|
on Environmental Economics |
|
Issue of 2015‒12‒20
thirty-six papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Dumbrell, Nikki P.; Kragt, Marit E.; Biggs, Jody; Meier, Elizabeth; Thorburn, Peter |
| Abstract: | Management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farms or increase on-farm carbon storage can contribute to climate change mitigation. Farmers, however, are only likely to adopt new management practices if they contribute to farm profitability. We use the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) to simulate how different cropping practices contribute to greenhouse gas abatement at case study farms in different grain growing regions across Australia. The APSIM simulations were subsequently used to calculate farm gross margins and conduct whole-farm economic modelling to estimate the costs of abatement under different management practices. Integrating detailed biophysical and economic analyses enables us to demonstrate the difference in potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across agricultural environments. We show this for two case study farms in different grain growing regions, where we found both positive and negative relationships between greenhouse gas abatement and profitability for the management practices. This diversity in potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across agricultural environments must be recognised in order to understand the role agriculture can play in climate change mitigation, and understand the implications of any potential future changes to include the industry in carbon pricing policies. |
| Keywords: | Whole-farm economics, APSIM, nitrous oxide, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, grain farms, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Q12, Q54, |
| Date: | 2015–11–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uwauwp:225674&r=env |
| By: | Antonescu, Daniela; Dumitrascu, Monica; Geacu, Sorin; Grigorescu, Ines |
| Abstract: | Under the global environmental changes, the impacts of human-induced activities on habitats and ecosystems have become increasingly high, thus the role of protected areas in conserving biodiversity becomes critical. As a result, protected areas are exposed to a variety of pressures (e.g. biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, deforestation, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, land use/land cover changes) posing major threats to ecosystems and their services. Currently, protected natural areas in Romania cover 1,798,782 hectares (7.55% of the national territory). An increased surface of protected areas was a priority of Romania’s following the accession to the European Union (2007), thus having to reach a 17% protected surface of the national territory (from 7% as it had previously been before EU accession) by means of other important conservative tools, such as “Natura 2000” European Network. The current study is aiming to provide a general overview on the natural protected areas in Romania, identify and assess the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) and, ultimately propose a strategic vision, for the next twenty years, based on key scenarios in relation to the measures and management guidelines assumed under the EU and national environmental policies. The research was undertaken in the framework of the project entitled: “Natural resources - strategic reserves, what we use and what we leave to future generations” supported by the Romanian Academy. |
| Keywords: | regional development, protected area, sustenable development |
| JEL: | Q0 Q2 Q20 Q28 R1 R11 |
| Date: | 2015–12–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:68317&r=env |
| By: | Huijie Yan (Aix-Marseille University (Aix-Marseille School of Economics), CNRS & EHESS) |
| Abstract: | The goal of sustainable development is far from being achieved in China. In this context, this paper aims to provide an overview of China’s energy, environment and health policies over the past 30 years and discuss whether the previous policies have fully integrated the energy, environment and health issues in its sustainable development agenda. From the overview, we observe that the energy policies accelerating energy industrial upgrading, stimulating development of new energy sources, deregulating energy pricing mechanism, promoting energy saving and seizing the opportunity of green growth are conducive to an improvement of environmental conditions and public health in China. However, the environmental policies are not effectively implemented and subsequently they could not succeed in reducing environmental risks on public health and putting pressure on enterprises to efficiently use energy. The health policies have not taken real actions to focus with any specificity on energy-induced or pollution-induced health problems. |
| Keywords: | Energy, Environment, Health, China |
| JEL: | Q48 Q53 Q58 I18 |
| Date: | 2015–11–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aim:wpaimx:1548&r=env |
| By: | Apergis, Nicholas; Ben Jebli, Mehdi |
| Abstract: | This paper employs a number of panel methodological approaches to explore the link between per capita carbon dioxide emissions, per capita real income, renewable energy consumption and health expenditures for a panel of 42 sub-Saharan African countries, spanning the period 1995-2011. The empirical findings provide supportive of a long-run relationship among the variables. Granger causality reveals the presence of a short-run unidirectional causality running from real GDP to CO2 emissions, a bidirectional causality between renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions, a unidirectional causality running from real GDP to renewable energy consumption, and a unidirectional causality running from real GDP to heath expenditure, while long-run estimates document that both renewable energy consumption and health expenditures contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, while real GDP leads to the increase of emissions in these countries. The results are expected to be of high importance for policymakers in the region. Both renewable energy consumption and expansionary health expenditures are the major drivers of pollution declines. In that sense the findings imply that a substantial part of the state budget in relevance to health expenditures would be a good path to combat global warming in these countries. |
