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on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Hennicke, Peter; Fischedick, Manfred; Knoop, Katharina; Luhmann, Jochen; Fink, Thomas |
| Abstract: | Will climate change stay below the 2 degree target in the 21st century on the basis of the COP 21 results? Looking into challenges and opportunities, this paper answers: To stay below the global 2dt is neither a real choice for the world society nor for businesses and civil societies in specific countries. It is a global guideline, scientifically developed for global negotiations, which should be broken down to national interests and actors. Key questions concerning the energy sector from the perspective of national interests are how to create and sustain a momentum for the inevitable energy transition, how to encourage disruptive innovations, avoid lock in effects, enable rapid deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energies etc. Or in other words: how to get to a competitive, economically benign, inclusive, low carbon and risk minimising energy system. With this background the paper argues that "burden sharing" is a misleading perception of strong climate mitigation strategies. It is more realistic to talk about "benefit sharing", using the monetary benefits and co-benefits of climate mitigation (e.g. energy cost savings, revenues from CO2-tax or emission trading systems) to help vulnerable national and international actors to adapt to the unavoidable climate risks. It has to be demonstrated on country level that the technologies and policy mix of strong climate mitigation and risk-minimising actions are indeed "benefit sharing" strategies which should be chosen anyhow, even if there was no climate change. For China and Germany this paper includes basic findings supporting this view. |
| Abstract: | Bleibt nach den Beschlüssen von COP 21 der Klimawandel im 21. Jahrhundert unter dem 2 Grad Ziel? Dieses Papier argumentiert: Unter dem 2 Grad Ziel zu bleiben ist weder in globaler noch in nationaler Hinsicht ein reales Aktionsziel. Es handelt sich um eine globale Zielorientierung, die auf Basis bestmöglicher wissenschaftlicher Analysen für ein weltweites Klimaschutzregime entwickelt worden ist, aber auf nationale Interessen, Strategien und Akteure heruntergebrochen werden muss. Aus nationaler Perspektive ist zu fragen, wie eine Dynamik in Richtung der ohnehin notwendigen Transformation des Energiesystems erreicht werden kann: Wie können Innovationen ermutigt, Lock-in Effekte vermieden und die focierte Markteinführung von Effizienz und Erneuerbaren beschleunigt werden, um auf eine risikominimales Energiesystem rascher umzusteuern? Das Papier argumentiert, dass "Burden Sharing" eine irreführende Wahrnehmung dieses Transformationsprozesses darstellt. Es handelt sich vielmehr um einen komplexen Prozess des "Benefit Sharing", der mit einschließt, dass besonders verwundbaren Ländern und Akteuren die Anpassung an den unvermeidlichen Klimawandel erleichtert wird. Insofern gilt es nach COP 21 primär durch System- und Szenarienanalysen zu demonstrieren, dass nationale Strategien und Techniken des Klimaschutzes und der Risikominimierung ohnehin implementiert werden sollten, auch wenn es den Klimawandel nicht geben würde. Am Beispiel China und vor allem der Energiewende in Deutschland werden diese Thesen konkretisiert. |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wuppap:189&r=env |
| By: | D’Aprile, Aurora |
| Abstract: | With the long term goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C and "to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C", the Paris Agreement puts renewed attention on the portfolio of technologies needed to achieve consistent emission reductions and reach "a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks” in the second half of this century. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, after having been hailed as a promising mitigation option around a decade ago, is undergoing a gruelling path to stay on top of the expectations. The opportunities and constraints in deploying large-scale carbon capture and storage systems are of the utmost actuality, as the technology promises to get rid of up to 90% of the most common greenhouse gases produced in industrial and energy plants before they reach the atmosphere (or even to achieve “negative” emissions, if combined with biomass). Despite potential benefits, CCS development and deployment proceeded at a far slower rate than what was expected and are struggling to emerge as a sound low-carbon choice for governments and investors. Based on recent existing literature, this reflection explores the main progress and deadlocks in CCS’s difficult path. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Carbon Sequestration, CCS, Carbon Mitigation, Low-carbon Technology, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Q42, Q55, Q58, |
| Date: | 2016–04–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:234937&r=env |
| By: | Ditya Agung Nurdianto (The Australian National University) |
| Abstract: | The establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 has been on the agenda for quite some time. One issue that recently emerged is the climate change issue in which each member of ASEAN needs to respond. The main goal of this study is to analyze the benefits and losses of cooperation among ASEAN members in mitigating their carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, particularly by implementing a uniform carbon tax across ASEAN. To achieve this goal, this study develops a multi-country computable general equilibrium (CGE) for ASEAN, known as the Inter-Regional System of Analysis for ASEAN (IRSA-ASEAN) model. An ASEAN Social Accounting Matrix (ASEAN-SAM) consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam is constructed as the main database for this CGE. This study finds that the implementation of a carbon tax scenario is an effective means of reducing carbon emissions in the region. However, this environmental gain could come at a cost in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) contraction and reduction in social welfare, i.e. household income. Nevertheless, Indonesia and Vietnam can still gain from the implementation of a carbon tax depending on how revenues generated from the carbon tax are redistributed. |
| Keywords: | ASEAN, climate change, CGE, carbon tax |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:tpaper:tp201604t5&r=env |
| By: | Bonnet, Céline; Bouamra-Mechemache, Zohra; Corre, Tifenn |
| Abstract: | After fossil fuels, agricultural production and fisheries are industries with the largest impact on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially in the production of ruminant meats such as beef, veal or lamb. In order to reduce this environmental impact, consumers can change their food consumption habits to utilize less polluting products such as white meats or vegetable food products. We analyze whether or not a CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq) tax policy can change consumer habits with respect to meat and marine purchases, and using different indicators, we examine the effect of such a tax policy on the environment. We also infer the implications of such a tax on nutritional indicators as well as on consumer welfare. First, to evaluate the impact of a variation in the price of meat and marine products on consumption, we estimate a random coeficients logit demand model using purchase data from the French household panel Kantar Worldpanel. We define 28 meat and marine products, and divide them into eight meat and marine product categories. This model allows us to estimate flexible own- and cross-price elasticities of meat and marine products' demand. Results on the consumer purchase behavior model suggest that the demands for these products are fairly inelastic, and substitutions occur both within and between categories for all products. Moreover, using two levels of a CO2-eq tax (€56 and €200 per tonne of CO2-eq per kilogram of product) applied to either all meat and marine products, only ruminant meats, or only beef, we show that a tax of €56 leads to a very small change in GHG emissions, even if all meat and marine products are taxed. The most efficient scenario would be to tax only the beef category at a high level since it would allow a 70% reduction in the total variation of GHG emissions, and would be responsible for only 20% of the consumer welfare damages generated when all products are taxed. |
| Keywords: | meat, demand analysis, environment, greenhouse gas, CO2-eq tax, consumer diet |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tse:wpaper:30419&r=env |
| By: | Armon Rezai; Frederick van der Ploeg |
| Abstract: | Climate change must deal with two market failures: global warming and learning by doing in renewable use. The first-best policy consists of an aggressive renewables subsidy in the near term and a gradually rising and falling carbon tax. Given that global carbon taxes remain elusive, policy makers have to use a second-best subsidy. In case of credible commitment, the second-best subsidy is set higher than the social benefit of learning. It allows the transition time and peak warming close to first-best levels at the cost of higher fossil fuel use (weak Green Paradox). If policy makers cannot commit, the second-best subsidy is set to the social benefit of learning. It generates smaller weak Green Paradox effects, but the transition to the carbon-free takes longer and cumulative carbon emissions are higher. Under first-best and second best with pre-commitment peak warming is 2.1 - 2.3 °C, under second best without commitment 3.5°C, and without any policy temperature 5.1°C above pre-industrial levels. Not being able to commit yields a welfare loss of 95% of initial GDP compared to first best. Being able to commit brings this figure down to 7%. |
| Keywords: | first-best and second-best policy, commitment, Markov-perfect, Ramsey growth, carbon tax, renewables subsidy, learning by doing, directed technical change |
| JEL: | H21 Q51 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:oxcrwp:168&r=env |
| By: | Llop Llop, Maria |
| Abstract: | The literature on environmental taxation provides a consistent range of knowledge about the welfare impacts of pollution regulation. In particular, an important body of research has warned that partial-equilibrium analysis is not appropriate for showing the interactions of environmental taxes with pre-existing (distortionary) taxes. However, all the research undertaken to date has focused on environmental pollution, while other topics in environmental economics, such as the preservation of natural resources, have not warranted much attention in the optimal taxation literature. This paper examines the role of alternative instruments in preserving natural resources. Using a simple general equilibrium model, the welfare effects of taxes on final goods, taxes on natural resources and extraction permits are analysed by applying a second-best approach, based on the existence of initial distortionary taxes. This analysis not only takes into account the non-use utility coming from the mere existence of natural resources, but also captures the consequences of enjoying environmental goods on labour supply decisions, through the use-value attributed to natural resources. The findings in this paper precise the standard results of the second-best literature on pollution control and offer an extension to the knowledge of the natural resources preservation policies. Keywords: natural resources; environmental regulation; tax-interaction effects; use and non-use value. |
