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on Environmental Economics |
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Issue of 2019‒06‒10
forty-two papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | José A. Tapia Granados; Clive L. Spash |
| Abstract: | Since the 1990s, advocates of policy to prevent catastrophic climate change have been divided over the appropriate economic instruments to curb CO2 emissions—carbon taxes or schemes of emission trading. Barack Obama claimed that policies implemented during his presidency set in motion irreversible trends toward a clean-energy economy, with the years 2008-2015 given as evidence of decoupling between CO2 emissions and economic growth. This is despite California being the only state in the USA that has implemented a specific policy to curb emissions, a cap-and-trade scheme in place since 2013. To assess Obama’s claims and the effectiveness of policies to reduce CO2 emissions, we analyze national and state-level data from the USA over the period 1990-2015. We find: (a) annual changes in emissions strongly correlated with the growth conditions of the economy; (b) no evidence for decoupling; and (c) a trajectory of CO2 emissions in California which does not at all support the claim that the cap-and-trade system implemented there has reduced CO2 emissions. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, Cap-and-trade, Carbon emissions trading, Decoupling, Economic growth |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwsre:sre-disc-2019_04&r=all |
| By: | Jean-Michel Salles (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - FRE2010 - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier) |
| Abstract: | From an economic perspective, damage and loss valuation aims first at justifying climate change mitigation efforts. But the difficulties related to the heterogeneity of the damage and the time horizon of the impacts make the results very contingent of the computation hypotheses.The debate thus focused on the social cost of carbon, driven by the idea of basing climate change policies on emission pricing. But damage assessment could also be used as a basis for compensating victims. Although the idea of climate justice is struggling to establish the basis for this compensation, international negotiations have begun to lay the groundwork for it through the Warsaw Mechanism, which remains however far from this goal. |
| Abstract: | Dans une perspective économique, l'évaluation des pertes et dommages vise d'abord à justifier les efforts d'atténuation du changement climatique. Mais les difficultés liées à l'hétérogénéité des dommages et l'horizon temporel des impacts rendent les résultats très contingents des hypothèses de calcul. Le débat s'est ainsi focalisé sur le coût social du carbone, porté par l'idée de baser les politiques de lutte contre le changement climatique sur une tarification des émissions. Mais l'évaluation des dommages pourrait aussi servir de base à une compensation des victimes. Même si l'idée d'une justice climatique peine à établir les bases de cette compensation, les négociations internationales ont commencé à en poser des jalons à travers le Mécanisme de Varsovie qui reste cependant loin de cet objectif. |
| Keywords: | eEconomic valuation,Climate change,Compensation,Economic valuation,Loss and damage,Social cost of carbon,coût social du carbone,pertes et préjudices,évaluation économique,changement climatique |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpceem:halshs-02131892&r=all |
| By: | Melanie Marten; Kurt van Dender |
| Abstract: | The paper collects comprehensive and detailed data on what 40 OECD and G20 economies do with the revenues from carbon taxes, emissions trading systems, and excise taxes on energy use. It notes that constraints – which can take the form of political commitments or legal earmarks – on revenue use differ between carbon taxes, emissions trading systems, and excise taxes. Constraints are less common for excise taxes, which also raise the most revenue. Carbon tax revenues are relatively often associated with environmental tax reforms, involving reductions in personal or corporate income taxes. Revenues from emissions trading systems are frequently directed towards green spending. The results may be relevant to the political economy of ambitious carbon pricing schemes in the sense that the political expedience of choices on revenue use may depend on the amount of revenue raised. |
| Keywords: | carbon pricing, climate change, effective carbon rates, environmental tax reform, external costs |
| JEL: | H21 H23 Q41 Q48 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2019–06–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:ctpaaa:43-en&r=all |
| By: | Grytten, Ola Honningdal (Dept. of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration); Koilo, Viktoriia (Hauge School of Management, NLA University College, Norway) |