| Keywords: | carbon emissions; renewable energy consumption; health expenditures; panel data; Sub-Saharan countries. |
| JEL: | C1 I15 |
| Date: | 2015–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:68294&r=env |
| By: | Reif, Christiane; Schenker, Oliver |
| Abstract: | The research conducted at the Research Department "Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Management" at ZEW provides a better understanding of environmental policy instruments, national sensitivities, and strategies for overcoming the impediments to global climate policy. The findings of this research can be subsumed by the following key messages: Even in situations of uncertainty, early and credible commitments like "intended nationally determined contributions" (INDCs) serve as important signals for future climate cooperation (Dannenberg et al. 2015). Given that situations and needs vary among countries, discussions on minimum participation rules can be expected to remain controversial among key players (Kesternich forthcoming). Coordinated emission reductions through the linking of different emission trading systems reduce the price tag of global climate policy goals (Hübler et al. 2014). Funding from industrialised countries for adaptation measures in developing countries - a potentially important part of a fair and effective global climate agreement - can be driven by the funders' own self-interest and motivated by international trade (Schenker and Stephan 2014). |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:zewpbs:52015&r=env |
| By: | Kim Collins; Roman Mendelevitch |
| Abstract: | Climate policy consistent with the 2°C target needs to install mechanisms that leave most current coal reserves unburned. Demand-side policies have been argued to be prone to adverse carbon leakage and “green paradox” effects. A growing strain of literature argues in favor of supply-side policies in order to curb future coal consumption. Various concepts with analogies in other sectors are currently discussed. Future empirical research on both demand- and supply-side policy is vital to be able to design efficient and effective policy instruments for climate change mitigation. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:diw:diwrup:87en&r=env |
| By: | Raphaël Jachnik; Victor Raynaud |
| Abstract: | In order to help address climate finance-related information needs under the UNFCCC, this paper explores the extent to which currently-available secondary data make it possible to estimate private finance mobilised by developed countries for climate action in developing countries. This is done by testing the implementation of two approaches: the first one based on an analysis of an investment-related commercial database, and the second one based on the use of publicly-available private finance leverage ratios. Due to data constraints, the focus is on renewable energy as a sub-set of climate mitigation activities. Volumes of private finance estimated as mobilised under the first approach are very partial, due to limitations of the database used, while the second approach results in highly inaccurate extrapolations due to a current lack of empirically-robust publicly-available private finance leverage ratios. These findings highlight the need for improved primary data collection, in particular by public climate finance providers on private co-finance, building upon the recent progress already achieved by a number of bilateral and multilateral development finance institutions. Further, very careful and transparent use should be made of leverage ratios, as they are highly sensitive to both the underlying calculation methods (e.g. in terms of attribution of mobilised private finance among public actors involved), as well as to core characteristics of public finance that result from varying mandates of development agencies and institutions. In any case, amounts of private finance mobilised by public actors and interventions (and ratios that can be calculated on such basis) should not necessarily be interpreted as reflecting their respective abilities to achieve effective and transformational climate action, which requires monitoring of impacts over time.<BR>Afin d’aider à répondre aux besoins d’informations concernant le financement climatique dans le cadre de la CNUCC, ce document explore dans quelle mesure les données secondaires actuellement disponibles rendent possible l’estimation des financements privés mobilisés par les pays développés pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement. Deux approches sont testées dans ce but : la première faisant usage d’une base de données commerciale de flux d’investissements, et la seconde de ratios d’effet de levier de finance privée rendus publics. Compte tenu des données disponibles, l’étude se concentre sur les énergies renouvelables en tant que sous-ensemble des activités d’atténuation au changement climatique. Les volumes de financement privé estimés comme mobilisés par la première approche sont très partiels du fait des limitations inhérentes à la base de données utilisée, tandis que les