| Keywords: | Medi ambient -- Impostos, 33 - Economia, 504 - Ciències del medi ambient, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/261533&r=env |
| By: | Chichilnisky, Graciela (Columbia University); Hammond, Peter J. (University of Warwick) |
| Abstract: | Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol allowed emissions trading; Article 12 defined a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In a simple theoretical model we adapt standard gains from trade results to demonstrate that, relative to any status quo with specified worldwide aggregate emissions: first, emissions trading with a suitable international distribution of permit rights generally allows each nation more consumption while aggregate emissions remain constant; second, the CDM generally adds to these efficiency gains by reducing further the total cost of achieving any target worldwide emissions level. The provisions of the 2015 Paris Agreement that grant credit for carbon removals allow even further potential gains. Contrary to some claims, the Kyoto Protocol is not “defunct”; instead, retaining its key provisions of emissions trade and the CDM while including credit for carbon removals could make emissions reductions much more affordable. Yet an essential part of the institutional background required to make international trade in emissions permits function well has been destroyed by the Paris Agreement, since it lacks mandatory limits of the kind that the Kyoto Protocol imposed. |
| Keywords: | carbon dioxide emissions, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, emissions trade, clean development mechanism, gains from trade, carbon removals JEL Classification: Q54, Q56, D62, D61 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cge:wacage:287&r=env |
| By: | Bosello, Francesco; Davide, Marinella; Alloisio, Isabella |
| Abstract: | The EU has a consolidated climate and energy regulation: it played a pioneering role by adopting a wide range of climate change policies and establishing the first regional Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS). These policies, however, raise several concerns regarding both their environmental effectiveness and their potentially negative effect on the economy, especially in terms of growth and competitiveness. The paper reviews the European experience in order to understand if these concerns are supported by quantitative evidence. It thus focuses on key economic indicators, such as costs, competitiveness and carbon leakage as assessed by quantitative ex-ante and ex-post analyses. A dedicated section, extends the investigation to the potential extra-EU spillover of the EU mitigation policy with a particular attention to developing countries. The objective of the paper is to highlight both the limits and the opportunities of the EU regulatory framework in order to offer policy insights to emerging and developing countries that are on the way to implement climate change measures. Overall, the European experience shows that the worries about the costs and competitiveness losses induced by climate regulation are usually overestimated, especially in the long term. In addition, a tightening climate policy regime in the EU might in fact negatively impact developing countries via deteriorated trade relations. Nonetheless it tends to facilitate a resource relocation that if well governed could be beneficial to those countries where the poor are mainly involved in rural activities. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Climate Policy, Mitigation, Economic Impacts, GDP, Competitiveness, Environmental Economics and Policy, F64, H23, O44, O52, Q54, R11, |
| Date: | 2016–04–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemei:234938&r=env |
| By: | Eriksson, Mathilda (CERE and the Department of Economics, Umeå University) |
| Abstract: | This paper develops the FRICE, a framework that determines optimal levels of forest climate tools in the context of global climate policy. The paper integrates afforestation and avoided deforestation into the well-known global multi-regional integrated assessment model, RICE-2010. The paper finds that climate forest tools can play an essential role in global climate policy and that this role is increasingly important under stringent temperature targets. Under a 2C temperature target, the model reveals that emission reductions from avoided deforestation are quickly exhausted whereas afforestation is capable of substantially reducing emission reductions in both the medium and long run. The model also indicates that the most significant reductions in emissions from avoided deforestation and afforestation can be achieved by focusing policy efforts on tropical forests. |
| Keywords: | Climate change; Integrated assessment; Carbon sequestration |
| JEL: | C61 Q23 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–03–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:slucer:2016_005&r=env |
| By: | Andreas Schaefer (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) |
| Abstract: | Environmental pollution adversely affects children’s probability to survive to adulthood, reduces thus parental expenditures on child quality and increases the number of births necessary to achieve a desired family size. We argue that this mechanism will be intensified by economic inequality because wealthier households live in cleaner areas. This is the key mechanism through which environmental conditions may impose a growth drag on the economy. Moreover, the adverse effect of inequality and pollution on children’s health may be amplified, if the population group that is least affected decides about tax-financed abatement measures. Our theory provides a candidate explanation for (1) the observed positive correlation between inequality and the concentration of pollutants at the local level, and (2) the humpshaped evolution of child mortality ratios between cleaner and more polluted areas during the course of economic development. |
| Keywords: | Endogenous Growth, Endogenous Fertility, Inequality, Mortality, Pollution |
| JEL: | O10 Q50 I10 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eth:wpswif:16-241&r=env |
| By: | Galaz, V.; de Zeeuw, Aart (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management); Shiroyama, Hideaki; Tripley, Debbie |
| Abstract: | The climate, ecosystems and species, ozone layer, acidity of the oceans, the flow of energy and elements through nature, landscape change, freshwater systems, aerosols, and toxins—these constitute the planetary boundaries within which humanity must find a safe way to live and prosper. These are thresholds that, if we cross them, we run the risk of rapid, non-linear, and irreversible changes to the environment, with severe consequences for human wellbeing. The concept of planetary boundaries, though recent, has already gained traction in scientific and in some policy circles, and is generating debate more broadly. Nevertheless, despite decades of talk on sustainable development, reform of international governance and institutions has not kept pace with the scale and urgency of the global environmental crisis. The notion of planetary boundaries can be seen as a way to frame governance reform. This discussion introduces key elements of governance in a world with boundaries: deep reform of international governance, such as the United Nations system and trade treaties; emerging ecological concepts and principles in international law; the role of economics for the biosphere; and, the need to integrate different kinds of knowledge—from the local to the global. The literature is rich with ideas for solutions and real-world experiences. One recent example from south-eastern Australia demonstrates innovative approaches to knowledge sharing and communication between scientists, urban planners, and local communities for sustainable development in a changing climate. Finally, there is need for a mobilizing narrative: a story grounded in the concept of planetary boundaries, uniting the solutions, and framed in such a way as to offer opportunities for learning, innovation, and creativity at all levels, in both the North and South. There are no simple solutions to what are complex problems involving politics and trade-offs. Ongoing debate and discussion—in academia, in policy circles, and in society at large—is healthy, but we should not allow debate about the precise nature of planetary boundaries to stymie progress. Exploring these issues and the interface between different fields is a challenging task, to be sure. Still, it is essential if the concept of planetary boundaries is to fulfill its potential as a guide for human action in the Anthropocene. |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tiu:tiutis:0aebe291-f890-4a2d-9ab7-ddd1bedf909a&r=env |
| By: | José M. Belbute (Department of Economics, University of Évora, Portugal); Alfredo Marvão Pereira (Department of Economics, The College of William and Mary) |
| Abstract: | We provide alternative reference forecasts for global CO2 emissionsbased on an ARFIMA model estimated with annual data from 1750 to 2014. These forecasts are free from additional assumptions on demographic and economic variables that are commonly used in reference forecasts, as they only rely on the properties of the underlying stochastic process for CO2emissions, as well ason all the observed information it incorporates. In this sense, these forecasts are morebased on fundamentals. Our reference forecast suggests that in 2030, 2040 and 2050, in the absence of any structural changes of any type, CO2would likely be at about 23.1%, 29.1% and 33.7% above 2010 emission levels, respectively. These values are clearly below the levels proposed by other reference scenarios available in the literature.This is important, as it suggests that the ongoing policy goals are actually within much closer reach than what is implied by the standard CO2reference emission scenarios. Having lower and more realistic reference emissions projections not only gives a truer assessment of the policy efforts that are needed,but also highlights the lower costs involved in mitigation efforts, thereby maximizing the likelihood of more widespread energy and environmental policy efforts. |
| Keywords: | Forecasting, reference scenario, CO2 emissions, long memory, ARFIMA |
| JEL: | C22 C53 O13 Q47 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–05–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwm:wpaper:170&r=env |
| By: | Wang, Zidong; McCarl, Bruce A.; Kapilakanchana, Montalee |