| Abstract: | This study aims to investigate the relationship of economic development, measured as economic growth, energy use, trade and foreign direct investment one the one hand and environmental degradation (carbon dioxide (hereafter CO2) emissions) on the other hand, in eleven emerging Eastern European countries during the period of 1990 to 2014. The empirical results support a carbon emission’s Kuznets curve hypothesis for Eastern Europe. The current income level indicates that not every country has reached the turning point for CO2 emissions reduction goal. In addition, the study proves a positive effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on CO2 emissions in Eastern European countries. Also the results show that there is a negative effect of total energy consumption on environment as it increases CO2 emissions. Hence, there is a significant need of reforming the electricity markets that requires necessary improvement and attraction of investment, strong central political support, thorough preparation and continuous development. Income elasticities for CO2 are positive for all 11 countries. The paper concludes that within the group Ukraine and Kazakhstan has the most sensitive change in economic growth in respect to its CO2. It is expected that the innovative transition to a low-carbon economy offers great opportunities for economic growth and job creation. Technological leadership should be accompanied by the development and introduction of new technologies throughout Eastern European countries, hence, the paradigm of “sustainable development” should be considered. This requires the unification of the research, industry and financial sectors, as well as the support of state bodies. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC); carbon emissions; energy intensive industry; income elasticity of CO2; U-shaped relationship. |
| JEL: | O13 Q53 Q56 |
| Date: | 2019–05–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nhheco:2019_011&r=all |
| By: | Nabila Arfaoui (University Catholic of Lyon, ESDES); Amandine Gnonlonfin (Université de Nice/IMREDD) |
| Abstract: | The study collects original monetary estimates for Nature Based Solutions (NBS) and benefits, with restoration approach in a basin context. A database of 187 monetary estimates is constructed to perform the first meta-analysis, which will assess how individuals value the NBS restoration measures and their benefits. We find that individuals value, in particular, global climate regulation, local environmental regulation, recreational activities, and habitat and biodiversity benefits. We find also that NBS measures aimed at floodplains and river streams are more highly valued. The results of this study suggest that the Willingness-to-pay (WTP) is weakly influenced by the methodological variables. While the contingent valuation method affects the WTP compared to studies using choice experiments, the payment and econometric method means have only a marginal effect. Survey modes are never significant. Finally, studies on the US and Europe country contexts show higher WTP than those conducted in Asia. |
| Keywords: | Nature Based Solution (NBS), Meta-Analysis, Ecosystem services, Willingness To Pay |
| JEL: | Q51 Q57 O13 |
| Date: | 2019–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fae:wpaper:2019.09&r=all |
| By: | Simplice A. Asongu (Yaoundé/Cameroon); Nicholas M. Odhiambo (Pretoria, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | In the light of challenges to sustainable development in the post-2015 development agenda, this study assesses how increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions affect inclusive human development in 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2000-2012. The following findings are established from Fixed Effects and Tobit regressions. First, unconditional effects and conditional impacts are respectively positive and negative from CO2 emissions per capita, CO2 emissions from liquid fuel consumption and CO2 intensity. This implies a Kuznets shaped curve because of consistent decreasing returns. Second, the corresponding net effects are consistently positive. The following findings are apparent from Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) regressions. First, unconditional effects and conditional impacts are respectively negative and positive from CO2 emissions per capita, CO2 emissions from liquid fuel consumption and CO2 intensity. This implies a U-shaped curve because of consistent increasing returns. Second, the corresponding net effects are overwhelmingly negative. Based on the robust findings and choice of best estimator, the net effect of increasing CO2 emissions on inclusive human development is negative. Policy implications are discussed. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions; Sustainable development; Inclusiveness; Environmental policy; Africa |
| JEL: | C52 O38 O40 O55 P37 |
| Date: | 2018–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:abh:wpaper:18/017&r=all |
| By: | David Fleming (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research); Suzi Kerr (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research); Edmund Lou (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research) |