extrapolations résultant de la seconde approche sont très inexactes compte tenu du manque actuel de ratios d’effet de levier de finance privée fiables. Ces constats soulignent un besoin de collecte de meilleures données primaires, en particulier par les bailleurs de fonds publics concernant le co-financement privé, en poursuivant les progrès récent déjà réalisés par un certain nombre d’institutions bilatérales et multilatérales de développement. De plus, une utilisation prudente et transparente des ratios d’effet de levier est nécessaire compte tenu de leur grande sensibilité à la méthode de calcul sous-jacente (ex. attribution du financement privé mobilisé entre acteurs publics concernés) et aux caractéristiques clés de la finance publique découlant des différents mandats des agences et institutions de développement. Dans tous les cas, les montants de financement privé mobilisés par les acteurs et interventions publics (ainsi que les ratios pouvant être calculés sur cette base) ne doivent pas être nécessairement interprétés comme reflétant leurs capacités respectives à atteindre des résultats efficaces et transformationnels en termes d’action climatique, ce qui nécessite un suivi des impacts dans le temps. |
| Keywords: | renewable energy, climate change, leverage, mobilisation, public interventions, private finance, financement privé, mobilisation, changement climatique, énergie renouvelable |
| JEL: | F21 F53 G2 O16 O19 Q42 Q54 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–12–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:98-en&r=env |
| By: | Ana Alejandra Rios, Dulce M. Espinosa, Daniel A. Revollo (Fondo para la paz I.A.P.) |
| Abstract: | Since a couple of decades, climate change has turned into one of the most relevant issues of research, from predictable climate variation, to the effects and capacities of resilience and adaptation that are occurring in different ecosystems and human settlements. This research, through experimental economy, had the purpose of knowing the behavior of the Calakmul community in Mexico in relation with the consumption of water from the water deposits (a common use resource), as a result of the decrease in rains, caused by climate change. The game that was conceived to analyze this research is supported by experimental economy that analyzed the behavior of people concerning the use of water from the water deposits and its relation with wild animals; it had 5 different processing’s (with different scenarios regarding lack of water and wild animals) and it was practiced with 180 inhabitants from three communities in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico. Furthermore, each player fulfilled a survey and a group interview session was made to each group of study. The obtained results show that in scarce water scenarios (BL+A, BL+S1, BL+S2) the amount of decisions related to extracting water from the water deposits increases, compared to the scenarios in which there is no lack of water (4%, 15.6%, and 15.8%, respectively). On the other hand, through analyzing the standard deviations, it is shown that in scenarios of scarcity, rates of inequality amongst the communities increase. In addition, the importance of creating tools that could improve or increase the capital stock rate inside and amongst the communities was verified; not only regarding the use and preservation of water from the water deposits, but for the development of the population. One interesting strategy that is retrieved from the experiment’s results is that when there was communication amongst players, regardless of the scenario and processing, there was a decrease in water consumption from the water deposits and wild animals were considered in their analysis for decision-making. Concerning wild animals, it is shown that there is a dependency between the use of animals and the inhabitants of Calakmul, this situation is difficult because there is no altruism that works towards preserving the water deposits focusing on wild life, because more than 80% of the participants get a provisional service to consume, raise or sell these wild animals. Finally, 45% of the adaptation strategies concerning climate change correspond to variations in afforestation and 38% in inactivity; this allowed us, during the presentation of results made before relevant institutions and figures from the area, to analyze and incorporate in an agreement committee 32 actions distributed in six general topics: training, infrastructure, regulation, restructuring, politics, and community organization towards a good use and preservation of the water deposits from Calakmul. |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lae:wpaper:201470&r=env |
| By: | Jared C. Carbone (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines); Nicholas Rivers (University of Ottawa) |
| Keywords: | competitiveness, leakage, policy, carbon tax, climate change, computable general equilibrium |
| JEL: | C68 Q52 Q54 |
| Date: | 2015–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mns:pbrief:wp2014-05&r=env |
| By: | Marcelo Caffera, Alejandro Lagomarsino (Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales y Economía, Universidad de Montevideo) |
| Abstract: | This paper fills a gap in the literature by providing empirical estimates of the effect that enforcement actions by municipal and national authorities have on the level of both reported and actual emissions (as measured by sampling inspections) of industrial plants. In a regulatory framework where non-complying is ubiquitous and most violations are not followed by a sanction, we provide evidence consistent with under-reporting of BOD discharges by industrial plants. Previous empirical analyses on environmental enforcement either did not deal with this question or were not able to find such evidence. |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lae:wpaper:201466&r=env |