| Abstract: | Crop yields tend to be spatially and temporally correlated due to the systemic nature of land and weather conditions. Recent concern has been focused on whether climate change such as increasing extreme weather events would affect crop yield and yield volatility (Goodwin 2001, Ozaki, et al. 2008). In this paper, a spatio-temporal Conditional Autoregressive Model (ST-CAR model) (Mariella and Tarantino, 2010) will be used to analyze the impact of climate change on crop yield and yield volatility. State level crop yield data from 1950 to 2014 is collected for this study. As an extension of the standard CAR model, a space-time autoregressive matrix will be used in the ST-CAR model to handle both spatial dependence between states and temporal dependence among the examined period. Specifically, the spatial correlation parameter in ST-CAR model varies along time, making it possible to reveal the potential impact of climate change on spatial correlation. Future yield projections will be generated and used in the FASOM model to conduct a welfare analysis. Preliminary results of segment regression shows that breakpoints exist for many states in the US for the last few decades, indicating the potential impact of climate change on yield and yield volatility. |
| Keywords: | Yield, Spatial-temporal analysis, climate change, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Q51, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230043&r=env |
| By: | Kleinwechter, Ulrich; Levesque, Antoine; Havlik, Petr; Forsell, Nicklas; Zhang, Yuquan; Fricko, Oliver; Obersteiner, Michael |
| Abstract: | Concerns exist regarding potential trade-offs between climate change mitigation in agriculture and food security. Against this background, the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM) is applied to a range of scenarios of mitigation of emissions from agriculture to assess the implications of climate mitigation for agricultural production, prices and food availability. The “food efficiency of mitigation” (FEM) is introduced as a tool to make statements about how to attain desired levels of agricultural mitigation in the most efficient manner in terms of food security. It is applied to a range of policy scenarios which contrast a climate policy regime with full global collaboration to scenarios of fragmented climate policies that grant exemptions to selected developing country groups. Results indicate increasing marginal costs of abatement in terms of food calories and suggest that agricultural mitigation is most food efficient in a policy regime with global collaboration. Exemptions from this regime cause food efficiency losses. |
| Keywords: | agriculture and land use, climate change, mitigation, efficiency, food efficiency, food security, partial equilibrium model, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Land Economics/Use, C61, C63, Q54, Q56, Q58, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212010&r=env |
| By: | Haenel, Hans-Dieter; Rösemann, Claus; Dämmgen, Ulrich; Freibauer, Annette; Döring, Ulrike; Wulf, Sebastian; Eurich-Menden, Brigitte; Döhler, Helmut; Schreiner, Carsten; Osterburg, Bernhard |
| Abstract: | The report at hand (including a comprehensive annex of data) serves as additional document to the National Inventory Report (NIR) on the German green house gas emissions and the Informative Inventory Report (IIR) on the German emissions of air pollutants (especially ammonia). The report documents the calculation methods used in the German agricultural inventory model GAS-EM as well as input data, emission results and uncertainties of the emission reporting submission 2016 for the years 1990 - 2014. In this context the sector Agriculture comprises the emissions from animal husbandry, the use of agricultural soils and anaerobic digestion of energy crops. As required by the guidelines, emissions from activities preceding agriculture, from the use of energy and from land use change are reported elsewhere in the national inventories. The calculation methods are based in principle on international guidelines for emission reporting and have been continuingly improved during the past years. In particular, these improvements concern the calculation of energy requirements, feeding and the N balance of the most important animal categories. In addition, technical measures such as air scrubbing (mitigation of ammonia emissions) and digestion of animal manures mitigation of emissions of methane and loughing gas) have been taken into account [...]. |
| Abstract: | Der vorliegende Berichtsband einschließlich des umfangreichen Datenanhangs dient als Begleitdokument zum National Inventory Report (NIR) über die deutschen Treibhausgas-Emissionen und zum Informative Inventory Report (IIR), über die deutschen Schadstoffemissionen (insbesondere Ammoniak). Er dokumentiert die im deutschen landwirtschaftlichem Inventarmodell GASEM integrierten Berechnungsverfahren sowie die Eingangsdaten, Emissionsergebnisse und Unsicherheiten der Berichterstattung 2016 für die Jahre 1990 bis 2014. Der Bereich Landwirtschaft umfasst dabei die Emissionen aus der Tierhaltung und der Nutzung landwirtschaftlicher Böden sowie aus der Vergärung von Energiepflanzen. Emissionen aus dem Vorleistungsbereich, aus der Nutzung von Energie sowie Landnutzungsänderungen werden den Regelwerken entsprechend an anderer Stelle in den nationalen Inventaren berichtet. Die Berechnungsverfahren beruhen in erster Linie auf internationalen Regelwerken zur Emissionsberichterstattung und wurden in den vergangenen Jahren beständig weiterentwickelt. Letzteres betrifft im Wesentlichen die Berechnung des Energiebedarfs, der Fütterung und der tierischen N-Bilanz bei den wichtigen Tierkategorien. Zusätzlich wurden technische Maßnahmen wie Abluftreinigung (Minderung von Ammoniakemissionen) und die Vergärung von Wirtschaftsdünger (Minderung von Methan- und Lachgasemissionen) berücksichtigt [...]. |
| Keywords: | emission inventory,agriculture,animal husbandry,agricultural soils,anaerobic digestion,energy crops,renewable primary products,greenhouse gases,air pollutants,methane,loughing gas,ammonia,particulate matter,Emissionsinventar,Landwirtschaft,Tierhaltung,landwirtschaftliche Böden,anaerobe Vergärung,Energiepflanzen,nachwachsende Rohstoffe,Treibhausgase,Luftschadstoffe,Methan,Lachgas,Ammoniak,luftgetragene Partikel |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:jhtire:39&r=env |
| By: | Asfaw, Solomon; Mortari, Andrea Piano; Arslan, Aslihan; Karfakis, Panagiotis; Lipper, Leslie |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates the effects of weather/climate shocks on household welfare using a nationally representative panel data from Uganda together with a set of novel climate variation indicators. Where the effect of climate/weather variability has a significantly negative effect on household welfare, we further test the hypotheses that policy-relevant mechanisms can be effective means of mitigating the negative welfare effects. In general we obtain very few significant results with respect to climate/weather shock variables which might point towards a consumption and income smoothing behavior by the households, whose welfare level is not affected by the weather shocks. With regards to the different shocks definition, the reference period used to define the shock does not matter since the coefficients and the signs do not change with the reference period. Different policy action variables have also heterogeneous impact across different outcome variables in terms of mitigating the negative impact of climate/weather shocks. |
| Keywords: | Climate shock, welfare, Uganda, Africa, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Q01, Q12, Q16, Q18, |
| Date: | 2015–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:230217&r=env |
| By: | Marmai, Nadin; Franco Villoria, Maria; Guerzoni, Marco (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | Climate change constitutes a rising challenge to the agricultural base of developing countries. Most of the literature has focused on the impact of changes in the means of weather variables on mean changes in production and has found very little impact of weather upon agricultural production. Instead, a more recent stream of literature showed that we can assess the impact of weather on production by looking at extreme weather events. Based on this evidence, we surmise that there is a missing link in the literature consisting of relating the extreme events in weather with extreme losses in crop production. Indeed, extreme events are of the greatest interest for scholars and policy makers only when they carry extraordinary negative effects. We build on this idea and for the first time, we adapt a conditional dependence model for multivariate extreme values to understand the impact of extreme weather on agricultural production. Specifically, we look at the probability that an extreme event drastically reduces the harvest of any of the major crops. This analysis, which is run on data for six different crops and four different weather variables in a vast array of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, shows that extremes in weather and yield losses of major staples are associated events. |
| Date: | 2016–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:201605&r=env |
| By: | Seung-Gyu Sim (University of Tokyo); Hsuan-Chih Lin (Institute of Economics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan) |
| Abstract: | It is generally accepted that the Pigouvian taxation scheme and emission trading scheme (delegating the emission pricing authority to the market mechanism) offer equivalent incentives to reduce emissions. In contrast, we demonstrate that in a globalized economy with international trade and cross border pollution, (i) the latter outperforms the former in terms of domestic welfare, and (ii) global welfare improves as more countries switch to the latter. We find that adopting the emission trading scheme incentivizes a foreign country to raise emission taxes without concern for excessive shrink of domestic production and/or aggravation of cross border pollution from the home country. JEL Classification: H23, L51, Q56, Q58 |
| Keywords: | Emission Trading Scheme, Pigouvian Taxation, International Trade, Cross Border Pollution |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sin:wpaper:16-a004&r=env |
| By: | Howry, Sierra; Rosana, Ashley-Beth; Brellenthin, Joseph; Blades, Jarod; Trechter, David; Monroe, A. Dean |
| Abstract: | The Kinnickinnic River, designated as a Class I trout stream and “Outstanding Resource Water” by the Wisconsin Legislature, is now facing several challenges related to land use, population growth, and environmental degradation. In response, a variety of scientific research projects have been initiated in the watershed in an effort to understand these challenges and promote sustainability. However, the projects spanning multiple fields of inquiry and completed by different stakeholder organizations has made it difficult to coordinate research interests, and inform the community about the magnitude of work being completed. Until now, there has not been research on what the public thinks about the opportunities and challenges facing the watershed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management actions within the Kinnickinnic watershed utilizing qualitative analysis. A household survey was sent to 1,200 residents in the watershed. The survey included topics on the watershed value, perceived conflict or threats, possible opportunities for the communities, and future management actions such as removal of two dams. Dam removal was expected to be a major concern; however, the data showed that invasive species and agricultural runoff were of greater concern to the general public and they valued protected areas and recreational opportunities highly. |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230110&r=env |
