un premier temps, je m’interroge sur les motifs qui conduisent les entreprises à diffuser des informations environnementales, en combinant les théories de la légitimité et des parties prenantes. Je dresse ensuite le constat que la comptabilité financière ne permet pas de rendre compte de l’ensemble du risque nucléaire. En particulier, les traductions comptables (provision et passif éventuel) n’intègrent pas les risques de survenance incertaine et aux dommages éventuels élevés, comme le risque d’accident nucléaire. En conséquence, cette thèse élargit le champ d’analyse au-delà des états financiers pour englober l’ensemble des informations diffusées par l’exploitant dans son rapport annuel. Dans un second temps, je conduis une étude pour déterminer les attentes des parties prenantes en matière d’informations sur le risque nucléaire, puis confronte ces attentes aux informations diffusées par les exploitants dans leur rapport annuel. Deux mesures complémentaires me permettent d’analyser cette information. La première mesure, à vocation descriptive, indique que seulement 7 % de l’information diffusée sur le risque nucléaire dans les rapports annuels est une information chiffrée, visible pour le lecteur et traitant d’objectifs précis ou d’actions menées par les exploitants. La deuxième mesure traite de la qualité de l’information. Elle suggère que de nombreuses informations souhaitées par les parties prenantes ne sont pas diffusées. Au total, les attentes des parties prenantes régulatrices, financières et, dans une moindre mesure, médiatiques semblent satisfaites tandis que celles des associations du secteur le seraient très imparfaitement. |
| Abstract: | The objective of this research is to know if there are distances between the expectations of the stakeholders and the information disclosed by the firm on the nuclear risk in its annual report. First of all, I wonder about the motives which lead companies to disclose environmental information, by associating the theories of the legitimacy and the stakeholders. I notice then the report which the financial accounting does not allow to report the whole nuclear risk. In particular, accounting (provision and contingent liability) does not integrate the risks of uncertain occurrence with important possible damages, as the risk of nuclear accident. Consequently, this research widens the field of analysis beyond financial status to contain all the information disclosed by the firm in its annual report. I determine the expectations of the stakeholders in information on the nuclear risk, then confront these expectations with the information disclosed by the firms in their annual report. Two additional measures allow me to analyze this information. The first one which describes the information indicates that only 7% of the disclosed information about the nuclear risk in annual reports is quantitative visible information for the reader and dealing with precise objectives or with concrete programs led by the firms. The second measure deals with the quality of the information. It suggests that a lot of information wished by the stakeholders is not disclosed. All in all, the expectations of the regulating, financial and media stakeholders seem satisfied but those of the stakeholders of the environmental lobby groups would not be. |
| Keywords: | legitimacy; stakeholders; nuclear risk; environmental information; environmental accounting; légitimité; parties prenantes; risque nucléaire; information environnementale; comptabilité environnementale; |
| JEL: | Q56 M41 |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ner:dauphi:urn:hdl:123456789/5592&r=env |