| By: | Edward J. Balistreri (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines); Daniel T. Kaffine (Department of Economics, University of Colorado, at Boulder); Hidemichi Yonezawa (Institute of the Environment, University of Ottawa) |
| Keywords: | climate policy, border tax adjustments, carbon leakage, trade and carbon taxes |
| JEL: | F18 Q54 Q40 K33 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mns:pbrief:wp2014-03&r=env |
| By: | Hohnhold, Kai |
| Abstract: | Die ambitionierten Klimaschutzziele der deutschen Bundesregierung in Bezug auf die Reduktion der CO2-Emissionen sind nur mit Hilfe einer Steigerung der Energieeffizienz zu erreichen. Doch um eine Verbesserung in diesem Gebiet herbeiführen zu können, ist es notwendig, die aktuelle Situation zu erfassen und zu analysieren, um in einem nächsten Schritt Einsparpotenziale identifizieren und quantifizieren zu können. Die vorliegende Arbeit hat daher zum Ziel Kennzahlen für den mittelständischen Einzelhandel zu berechnen, Verbrauchstrukturen aufzudecken und Einsparpotenziale aufzuzeigen. Hierfür werden 172 Energieberatungsberichte aus den fünf Einzelhandelbranchen Apotheken, Elektronikeinzelhandel, Lebensmitteleinzelhandel, Möbeleinzelhandel sowie Mode- und Sportartikeleinzelhandel ausgewertet. In der Untersuchung werden Verbrauchsstrukturen aufgedeckt und die aktuelle Situation erfasst. Des Weiteren kann festgestellt werden, dass in allen untersuchten Branchen Energieeinsparpotenziale sowie folglich auch Möglichkeiten zur Reduzierung der Energiekostenbelastung der Einzelhändler vorliegen und in welchen Bereichen diese zu finden sind. |
| Abstract: | The ambitious climate protection targets of the German Federal Government regarding to the reduction of CO2 emissions can only be reached by an increase of the energy efficiency. However, to be able to effect an improvement in this subject, it is necessary to detect and analyze the current situation in order to identify and quantify potential savings in a next step. Hence, the goals of this study are to calculate performance indicators for medium-sized retailers, to uncover patterns of consumption and to identify potential savings. For this purpose 172 energy consulting reports from five different retail industries are evaluated. These include pharmacies, electronic retailing, food retailing, furniture retailing as well as fashion and sporting goods retailing. In the investigation consumption structures are revealed and the current situation is seized. Furthermore it can be determined that in all investigated retail industries energy saving potentials as well as possibilities for the reduction of the energy cost load of the retailers are present and in which these are to be found. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wwuifg:158&r=env |
| By: | Andrea García Tapia, Carlos Muñoz Piña (Centro Mario Molina para Estudios Estratégicos sobre Energía y Medio Ambiente A.C. (CMM)) |
| Abstract: | Over the last decade, Mexico has experienced a sharp increase in the economic costs associated with hydrometeorological disasters, most notably floods, hurricanes and droughts. This is attributed to the combination of an increasing population and expanding economic activities along Mexico’s coastal areas and arid zones with the mismanagement of its urban growth. To make it worse, risks would only grow in the future under the current basic Climate Change predictions for Mexico. While immediate and short-term costs of disasters are clear, little is known about its longer-run effects on (regional) growth. To address these questions this paper uses an endogenous growth model with panel data for all 31 Mexican states for the period 2002-2007, which includes as explanatory variables all major and medium disasters in this period. Our results show that major disasters, of a magnitude enough to be declared as such by the National Disaster Prevention Center and thus eligible to receive federal relief funds, do have a negative impact on economic growth in the short term, but that this effect gradually fades away and becomes negligible for medium term growth. Thus the opportunity cost of relief funds is not as high as expected as compared to other public spending. However, when analyzing “smaller” disasters, we find a surprisingly counterintuitive effect: we find evidence of a positive effect of disasters on growth, both in the short-run and medium-run terms. This can only be explained by arguments akin to Schumpeter’s creative destruction hypothesis, where capital replacement with embodied technological change is responsible for boosts to productivity after a disaster’s shock. If this holds true in further test we would have new arguments, not to disregard climate resilience, but to favor policies that mimic a disaster’s reconstruction effects on capital replacement, essentially forcing economic agents to forego capital they would not otherwise replace. New questions emerge from these results regarding the interaction of the magnitude of the disaster, the amount of relief support and growth? |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lae:wpaper:201468&r=env |
| By: | Dominique Thronicker (Division of Economics, University of Stirling); Ian Lange (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines) |
| Keywords: | Carbon Capture and Storage, Regression Analysis, Carbon Policy, Technological Change |
| JEL: | L51 Q5 H3 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mns:pbrief:wp2014-14&r=env |
| By: | Guy Meunier (Ecole Polytechnique [Palaiseau] - Ecole Polytechnique, INRA- UR1303 ALISS) |