| By: | Martina Vidovic (Rollins College) |
| Abstract: | The aim of the paper is to investigate the relationship between environmental stringency and export flows in EU countries and to determine whether the recent accessions of the CEECs into the EU and the subsequent changes in the regulatory framework of new members have affected intra-EU trade flows. Two main hypotheses are tested. First, we test whether the stringency of a country’s environmental regulations results in pollution havens or, on the contrary it results in better export performance. Second, we test whether the results differ by industry (dirty versus clean) and by EU membership tenure (old versus new EU member countries).An augmented gravity model is estimated using panel data for 21 European countries during the period 1999-2008 for the full sample and also separately for the CEECS and the old EU members. We find that while exporters’ environmental tax expenditure differences are positively correlated with bilateral net exports of clean industries, the effect of environmental stringency differences on net exports of dirty industries is not significant when all the industries are treated as a homogeneous group. However, when heterogeneity across specific industries and between two groups of countries is considered, the results differ. We find that while for old-EU countries higher differences in environmental revenues between partner countries are associated with lower net exports of dirty goods for four major-polluter industries, namely for iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, metal manufactures, metal manufactures and petroleum products, this happens only for two industries when CEEs are considered as exporters (petroleum products and fertilizers). Thus our results show weak support for the pollution haven hypothesis for some dirty industries, mainly for net exports from Western EU countries to the rest. Instead, we find support for the “Porter hypothesis†for trade in clean goods. |
| Keywords: | Pollution Haven Hypothesis, Porter hypothesis, European Union, Trade Flows |
| JEL: | F14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:3505823&r=env |
| By: | Herminia A. Francisco (EEPSEA); Canesio D. Predo (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Areeya Manasboonphempool (Kasetsart University); Phong Tran (Hue University); Bui Dung The (Hue University); Linda M. Peñalba (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Nghiem Phuong Tuyen (Vietnam National University); Tran Huu Tuan (Hue University); Dulce D. Elazegui (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Yueqin Shen (Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University); Zhen Zhu (Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University) |
| Keywords: | climate change, household, Southeast Asia |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160455&r=env |
| By: | Witte, Christian; Marner, Torsten; Klumpp, Matthias |
| Abstract: | The global use of delivery vehicles with combustion motors is increasingly responsible for air pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. For this reason, the use of electric vehicles is discussed in order to minimize the emissions of increasing freight traffic. In many publications a significant future role of electric mobility in the logistics sector is discussed. Especially in the field of reverse logistics high logistical and technical requirements do occur if enterprises make use of electric vehicles. This is particularly due to the large quantities of materials that have to be transported in this specific sector. Central restrictions of electric vehicles like the load weight and the range lead to modified delivery processes. These processes have to be examined to ensure the reliability of reverse logistics if electric vehicles are used. Funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the project partners FOM University of Applied Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), and the enterprise Noweda and Zentek investigate the operational change areas by using electric vehicles in their common project E-Route. In the field of reverse logistics this research contribution examines the niche in which electric vehicles can be used efficiently. The value of this paper is to provide guidance for further research and to give information for companies who are interested in gaining information concerning the chances and risks of implementing e-vehicles to their existing transport fleet. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:fomild:46&r=env |
| By: | Liana O Anderson; Samantha De Martino; Torfinn Harding; Karlygash Kuralbayeva; Andre Lima |
| Abstract: | To reduce deforestation rates in the Amazon, Brazil established in the period 2004-2010 conservation zones covering an area 1.5 times the size of Germany. In the same period, Brazil experienced a large reduction in deforestation rates. By combining satellite data on deforestation with data on the location and timing of the conservation zones, we provide spatial regression discontinuity estimates and difference-in-difference estimates indicating that the policy cannot explain the large reduction in deforestation rates. The reason is that the zones are located in areas where agricultural production is likely to be unprofitable. We also provide evidence that zones reduce deforestation if the incentives for municipalities to reduce deforestation are high. We rationalize these finding with a spatial economics model of land use, with endogenous location of conservation zones and imperfect enforcement. Our findings point to the need for other explanations than the conservation zones to explain the sharp decline in deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon since 2004. |
| Keywords: | regulation, conservation policies, deforestation, Brazil |
| JEL: | Q28 Q58 R11 R14 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:oxcrwp:172&r=env |
| By: | Anonymous |
| Abstract: | This 2016 report provides an economic overview of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system using the most recent data available. It is meant to be a multi-purpose reference document that presents: • the agriculture and agri-food system in the context of the Canadian economy and international markets; and, • a snapshot of the composition and performance of the agriculture and agri-food system as it evolves in response to challenges, opportunities and market developments. The report begins with a special feature section on natural resource use and the environment. This section examines the impact of agriculture on the environment and quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by Canada’s various economic sectors, including agriculture. Historical levels of emission trends by agricultural sub-sector (e.g. livestock and crop, land use, on-farm energy use) are provided, along with emissions/removals associated with land management changes. Projected GHG emissions for the agriculture sector through 2030 are given. The remainder of the section addresses Canada’s agricultural use of land and water resources, including types of agricultural land cover, water use and consumption by sector, irrigation levels by province, farm size, farm type, and crop, as well as irrigation methods and sources of irrigation water. The rest of the report looks at the agriculture and agri-food system’s relevance to the Canadian economy, as measured by its share of the Canadian gross domestic product (GDP) and number of jobs in Canada. It also reviews the sector’s performance internationally, in terms of its share of agriculture and agri-food trade to total world trade and a snap shot of each segment of the agriculture and agri-food system covering: primary agriculture, food processing, consumers and food distribution. The report ends with an overview of government support to agriculture. The report describes the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system as a modern, integrated and competitive supply chain that is important to the Canadian economy. It is a dynamic and resilient system that constantly adapts to changing consumer demands, technological advances and globalization. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, agri-food, R&D agriculture, agri-food, R&D consumers, GDP, employment, exports, imports, innovation, young farmers, farm typology, Income, government support, trade, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Relations/Trade, Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaacem:235204&r=env |
| By: | L.H.P. Gunaratne (Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.) |
| Abstract: | Indiscriminate river sand mining, due to the recent boom in the construction industry in Sri Lanka, has created a number of environmental and social problems. Within this context, this study attempts to identify policy options for sustainable river sand mining that minimize environmental degradation while meeting the requirements of the construction industry and local people. The study followed four separate analyses: comparison of annual costs and the benefits of selected mining sites, analysis of miners’ views and preferences using choice modeling, evaluation of expert opinion using multi-criteria analysis, and a comparison of alternative sources of river sand. The comparison of the costs and benefits of sample mining sites revealed that the social cost of river sand mining exceeds the private costs; however, the fact that social benefits were still found to be non-negative at the study sites may be due to the under-reporting of environmental effects and the exclusion of off-site costs. It was observed that although the increased costs of restoration and other costs of overmining are borne by government institutions, government income has remained at a very low level. The results of the discrete choice experiment with the miners indicated that they believe the negative effects of sand mining can be partly mitigated by increasing government revenue towards an environmental trust fund (ETF) with some level of co-management. Strict rules, regulations and awareness programs, as suggested by the media and environment groups, were not found to be productive. Alternative policies for sustainable sand mining in three major rivers were ecologically, economically, socially and technically evaluated using multi-criteria analysis. The restriction of mining at vulnerable sites was found to be the best management alternative followed by the establishment of an ETF for the Ma Oya River, where there are more than 70 mining sites. Community-based management was found to be the best option for the Mahaweli and Deduru Oya rivers. Using off-shore sand was found to be the best way to decrease pressure on rivers for sand. However, at present, the price of off-shore sand is slightly higher than that of river sand and it is less popular because there is the possibility that shells and chlorides are present in it. Prices could be brought down further by expanding offshore sand mining operations because off-shore dredging is sensitive to economy of scale. This could be achieved by mandating the compulsory use of off-shore sand for large construction projects and landfilling, especially in Western Province. |
| Keywords: | Sand mining, policy, cost-benefit analysis |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160412&r=env |
| By: | Medwid, Laura J.; Lambert, Dayton M.; Clark, Christopher D.; Hawkins, Shawn A.; McClellan, Hannah A. |
| Abstract: | Government subsidy programs incentivize livestock managers to adopt best management practices (BMPs), such as rotational grazing, water tank systems, stream crossings, and pasture improvement to prevent or reduce soil erosion. This paper addresses the challenge of integrating socio-economic data on BMP adoption behavior with hydrologic/biophysical models to analyze the association between incentives, BMP adoption, and changes in soil erosion rates. Using primary survey data of livestock producers in an East Tennessee watershed, this research estimates willingness to adopt BMPs among livestock producers. The propensity to adopt one or multiple management technologies, given an incentive, is estimated with a multivariate probit regression. The likelihood producers adopt one or a combination of practices is then integrated into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic model to generate soil loss abatement curves for the watershed. Abatement curves specific to each hydrologic response unit (HRU) comprising the watershed are estimated and then aggregated to determine an aggregate abatement curve for the watershed. Based on the abatement curves, HRU are ranked according to cost efficiency. |
| Keywords: | willingness to adopt, best management practices, sedimentation, abatement curve, hydrologic model, Agricultural and Food Policy, Land Economics/Use, Q52, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230052&r=env |
| By: | Yatang Lin |
| Abstract: | Are "greener" investments less efficient? This paper looks at the location choices by wind power investors. I measures the efficiency loss in this sector due to wrong project location and explore the factors contributing to it. Using extensive information on wind resources, transmission, electricity price and other restrictions that might affect the siting of wind farms, I calculate the predicted profitability of wind power projects for all the possible places across the contiguous US, use it as a counterfactual for profit- maximizing wind power investment and compare it to the actual placement of wind farms. Average predicted profit of wind projects will raise by 47.1% had the 1770 current projects in the continental US been moved to the best 1770 sites. It is also shown that 80% and 42% of this observed deviation can be accounted for by within- state and within-county distortion. I show further evidence that a large proportion of the within-state and within-county spatial misallocation in wind farm siting can be attributable to green investors' “conspicuous generation” behaviour: wind farms in more environmental-friendly counties are more likely to be invested by local and non- profit investors, are closer to cities, are much less responsive to local fundamentals and have significant worse performance ex-post. Surprisingly, the implementation of state policies such as Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and price-based subsidies are related to better within-state locational choices by adding more capacities in the “brown” counties and attract more for-profit investments, leading to improved observed efficiency, while lump-sum subsidies have the opposite or no effects. These findings calls for the attention from policy makers to the non-monetary incentives of renewable investors when determining the allocative efficiency of policies. |
| Keywords: | Spatial misallocation; renewable energy policies; productivity; green preferences |
| JEL: | F37 O34 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:66442&r=env |
| By: | Murphy, Geraldine; O'Donoghue, Cathal; Hynes, Stephen; Murphy, Eithne |
| Abstract: | Understanding what influences farmers’ decisions to participate in a voluntary agri-environmental scheme (AES) is essential for gauging scheme success. The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) was a voluntary AES that was available to all Irish farmers from 1994 to 2009. This paper models the participation decision of Irish farmers in REPS using a 15-year panel dataset. The approach taken is novel: actual values for gross outputs, direct costs and working hours are compared to simulated counterfactual values using a conditional logit framework. Model results show that Irish farmers behave rationally by maximising utility from both consumption and leisure but that their preferences differ by region and over time. In addition, the participation functions of viable and non-viable farmers are dissimilar in a number of ways. Policy makers may therefore need to target both groups of farmers using separate schemes in the future. |
| Keywords: | Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models, Models with Panel Data, Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, Environmental and Ecological Economics, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, C33, Q5, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212517&r=env |
| By: | Yi, Dale; Reardon, Thomas; Stringer, Randy |
| Abstract: | In Indonesia, the vulnerability of coastal erosion is driving coastal villages to initiate community-driven efforts to rehabilitate mangrove forests that protect against erosion. Analyzing data from a survey of 75 coastal villages, this study identifies factors that are encouraging or constraining communities to initiate their own mangrove-planting programs. Results show that communities with higher levels of shrimp HYV adoption were more likely to plant mangroves, which implies that some technologies can increase the value of ecosystem services that mangroves provide. In addition, villages with aquaculture farmer cooperatives were 35% more likely to replant mangroves, and villages with the ability to impose sanctions were 36% more likely to plant mangroves. The capacity of local governing bodies to coordinate efforts through farmer cooperatives and enforce compliance with a credible threat of sanctions is critical in carrying out mangrove-planting programs at the village level. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, International Development, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211880&r=env |
| By: | Krehl, Stefan |
| Abstract: | Klimawandel, Verknappung der Ressourcen, peak oil, die Sorge um unsere Lebensgrundlagen und deren Erhaltung und die Notwendigkeit zur Energiewende, sind Themen, die die Transition Town Initiativen antreiben, auf eine Veränderung der bisherigen ressourcen- und energieintensiven Lebens- und Wirtschaftsweise, hin zu einer nachhaltigen, ressourcen- und umweltschonenden Gestaltung des Lebens zu wirken. Der Transformationsansatz liegt in Lokalisierungsstrategien, die durch Vielfalt und Flexibiliät eine hohe Resilienz besitzen. Vorliegende Untersuchung prüft, ob dies im deutschsprachigen Raum auch auf die Energiebemühungen der Transition Initiativen zutrifft und welcher Einfluss auf die Energiewende von den lokalen Transition Initiativen zu erwarten ist. Daraus werden mögliche Entwicklungsszenarien abgeleitet. |
| Abstract: | Climate change, resource depletion, peak oil, the concern about our bases of life and their maintenance and the need of renewable energy systems, are issues that drive the Transition Town Initiatives to work on a change of the existing resource- and energy-intensive lifestyle and economy, towards a sustainable design of life. The transformation approach lies in localization strategies that reach a high resilience through variety and flexibility. This study examines the energy efforts of the Transition Initiatives in the German-speaking area and asks if an effect on the energy turnaround is to be expected. Possible development scenarios are derived. |
| Keywords: | Transition Town,Zivilgesellschaft,Erneuerbare Energien,Transformation,Nachhaltigkeit,Stadtökonomie,Wirtschaftssoziologie,civil society,renewable energy sources,sustainability,urban economics,economic sociology |
| JEL: | D70 H40 P11 Q56 R10 Z13 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:fhjwws:032015&r=env |
| By: | Zhang, Ruojin |
| Abstract: | Pesticide use can mitigate production risks from pest and disease infestations. However, intensive pesticide use may result in large amount of pesticide residues, causing hop-quality damages and raising food safety issues. Pesticide use also leads to sizable negative ecological and environmental externalities. In respond to food safety and other socio-economic issues, policy makers, such as national governments and international organizations, pursue low pesticide residues by implementing tolerance which permits only a maximum concentration of agrichemical residues. This paper examines the social-economic impacts of the residue tolerance. To this end, a four-stage game theoretic model is outlined to characterize the stylized attributes of both domestic hop production and marketing. The model highlights the strategic interactions between hop growers, hop merchant and the government. Multiple market equilibria are characterized. The analysis contributes to a better understanding of social welfare which accommodates the environmental externalities of pesticide use. Simulations are conducted based on hop production information in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. |
| Keywords: | Expected utility, hop production, input decision, production risk, social welfare, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, D81, D04, Q16, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea16:235155&r=env |
| By: | Simon Dietz; Frank Venmans |
| Abstract: | It has recently been shown that, when discounting future improvements in the environment, relative prices matter. However, we argue relative prices are not the whole story. Not only is the environment a consumption good in its own right, with a corresponding environmental discount rate that depends on relative scarcity, it also matters that we tend to be losing it. That is, there is a considerable body of evidence from behavioural economics and stated-preference valuation showing that we are loss-averse, even in riskless choice settings. Therefore in this paper we introduce reference dependence and loss aversion – the endowment effect – to a model where welfare depends on consumption of a produced good and of environmental quality. We show that the endowment effect modifies the discount rate by introducing (i) an instantaneous endowment effect and (ii) a reference-level effect. Moreover we show that, when environmental quality is strictly decreasing, these two effects mostly combine to dampen our usual preference to smooth consumption over time – perhaps surprisingly, the endowment effect increases the environmental discount rate on these paths. In addition, on non-monotonic paths the endowment effect can give rise to substantial discontinuities in the discount rate. |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lsg:lsgwps:wp233&r=env |