| Abstract: | We study a situation in which two goods jointly generate an externality but only one of them is regulated. Unilateral regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and related carbon leakage is a well known example. We compare tax and quantity instruments under uncertainty à la Weitzman (1974). Because of the uncertainty surrounding the unregulated good, the external cost is stochastic with both instruments. Whether the unregulated good quantity is more or less variable under a tax or under a quota depends on the degree of substitutability and the correlation between uncertainties on private valuations. In case of a positive correlation and imperfect substitution, a tax better stabilize the unregulated good quantity and can therefore dominate a quota when the slope of the external cost associated to the unregulated good is large. In a specification, relevant for leakage, it is shown that if uncertainty about the unregulated good (imports) is large, a tax might be preferable to a quota, regardless of the convexity of the external cost. |
| Keywords: | Environmental regulation, Tax , Quotas, Multi-pollutant, Carbon leakage |
| Date: | 2015–12–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01242040&r=env |
| By: | Acemoglu, Daron (Massachusetts Institute of Technology and CIFAR); Akcigit , Ufuk (University of Pennsylvania); Hanley, Douglas (University of Pittsburgh); Kerr, William R. (Harvard University) |
| Abstract: | We develop a microeconomic model of endogenous growth where clean and dirty technologies compete in production and innovation–in the sense that research can be directed to either clean or dirty technologies. If dirty technologies are more advanced to start with, the potential transition to clean technology can be difficult both because clean research must climb several rungs to catch up with dirty technology and because this gap discourages research effort directed towards clean technologies. Carbon taxes and research subsidies may nonetheless encourage production and innovation in clean technologies, though the transition will typically be slow. We characterize certain general properties of the transition path from dirty to clean technology. We then estimate the model using a combination of regression analysis on the relationship between R&D and patents, and simulated method of moments using microdata on employment, production, R&D, firm growth, entry and exit from the US energy sector. The model’s quantitative implications match a range of moments not targeted in the estimation quite well. We then characterize the optimal policy path implied by the model and our estimates. Optimal policy makes heavy use of research subsidies as well as carbon taxes. We use the model to evaluate the welfare consequences of a range of alternative policies. |
| Keywords: | carbon cycle; directed technological change; environment; innovation; optimal policy |
| JEL: | C65 O30 O31 O33 |
| Date: | 2015–12–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:bofrdp:2015_026&r=env |
| By: | Ke Wang; Yi-Ming Wei (Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEP), Beijing Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: | Given that different energy inputs play different roles in production and that energy policy decision making requires an evaluation of productivity change in individual energy input to provide insight into the scope for improvement of the utilization of specific energy input, this study develops, based on the Luenberger productivity indicator and data envelopment analysis models, an aggregated specific energy productivity indicator combining the individual energy input productivity indicators that account for the contributions of each specific energy input towards energy productivity change. In addition, these indicators can be further decomposed into four factors: pure efficiency change, scale efficiency change, pure technology change, and scale of technology change. These decompositions enable a determination of which specific energy input is the driving force of energy productivity change and which of the four factors is the primary contributor of energy productivity change. An empirical analysis of China¡¯s energy productivity change over the period 1997-2012 indicates that (i) China¡¯s energy productivity growth may be overestimated if energy consumption structure is omitted; (ii) in regard to the contribution of specific energy input towards energy productivity growth, oil and electricity show positive contributions, but coal and natural gas show negative contributions; (iii) energy-specific productivity changes are mainly caused by technical changes rather than efficiency changes; (iv) the Porter Hypothesis is partially supported in China that carbon emissions control regulations may lead to energy productivity growth. |
| Keywords: | Carbon emissions, Data envelopment analysis, Driving force, Input specific productivity indicator |
| JEL: | Q54 Q40 |
| Date: | 2015–10–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:biw:wpaper:86&r=env |
| By: | Brian C. Murray (Duke University); Peter T. Maniloff (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines); Evan M. Murray (Duke University) |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mns:pbrief:wp2014-04&r=env |
| By: | Massimiliano Mazzanti (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara, Italy); Antonio Musolesi (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara, Italy) |
| Abstract: | The paper assesses the eect of the 1992 United Nations Rio Convention on environment and development and other unknown structural time breaks on the long-run carbon dioxide-economic development relationship for dierent groups of advanced countries. Using an interrupted time series approach, three patterns of the dynamics of carbon dioxide are obtained: one is market-led, one is market- and policy-led, and one is more development-oriented. |