| By: | Saowalak Roongtawanreongsri (Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University); Prakart Sawangchote (Prince of Songkla University); Sara Bumrungsri (Prince of Songkla University); Chaisri Suksaroj (Prince of Songkla University) |
| Keywords: | Value, forest conservation, Thailand |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160439&r=env |
| By: | Chhinh Nyda (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Heng Naret (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Chann Sopheak (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Kong Sopheak (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Cheb Hoeurn (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Sen Rineth (Royal University of Phnom Penh) |
| Keywords: | climate change, Cambodia |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160451&r=env |
| By: | Enrique Calfucura; Eugenio Figueroa |
| Abstract: | Despite the relevance of protected areas as biodiversity conservation tools, indicators of cost-benefit analysis of both public and private protected areas has been scarce in the literature. In this paper, we estimate and evaluate the ecosystem benefits and the management and opportunity costs of the protected areas of Chile´s National System of Protected Areas (SNASPE). We found that annual social benefits provided by SNASPE, of almost USD 2 billion, outweigh by far its annual management and opportunity costs, of USD 177 million. However, a large heterogeneity of costs and benefits is observed across the different categories of protected areas as well as among the protected areas within each category located in different geographical zones. Most of the benefits are concentrated in the South and Austral zones of Chile, zones that also exhibit the largest extension of land in SNASPE. Moreover, benefit-cost ratios vary extensively across protected areas; but, on average, the benefit-cost ratio is 11.3:1 for the entire SNASPE, which provides large opportunities to increase public investment in protected areas in Chile. Our results also shed lights on how detailed studies of benefits and costs indicators of SNASPE can improve conservation planning and conservation efficiency. |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:udc:wpaper:wp418&r=env |
| By: | Zanxin Wang (School of Development Studies, Yunnan University); Jin Wan (Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University) |
| Keywords: | Water Hyacinth, Pollution, China |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160443&r=env |
| By: | Marvin Joseph F. Montefrio (State University of New York) |
| Abstract: | In this research, I endeavor to understand the economic and environmental perceptions of upland farmers in the context of biofuels and natural rubber production regimes in Palawan. I also endeavor to understand how these economic and environmental perceptions explain the behavioral intents of upland farmers, especially regarding intensification of production and cooperation in such partnership regimes. Research findings are drawn from seven months of field research in Metro Manila and Palawan, which included surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observations and acquisition of secondary materials. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed and modeled using non-parametric logistic regression models.On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed by coding transcripts and field notes and identifying emergent themes. Theoretically, this research endeavors to contribute to the scholarship on contract farming and the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. |
| Keywords: | Philippines, Natural rubber, Biofuel |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016045&r=env |
| By: | Thomas McGregor; Samuel Wills |
| Abstract: | Many natural assets can not be valued at market prices. Non-market valuations typically focus on the value of an individual asset to an individual user, ignoring macroeconomic spillovers. We estimate the contribution of a natural asset to aggregate economic activity by exploiting exogenous variation in the quality of surfing waves around the world, using a global dataset covering over 5,000 locations. Treating night-time light emissions as a proxy for economic activity we find that high quality surfing waves boost activity in the local area ( |
| Keywords: | Non-market valuation, natural capital, surfing, night-time lights |
| JEL: | H41 O13 Q26 Q51 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:oxcrwp:170&r=env |
| By: | Fernando M. Aragón (Simon Fraser University); Juan Jose Miranda (World Bank); Paulina Oliva (University of California, Santa Barbara and NBER) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the effect of air pollution on labor supply in Lima, Peru. We focus on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an important pollutant for health according to the medical literature, and show that moderate levels of pollution reduce hours worked for working adults. Our research design takes advantage of rich household panel data in labor outcomes to address omitted variables. This research design allows us to investigate whether the response to air pollution is non-linear. We find that the effect of moderate pollution levels on hours worked is concentrated among households with susceptible dependents, i.e., small children and elderly adults; while the highest concentrations affect all households. This suggests that caregiving is likely a mechanism linking air pollution to labor supply at moderate levels. We provide further evidence of this mechanism using DHS data on children morbidity for the same time period. Finally, we find no evidence of intra-household attenuation behavior. For instance, there is no re-allocation of labor across household members, and earnings decrease with air pollution. |
| Date: | 2016–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:apc:wpaper:2016-068&r=env |
| By: | Pasaribu, Katryn; He, Lixia L.; Boyer, Christopher N.; Lambert, Dayton M.; English, Burton C.; Clark, Christopher D.; Lieb, Brain; Waldron, Brian |
| Abstract: | Conflict over water use in the southeastern US is increasingly common as communities and industries fund themselves without adequate water supplies. However, agricultural water use in the southeastern states has received relatively little attention despite rapid growth in the use of irrigation by the region’s farmers. This study determines the breakeven prices for dryland and irrigated crops produced in the Tennessee River Basin and Hiwassee-Mississippi watersheds. The analysis focuses on five major crops produced in the region: corn, soybean, cotton, wheat and sorghum. Tillage practices considered are conventional, reduced, and no-till. Irrigation technologies include furrows, center pivot, and big-gun/traveler systems. Water sources include surface and wells. Center pivot systems are currently the dominant irrigation practice in the region. We hypothesize that gravity-based systems are more profitable under certain conditions. Well installation costs largely determine the profitability of irrigation practices in the study area. Key differences will be driven by the relative price of commodities, the production portfolio of producers, and energy, labor, and installation costs. Repair expenses for irrigation systems are insensitive to different well depths, but sensitive to the type of irrigation system implemented. These findings will be useful for producers augmenting their operations with irrigation systems. |
| Keywords: | Irrigation, Corn, Cotton, Soybean, Breakeven Price, Simulation, Farm Management, Production Economics, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230072&r=env |
| By: | Boskovic, Branko (University of Alberta); Nøstbakken, Linda (Dept. of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the effect that endangered species regulation has on natural resource development. Specifically, we use data from competitive auctions to estimate the effect that land-use regulation protecting endangered caribou in the Canadian province of Alberta has on the price producers pay for the right to extract oil. We exploit a regression discontinuity design to evaluate how prices differ along regulation boundaries that constrain resource development. The auction format and the regulation discontinuity allow use to measure the total cost of the regulation. We find that producers pay 24% less on average for oil leases that are regulated and that the total net present value cost of the regulation exceeds $1.15 billion for leases sold between 2003-2012, all of which is borne by the government. In spite of these costs, the populations of endangered caribou remain in widespread decline. |
| Keywords: | Endangered species regulation; auctions; natural resources; oil. |
| JEL: | D44 L71 Q52 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–04–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nhheco:2016_006&r=env |
| By: | Erdenesaikhan Naidansuren (Environment and Security Center of Mongolia); Onon Bayasgalan (Wildlife Conservation Society) |
| Keywords: | economic analysis, environmental impact, Mongolia |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016049&r=env |
| By: | Ingrid Dallmann (Université Paris-Sud (ADIS)); Katrin Millock (Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne - Paris School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | We match migration data from the 1991 and 2001 Indian Census with climate data to test the hypothesis of climate variability as a push factor for internal migration. The article contributes to the literature by combining three important factors. First, we introduce relevant meteorological indicators of climate variability, based on the standardized precipitation index. Second, the use of the census data enables us to match the migration data with the relevant climate data ex ante, rather than relying on average conditions. Third, we analyse bilateral migration rates in order to fully account for characteristics in both the origin and the destination. We therefore use an econometric estimation method that accounts for zero observations, which are frequent in bilateral data. The estimation results show that drought frequency in the origin state acts as push factor on inter-state migration in India. We do not find a statistically significant effect of the magnitude and the duration of drought episodes preceding migration. There is no evidence of excess precipitation acting as a push factor on inter-state migration. The results are robust to alternative specifications of fixed effects and to the inclusion of irrigation rates |
| Keywords: | Climate change; India; Internal migration; PPML; SPI |