| Keywords: | Carbon Kuznets curves, UN Rio convention, policy events, oil shocks, intervention analysis, structural breaks |
| JEL: | C22 Q53 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:srt:wpaper:1815&r=env |
| By: | Roberta De Santis; Cecilia Jona Lasinio |
| Abstract: | In this paper we test the weak Porter hypothesis on a sample of European economies in the period 1995-2008. We focus on the channels through which tighter environmental regulation affects productivity and innovation. Our findings suggest that the “weak” Porter hypothesis cannot be rejected and that the choice of policy instruments is not neutral. In particular, market based environmental stringency measures seem to be the most suitable to stimulate innovation and productivity growth. Consistently with the strategic reorientation of environmental policies in the European Union since the end of the eighties, our results indicate that the EU might privilege market based instruments in order to meet more effectively the 2030 targets, especially through the channels of innovation and productivity enhancement. |
| Keywords: | environmental regulation, productivity, innovation, Porter hypothesis |
| JEL: | D24 Q50 Q55 O47 O31 |
| Date: | 2015–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eiq:eileqs:100&r=env |
| By: | Edward J. Balistreri (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines); Christoph Bohringer (Department of Economics, University of Oldenburg); Thomas F. Rutherford (University of Wisconsin) |
| Keywords: | Heterogeneous firms, carbon leakage, competitive effects |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mns:pbrief:wp2015-02&r=env |
| By: | Chowdhury, Shyamal; Krause, Annabelle; Zimmermann, Klaus F |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the effect of drinking arsenic contaminated water on mental health. Drinking water with an unsafe arsenic level for a prolonged period can lead to arsenicosis, which includes symptoms such as black spots on the skin and subsequent illnesses such as various cancers. We collected household survey data from Bangladesh, a country with wide arsenic contamination of groundwater to construct several measures for arsenic contamination that include the actual arsenic level in the respondent’s tubewell (TW) and past institutional arsenic test results, as well as collected household members’ arsenicosis symptoms and their physical and mental health. We find that suffering from an arsenicosis symptom is strongly negatively related to mental health, even more so than from other illnesses. Furthermore, individuals drinking from an untested TW have lower mental health and having to walk a longer distance to a TW also decreases mental health. Calculations of the costs of arsenic contamination reveal that the average individual would need to be compensated for suffering from an arsenicosis symptom by an amount as high as the average annual household income. |
| Keywords: | arsenic; Bangladesh; environment; mental health; subjective well-being; water pollution |
| JEL: | I10 I31 Q53 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:10978&r=env |
| By: | Valeria Groppo; Kati Krähnert |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes the short- and long-term impact of extreme weather events on educational outcomes in Mongolia. Our focus is on two extremely severe winters that caused mass livestock mortality. We use household panel data with comprehensive retrospective information on households’ historic experience with weather shocks. Exposure to the weather shock significantly reduces the likelihood of being enrolled in mandatory school two to three years after the shock. Similarly, it significantly reduces the probability of completing basic education ten to eleven years after the shock. Both effects are driven by children from herding households. Results are robust to measuring shock intensity with district-level livestock mortality and climate data as well as household-level livestock losses. Exposure to weather shocks during preschool age (as opposed to exposure during primary and secondary school age) yields the worst consequences for educational attainment. Overall, the evidence points toward income effects as the channel through which the shock impacts education. |
| Keywords: | human capital accumulation, weather shocks, Mongolia |
| JEL: | I25 Q54 O12 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:diw:diwwpp:dp1534&r=env |
| By: | André Fontana |
| Abstract: | Après avoir évoqué différentes pistes relatives aux énergies alternatives disponibles dans nos Sociétés, l’accent est mis sur l’attractivité de la valorisation de la biomasse et ses limites environnementales et économiques. |
| Keywords: | énergie renouvelable; biomasse; limites écologiques et économiques |
| JEL: | Q23 Q34 Q42 Q48 Q51 |
| Date: | 2015–12–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sol:wpaper:2013/221883&r=env |
| By: | Pierre Bentata (Université de Paris 2, CRED); Yolande Hiriart (Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CRESE, IUF) |