| JEL: | O15 Q54 |
| Date: | 2013–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mse:cesdoc:13045r&r=env |
| By: | Wang Chunhua (School of International Trade and Economics, University of International Business and Economics); Zhang Changdong (School of Government, Peking University) |
| Keywords: | Environmental Satisfaction,Chinese Cities |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160326&r=env |
| By: | Bounmy Somsoulivong (Soakpaluang Road, Ban Wattnak Noi, Noy no.9, Sisatanak district, Vientiane, Lao PDR.) |
| Abstract: | This study used the Rapid Rural Appraisal Technique (RRAT) to examine the socio-economic situation of the rural community in Bokeo Province, Laos.It assesses the contribution of theforest resources to the rural community household’s economy and addresses theproblems associated with this forest dependency. This study aims to estimate the quantity and monetary value of various timber and non-timber forest products (TFPs & NTFPs), and the products cultivated and harvested from forestlands (CFLPs) on an annual basis. It also measured the rural household’s income derived from these products and those intended for annual household consumption needs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and measure the rural community’s forest dependency in the 12 villages of the Nam Nhou and Nam Choam areas, Bokeo province, Laos. Three kinds of nature of forest dependency were discussed in this study: (1) dependency for subsistence (2) dependency for inputs into the household production system and (3) dependency for income and employment. |
| Keywords: | stated preference survey |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:tpaper:tp201604t1&r=env |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Heavily dependent on imported energy sources, significant subsidies on fossil fuels present a heavy burden on public finances in Thailand. This study measures the size of fossil fuel subsidies such as tax breaks for diesel and natural gas, market price support for natural gas for vehicles, and free electricity for low income consumers as well as the potential economic, energy, and environmental impacts of reducing them. With adequate reallocation of subsidy savings, the short-term adverse impacts of subsidy reform are shown to turn positive in the long term as households and industry respond to changing market realities by adjusting energy demand, supply, and production capacity. The study offers policy advice for sustainable energy use to help guide Thailand’s reform strategies. |
| Keywords: | thailand, fossil fuel, energy, fossil fuel subsidies, greenhouse gas emissions, diesel, natural gas, energy use, economic impacts, social programs, developing asia |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt157695-2&r=env |
| By: | Vlaeminck, Pieter; Maertens, Miet; Isabirye, Moses; Vanderhoydonks, Filip; Poesen, Jean; Deckers, Jozef; Vranken, Liesbet |
| Abstract: | Landslides are a widespread phenomenon in the East African highlands, significantly reducing agricultural productivity and affecting rural income generating activities. In addition, the livelihoods of the poorest are most likely to be adversely affected by landslides. Traditionally, landslide risk is reduced by means of effective planning and management. However, in many regions, these measures are incapable to offer a long-term solution because of high population density and land shortage. Therefore, our paper uses a choice experiment to investigate whether preventive resettlement could be a feasible disaster risk reduction strategy for the population at risk in agricultural areas in Bududa district, East Uganda. Our study provides the first analysis of resettlement related preferences of people that are affected by environmental degradation. Our results enable us to assess community support for resettlement strategies ex ante and give valuable policy advice for future resettlement plans in a very cost-effective manner. |
| Keywords: | International Development, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211917&r=env |
| By: | George Philippidis; Robert M’barek (European Commission – JRC - IPTS); Emanuele Ferrari (European Commission – JRC - IPTS) |
| Abstract: | The bioeconomy comprises sectors that use renewable biological resources to produce food, materials and energy. It is at the centre of several global and EU challenges in the near future such as the creation of growth and jobs, climate change, food security and resource depletion. “Bioeconomy 2030†projects a reference scenario (‘business as usual’) and compares it with two distinct policy narratives (‘Outward-looking’ and ‘Inward-looking’) to understand the drivers of EU’s bioeconomy up to 2030, assess its resilience to fulfil such diverse policy goals and identify potential trade-offs. As a motor of jobs and growth, the results indicate that the importance of the bio-based sectors is expected to dwindle somewhat. The factors underlying this result are mainly structural and related to comparably lower macroeconomic growth rates in the EU. It is, however, conceivable that improved economic development or productivity improvements linked to EU investments in, for instance bio-based innovation, would produce a recognisably more optimistic outlook for the EU bioeconomy. |
| Keywords: | bioeconomy, modelling, agriculture, CGE, CAP, biofuel, trade, GHG |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc98160&r=env |
| By: | Chen, Junyi; McCarl, Bruce A.; Price, Edwin; Wu, Ximing; Bessler, David A. |
| Abstract: | In recent decades, there has been assertions that climate change triggers conflict via multiple pathways, including food shortages, pest and disease incidence expansion, and water scarcity. However, broad empirical studies on the link are still lacking. This study aims to quantitatively explore that linkage using a global dataset. This involves development of a model that predicts the probability of conflict incidence given climate variations. We apply both parametric and semiparametric techniques in a rolling window scheme, which allows for a system that evolves over time. Two criteria are employed to evaluate out-of-sample predictive capability of the estimated models. Our investigation suggests that precipitation variation has a statistically significant effect on conflict. Generally we find the more that this year’s precipitation is smaller than last years the more likely is civil conflict. |
| Keywords: | climate, conflict, semiparametric, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:229783&r=env |
| By: | Melo, Grace |
| Abstract: | Contingent valuation (CV) or defensive behavior data is often used to estimate the economic value of water quality. Although combining these data (i.e., stated and revealed preferences) mitigates the potential bias from using either type of information, the costs of collecting both could overwhelm the benefits. We attempt to find a convenient estimation method by using a proxy indicator for revealed preferences in the analysis of stated preference data. Specifically, this study explores the effect of individuals’ reported defensive behavior on their stated preferences for groundwater quality. Logit models based on random utility theory were estimated using referendum CV data at household level collected in Maine, US. The results suggest that failure in accounting for defensive behavior in the valuation could result in a bias willingness to pay estimate for groundwater quality. We also found that the monetary value for groundwater quality was small, even though subsoil water constituted an important drinking water supply in the survey period. The results also revealed that respondents’ averting behavior were mainly influenced by their perception of groundwater quality. Implications of our findings for welfare analysis are discussed. |
| Keywords: | contingent valuation, averting behavior, groundwater quality, Environmental Economics and Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Q5, Q2, H23, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230001&r=env |
| By: | Jin Jianjun (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Gao Yiwei (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Wang Xiaomin (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Pham Khanh Nam (University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City) |
| Keywords: | Farmer, climate change |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160427&r=env |
| By: | Thiemo Fetzer; Samuel Marden |
| Abstract: | Weak property rights are strongly associated with underdevelopment, low state capacity and civil conflict. In economic models of conflict, outbreaks of violence require two things: the prize must be both valuable and contestable. This paper exploits spatial and temporal variation in contestability of land title to explore the relation between (in)secure property rights and conflict in the Brazilian Amazon. Our estimates suggest that, at the local level, assignment of secure property rights eliminates substantively all land related conflict, even without changes in enforcement. Changes in land use are also consistent with reductions in land related conflict. |
| Keywords: | property rights, land titling, conflict, deforestation |
| JEL: | O12 Q15 D74 Q23 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:sercdp:0194&r=env |
| By: | Jaimie Kim B. Arias (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Jefferson A. Arapoc (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Hanny John P. Mediodia (College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas) |
| Keywords: | adaptation, climate change, Philippines |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160415&r=env |
| By: | Elvira M. Orbetta (Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies (REECS)) |
| Keywords: | pollution, Philippines |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb2016048&r=env |
| By: | Michal Litwinski (Poznan University of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The aim of the article is to verify a hypothesis about positive influence of instrument of energy poverty alleviation policy on quality of life in Poland. In the article literature review is presented. There is also conducted quantitative analysis of data for 2004-2014. Variables regarding energy policy were obtained from OECD database, variables regarding quality of life – from Eurostat. The analysis confirmed that shaping one of the instruments of energy poverty alleviation policy – energy prices can positively affect access to electricity, thereby reducing scope and depth of energy poverty. Limitation of this phenomena could be a reason of quality of life increase. |
| Keywords: | energy policy; quality of life; energy prices |
| JEL: | I31 C32 Q48 |
| Date: | 2016–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pes:wpaper:2016:no10&r=env |
| By: | Takahashi, Ryo; Todo, Yasuyuki |
| Abstract: | Shade coffee certification programs that aim to conserve the forest have attracted an increasing amount of attention. However, there is heated debate whether certification programs create an incentive for producers to expand their coffee-growing areas. This study conducted in Ethiopia aimed to evaluate the impact of a shade coffee certification on forest degradation. Additionally, to provide empirical evidence for the debate, we examined the spillover effects of certification to surrounding forest. We used remote sensing data to identify the forest quality and applied matching methods to compare forest coffee areas with and without the certification. We found that the certified areas significantly conserved forest quality compared with the areas without certification. Furthermore, our empirical results revealed that the certification had a positive impact on the forest areas within a 100 m radius. These results indicate that the certification program is effective in alleviating forest degradation. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, International Development, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211939&r=env |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | The Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative is the global effort rallying action towards a transformation in the energy sector by the year 2030. With targets to increase energy use, expand energy efficiency, and ensure energy access for all, SE4All’s priorities are tied closely to the challenges of developing Asia and the Pacific, which is confronting issues of energy sustainability, security, and widespread energy poverty. In the interest of combining efforts and resources to meet the challenge, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific have partnered to act as the leading organizations for the SE4All Regional Hub for Asia and the Pacific. Together, they are supporting actions among developing countries in the region that will put them on track to transform their energy sectors, in line with SE4All. This report summarizes the initial activities of the Regional Hub, and contextualizes the challenges in Asia and the Pacific with the global efforts to reach the 2030 targets. |
| Keywords: | energy, energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable energy, sustainable development goals, asia, pacific, sdgs, se4all, undp, adb, energy targets, 2030 targets |
| Date: | 2015–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt157630-2&r=env |
| By: | Thiemo, Fetzer (University ofWarwick); Marden, Samuel (University of Sussex) |
| Abstract: | Weak property rights are strongly associated with underdevelopment, low state capacity and civil conflict. In economic models of conflict, outbreaks of violence require two things: the prize must be both valuable and contestable. This paper exploits spatial and temporal variation in contestability of land title to explore the relation between (in) secure property rights and conflict in the Brazilian Amazon. Our estimates suggest that, at the local level, assignment of secure property rights eliminates substantively all land related conflict, even without changes in enforcement. Changes in land use are also consistent with reductions in land related conflict. |
| Keywords: | property rights, land titling, conflict, deforestation JEL Classification: O12, Q15, D74, Q23 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cge:wacage:285&r=env |
| By: | Shew, Aaron M.; Danforth, Diana M.; Nalley, Lawton L.; Nayga, Rodolfo M. Jr.; Tsiboe, Francis; Dixon, Bruce L. |
| Abstract: | Consumers’ valuation of food products derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have played a pivotal and often constraining role in the development of biotechnology advances in agriculture. As a result, agricultural companies have started exploring new biotechnologies that do not require the genetic modification of crops. One of these emerging biotechnologies is a non-GMO RNA interference (RNAi) liquid application that could be used to control specific insect pests. When ingested by a targeted sub-species of an insect during production, RNAi blocks the expression of a vital gene, which in turn kills it. RNAi is non-toxic to humans and kills only targeted sub-species of insects, which differs from most conventional pesticides. For example, RNAi could selectively eliminate a specific sub-species of caterpillar pest, while not harming a monarch butterfly caterpillar. In contrast, conventional pesticides often kill insects indiscriminately and vary in human toxicity levels. Since agricultural producers and researchers have faced opposition to GMOs, this may be an alternative to controlling commonly encountered insects; however, consumers’ valuation of traditional GM compared to RNAi derived foods has not been evaluated in the scientific literature. Thus, we conducted a Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) survey in the USA, Canada, Australia, France, and Belgium to analyze whether consumers need a premium or discount for: (1) a hypothetical GMO rice using the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene for insect control; and (2) a hypothetical non-GMO rice using RNAi for insect control. Since there is currently no commercially-available GMO rice, measuring consumers’ valuation of rice produced by alternative biotechnologies provides vital information for crop breeders and policy makers. The results suggest that consumers require a discount for RNAi and Bt rice compared to a conventionally produced rice, but the discount required for the non-GMO RNAi rice was 30-40 percent less than that needed to purchase GMO Bt rice (p < 0.01). |
| Keywords: | Biotechnology, Willingness-To-Pay, GMO, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Marketing, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea16:235110&r=env |
| By: | Loan T. Le (Faculty of Economics, Nong Lam University) |
| Keywords: | Biofuels, Transport, Vietnam |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160423&r=env |
| By: | Molinari, Seth |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:auagpe:234415&r=env |
| By: | Meza-Pale, Pablo; Yunez-Naude, Antonio |
| Abstract: | This paper presents results of the rainfall impact on agricultural production and net income for rural households in Mexico using a two-year panel data set. We construct a metric on rainfall variation using historical data from weather stations across Mexico. The relationship between our rainfall measure and agricultural production indicates a consistent negative effect on maize production, specially for rain-fed and small farmers. Moreover, there is mixed evidence for non-maize crops production and non-significant rainfall impact for household’s net income. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212457&r=env |
| By: | Paul J. Burke (Arndt-Corden Department of Economics, The Australian National University) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines economic challenges faced by Australia’s Direct Action abatement subsidy scheme. Introduced in 2014, the scheme operates by reverse auction, funding projects voluntarily proposed by the private sector. Because the government cannot know true project counterfactuals, the lowest auction bids are likely to often be non-additional “anyway” projects. The scheme is hence likely to exhibit a systematic skew toward low-quality abatement. The paper presents a model of the adverse selection problem and describes the early experience with Direct Action. A discussion of a way forward is also provided. |
| Keywords: | abatement subsidy; adverse selection; emissions; climate; Australia |
| JEL: | Q58 Q52 D82 |
| Date: | 2016–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:ccepwp:1605&r=env |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Pacific Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Pacific Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | The Cook Islands is among the best performing Pacific island economies, with many structures in place that support private sector investment, including an internationally competitive tax regime, an open trade regime, and good standards of education and health care. Future prospects are positive due to the growing tourism sector, and potential resource revenues from seabed minerals prospecting activities are another favorable development. The Government of the Cook Islands is committed to pursuing sustainable development through private-sector-led growth. Yet, the Cook Islands faces significant challenges in realizing its full potential, including a sluggish business entry process that discourages foreign investment, inadequate infrastructure that threatens to degrade the natural environment, complex land ownership and inadequate land use planning processes, and a weak collateral framework. This private sector assessment identifies priority policy areas and recommends the most important, strategic steps that the government should focus on to improve the business environment. This report was produced by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, a regional technical assistance facility cofinanced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Australia, and the New Zealand Government. |
| Keywords: | Cook Islands; pacific; private sector assessment; PSA; private sector; PSDI; ADB; state-owned enterprises; business law reform; financing growth; economic growth; financial services; public–private partnerships; women's economic empowerment; economic analysis; financial markets; land reform; labor and employment; competition policy; infrastructure; Michael Mullins |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt157687-2&r=env |
| By: | Kim, GwanSeon; Schieffer, Jack; Mark, Tyler |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:229880&r=env |
| By: | Nijiraini, Georgina; Thiam, Djiby |
| Abstract: | Water is a complex economic good and requires optimal management to control its rising scarcity and competition for use. South Africa is in the process of implementing market based water policy reforms to attain equity, efficiency, and sustainability. However, these reforms have not been entirely successful and water allocation problems persist. This could be due the associated transaction costs arising from the transition of the policy process among other factors. Previous research lacks to explain the complete interplay of issues. Transaction costs constitute a large component of total policy costs yet remain generally unmeasured. This study identifies and quantifies transaction costs incurred by various stakeholders in the Olifants basin. Further, determinants of irrigation farmers’ transaction costs are assessed using regression methods. Results from this study feed back into the water policy process through allowing comparisons between policy alternatives ex ante and evaluation of existing policies ex post for improvement purposes |
| Keywords: | transaction costs, water policy reforms, South Africa, Olifants river basin, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212585&r=env |
| By: | Siriluk Chiarakorn (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi); Chompoonuh K. Permpoonwiwat (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi); Papondhanai Nanthachatchavankul (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi) |
| Keywords: | Bioplastic, Petrochemicals, Thailand |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160435&r=env |