| Abstract: | Using an original database of 614 judgements in the French supreme courts from 1956 to 2010, we test for possible biases in judges’ decisions in the field of environmental accidents, focusing on a difference in treatment between private parties and the government as litigant. Two separate institutions deal with environmental cases in France, namely the Conseil d’E´tat (Supreme Administrative Tribunal) for public utilities and central and local government, and the Cour de cassation (Supreme Civil Court) for private firms. We run bivariate Probit regressions to explain pro-defendant decisions and reversals of decisions. Overall, courts treat plaintiffs and defendants differently. A pro-defendant decision and a reversal of decision are less likely to occur: (i) when the appeal is initiated by the defendant rather than by the plaintiff; (ii) in the Conseil d’Etat rather than in the Cour de cassation. The Conseil d’Etat is harsher with defendants than the Cour de cassation. These results could be indicative of a bias of the lower administrative tribunals in favor of public utilities and/or the government. |
| Keywords: | environmental accidents, French cases, litigation, Appellate Courts, judicial review, judicial behavior, biased judges, administrative tribunals |
| JEL: | K13 K32 K41 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:crb:wpaper:2015-17&r=env |
| By: | Yahya F. Anouti (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines); Carol A. Dahl (Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines) |
| Keywords: | transport policy, energy demand, subsidy, externalities, gasoline, diesel |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mns:pbrief:wp2014-01&r=env |
| By: | Shahbaz, Muhammad; Loganathan, Nanthakumar; Muzaffar, Ahmed Taneem; Ahmed, Khalid; Jabran, Muhammad Ali |
| Abstract: | We investigate the impact of urbanisation on CO2 emissions by applying the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) in the case of Malaysia over the period of 1970Q1-2011Q4. Empirically, after testing the integrating properties of the variables using unit root test, we applied the Bayer-Hanck combined cointegration approach to examine the cointegration relationship between the variables. Further, we tested the robustness of long-run relationship in the presence of structural breaks using ARDL bounds testing approach. The causal relationship between the variables is investigated by applying the VECM Granger causality test. Our results validate the existence of cointegration in the presence of structural breaks. The empirical results exposed that economic growth is a major contributor to CO2 emissions. Besides, energy consumption raises emissions intensity and capital stock boosts energy consumption. Trade openness leads affluence and hence increases CO2 emissions. More importantly, we find that the relationship between urbanisation and CO2 emissions is U-shaped i.e. urbanisation initially reduces CO2 emissions, but after a threshold level, it increases CO2 emissions. The causality analysis suggests that the urbanization Granger causes CO2 emissions. |
| Keywords: | Urbanisation, Energy, Malaysia |
| JEL: | C01 |
| Date: | 2015–12–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:68422&r=env |
| By: | Billings, Stephen B.; Schnepel, Kevin |
| Abstract: | The presence of lead paint significantly impairs cognitive and behavioral development, yet little is known about how this residence-specific environmental health risk affects property values. In this paper, we estimate the benefits of lead-paint remediation on housing prices. Using data on all homes that applied to a HUD-funded program in Charlotte, North Carolina, we adopt a difference-in-differences estimator that compares values among remediated properties with those for which an inspection does not identify a lead paint hazard. Results indicate that remediation has large benefits—a typical investment of $7,291 is associated with a capitalized benefit of $20,323 as well as a reduction in residential turnover. |
| Keywords: | lead exposure; lead paint; lead hazard control, environmental quality; urban environmental health; difference-in-differences |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:syd:wpaper:2015-23&r=env |
| By: | Juan Robalino and Felipe Gómez (CATIE - Universidad de Costa Rica) |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lae:wpaper:201572&r=env |
| By: | Soliman, Ibrahim; Mashhour, Ahmed |
| Abstract: | Arab Economic Unity Council, the Arab Federation for the Protection of Wildlife, the activities of the Arab Conference Towards a new strategy for activating the role of Arab associations for the promotion of united Arab economic action Cairo, Nasr City 04/16/2015 |
| Keywords: | Toward Arabian program to raise genetic investment efficiency in animal assets in Arab countries, genetic, investment, animal assets, Arab countries, Livestock Production/Industries, Political Economy, Production Economics, Public Economics, |
| Date: | 2015–04–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:zudaja:226132&r=env |
| By: | Kapepula Lumami; Théophile Ndikumana; Céline Gisèle Jung |
| Abstract: | Le présent travail, a procédé à la caractérisation et la quantification des constituants des déchets de biomasse déversés à la décharge de Mubone en procédant un à tri manuel.Il a été montré que la fraction fermentescible varie de 68 à 72%. En tenant compte des analyses immédiates et élémentaires de chaque fraction, les bilans massiques et énergétiques des procédés de thermolyse et de gazéification des déchets sont évalués grâce à l’utilisation d’un « outil prédictif Excel » développé à l’Université Libre de Bruxelles et basé sur l’hypothèse d’additivité du comportement de chaque composant du déchet durant la décomposition thermique.Les résultats obtenus en utilisant cet outil pour le mélange de déchets fermentescible séchés à 35% d’humidité et dont les différentes fractions sont quantifiées dans l’étude, permet de d’obtenir des combustibles de substitution dont les énergies récupérables sont comprises entre 13.5 et 15.7GJ par tonne déchets séchés pyrolysés et entre17,5 à 22,5GJ par tonne déchets séchés gazéifiés.Le PCI des fractions fermentescibles des déchets bruts ont été évaluées par calorimétrie. Ces fractions fournissent un pouvoir calorifique inférieur compris entre 3,9 MJ/kg et 5,9MJ/kg. L’utilisation de l’outil comme modèle prédictif simple, il est montré que les voies de traitement thermiques de pyrolyse et gazéification peuvent être envisagées afin de permettre de fournir de l’énergie aux ménages de Bujumbura en évitant aussi la déforestation.Il est important de noter que le séchage dans les pays chauds tels que le Burundi peut être effectué sans dépense d’énergie mais en utilisant l’énergie solaire. |
| Keywords: | Déchets solides; biomasse; fermentescibles; pyrolyse; gazéification |
| JEL: | O33 Q16 |
| Date: | 2015–12–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sol:wpaper:2013/222051&r=env |
| By: | Edward Anderson and Pär Holmberg |
| Abstract: | We consider a procurement auction, where each supplier has private costs and submits a stepped supply function. We solve for a Bayesian Nash equilibrium and show that the equilibrium has a price instability in the sense that a minor change in a supplier’s cost sometimes result in a major change in the market price. In wholesale electricity markets, we predict that the bid price of the most expensive production unit can change by 1-10% due to price instability. The price instability is reduced when suppliers have more steps in their supply functions for a given production technology. In the limit, as the number of steps increases and the cost uncertainty decreases, the Bayesian equilibrium converges to a pure-strategy NE without price instability, the Supply Function Equilibrium (SFE). |
| Keywords: | Multi-unit auctions, indivisible unit, price instability, Bayesian Nash equilibria, supply function equilibria, convergence of Nash equilibria, wholesale electricity markets |
| JEL: | C62 C72 D43 D44 L94 |
| Date: | 2015–12–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:1538&r=env |
| By: | Javier Aliaga Lordemann, Alejandro Herrera Jimenez, Dirk Hoffmann (In association with the Bolivian Mountain Institute (BMI)) |
| Abstract: | Evidencia reciente muestra que en las últimas décadas se ha registrado procesos de derretimiento glacial y fenómenos climáticos que inciden en la disponibilidad del recurso agua en la región del Altiplano de Bolivia. Estos efectos son directamente atribuibles al Cambio Climático, fenómeno evidenciable en varias regiones similares. En este estudio, se considera que estos shocks exógenos afectan los procesos productivos y sociales con consecuencias sobre las relaciones sociales y económicas de las comunidades. Mediante la aplicación de técnicas de economía experimental, este estudio analiza el efecto de cambios en la disponibilidad del recurso agua sobre los patrones de comportamiento de uso del recurso en productores de papa en la región altiplánica. Para evaluar el comportamiento de los mismos, se introducen diferentes niveles de disponibilidad del recurso agua y se plantean alternativas de adaptación al Cambio Climático en el juego experimental, evidenciando que escenarios climáticos adversos conducen a la sobreutilización del recurso principalmente en comunidades altamente dependientes de la actividad agrícola. La introducción de la figura del Juez de Agua en el juego experimental, plantea una alternativa endógena que reduce el uso excesivo del recurso agua, permitiendo acercarse a un equilibrio social en la región de estudio. |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lae:wpaper:201471&r=env |
| By: | Richard Danvers Smart; Matthias Blum; Justus Wesseler |
| Abstract: | The regulation of genetically engineered crops is important for society: ensuring their safety for humans and the environment. Their authorization starts with a scientific step and ends with a political step. Trends in the time taken for their authorization in the European Union are that they are decreasing, but in the United States there is a break in the overall trend: initially it decreased until 1998 after which it increased. |
| Keywords: | Regulation, Agriculture, Agricultural economics, Innovations, GMO, Biotechnology |
| JEL: | Q16 Q18 N22 N24 N42 N44 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qub:wpaper:1403&r=env |
| By: | Bachev, Hrabrin |
| Abstract: | This paper attempts to give answer to some important questions, on which there is no agreement among researchers, namely: „what is farm sustainability?“, „what is the relation between farm and agrarian sustainability?“, “which are critical factors of farms sustainability?”, and „how to assess farms sustainability level“. First, evolution of the “concept” of farm sustainability as alternative ideology, new strategy, system characteristics etc. is analyzed and discussed. On that base is suggested adequate definition of farm sustainability as ability of a particular farm to maintain its governance, economic, social and ecological functions in a long term. The final goal is better define farm sustainability and develop an efficient framework for assessing sustainability level of different type of farms. |
| Keywords: | farm sustainability, governance, economic, social, ecological aspects, framework for assessment |
| JEL: | Q12 Q18 Q2 Q3 Q5 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:68434&r=env |
| By: | Wübker, Ansgar |
| Abstract: | Bis zum Jahr 2030 wird es laut Prognosen voraussichtlich 720 000 zusätzliche Pflegebedürftigegeben. Das stellt die Altenpflege vor große Herausforderungen: Bereits heute gibtes einen Mangel an qualifiziertem Personal und zu wenig Planungssicherheit für privateInvestoren. Regulatorische Vorgaben müssen abgebaut, die Arbeitsbedingungen in derPflege verbessert und die Möglichkeiten der Prävention in der (haus-)ärztlichen Versorgungausgenutzt werden. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:rwiimp:123302&r=env |