| Abstract: | Using the New Zealand Monitor Farm Data (NZMFD), this paper explores the cost-effectiveness of two mitigation options to reduce biological greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on farms: reducing stocking rate (SR; the number of cows per effective hectare of dairy land); and increasing animal performance (AP; measured by production of milk solids (MS) per cow). These mitigation options have been defined as “no cost” because, if applied together, they could reduce the carbon footprint of farms while also maintaining or even improving profits (de Klein & Dynes, 2017). We evaluate the effect of these mitigation options on three main variables: milk profitability of the farm (cash operating surplus (COS)/ton of MS produced); emissions intensity (ton CO2eq/ton of MS produced); and the value of emissions (COS/ton CO2eq). The paper has two main findings: high-AP farms show significantly lower emissions intensities and higher milk profitability; and higher SRs on farms are significantly associated with lower emissions intensities while not being significantly associated with milk profitability or negatively associated with profit per hectare. These results imply that higher levels of AP reduce the GHG intensity of the farm and increase profit – a “no-cost” option – but unless either the SR or the area under dairy farming fall, an increase in AP will lead to an increase in absolute emissions. However, our results cast doubt on the idea that reducing SR is a no-cost way to achieve absolute emission reductions. The two options do seem to constitute a no-cost outcome when combined, but potentially the same mitigation could be achieved with lower loss of profit by reducing the area of dairy land while maintaining high SRs and increasing the performance of the animals. |
| Keywords: | value of emissions, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, dairy, methane, nitrous oxide, emissions intensity, mitigation practices, pastoral systems |
| JEL: | Q10 Q19 Q52 Q54 |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mtu:wpaper:19_11&r=all |
| By: | Brown, Austin; Fulton, Lewis; Dominguez-Faus, Rosa |
| Abstract: | California has a range of existing and proposed targets toward a low carbon future. This paper summarizes an analytical review, focused on modeling approaches and what is known about their feasibility and cost. The findings in this paper are based on the Climate Change Policy Modeling (CCPM) forum, which included modelers, policy makers and stakeholders evaluating targets and pathways to low-carbon futures and identifying required policies to achieve goals. The third forum, CCPM-3, was on May 14th, 2018, at the University of California, Davis and provided critical discussion and a gathering of the key experts in this topic area This report builds on the findings of CCPM and integrates with other literature where possible. It includes a review of the CO2-relevant targets, discussion of studies and modeling efforts to assess meeting such targets, including feasibility and cost. This includes analysis in the transportation and energy sectors, as well as land use and carbon sequestration. |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Law, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Zero emission vehicles, greenhouse gas emissions, policy, travel demand, mathematical models, climate change |
| Date: | 2019–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt2699b5zh&r=all |
| By: | Langinier, Corinne; Ray Chaudhuri, A. (Tilburg University, Center For Economic Research) |
| Abstract: | We develop a theoretical framework to investigate the impact of patent policies and emission taxes on green innovation that reduces the emission output ratio, and on the emission level. In the absence of green consumers, the introduction of patents results in a paradox whereby increasing emission tax beyond a certain threshold leads to a discrete increase in the emission level, which may be avoided by reducing the patenting cost. In the presence of green consumers, this paradox is restricted to an intermediate range of tax rates, and at sufficiently high tax rates, reducing the patenting cost may increase the emission level. Also, higher emission taxes increase green investment only if the fraction of green consumers is sufficiently small, and the magnitude of this effect decreases as this fraction increases.Moreover, a stricter patentability requirement is only effective at reducing emissions if the fraction of green consumers is sufficiently small. |
| Keywords: | patent; clean technologies; environmentally friendly consumers |
| JEL: | O34 L13 Q50 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tiu:tiucen:03e766c3-0046-4ddf-b9aa-44fb81ed9458&r=all |
| By: | Rauscher, Michael |
| Abstract: | The paper uses a continuous-time overlapping-generations model with endogenous growth and pollution accumulation over time to study the link between longevity and global warming. It is seen that increasing longevity accelerates climate change in a business-as-usual scenario without climate policy. If a binding emission target is set exogenously and implemented via a cap-and-trade system, the price of emission permits is increasing in longevity. Longevity has no effect on the optimal solution of the climate problem if perfect intergenerational transfers are feasible. If these transfers are absent, the impact of longevity is ambiguous. |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:roswps:160&r=all |
| By: | Ana Sofía Aron (Universidad del Pacífico); Oswaldo Molina (Universidad del Pacífico) |
| Abstract: | Concerns about climate change are gaining more notoriety and exerting a pressure for more stringent environmental regulations in the mining sector. Thus, demand for sustainable methods of production has increased and created opportunities for Peruvian mining suppliers that offer green innovations (GI). In this paper, we follow the technological trajectories of a set of local firms who successfully undertook green innovations, in order to analyze the main factors which determined their development and integration into the mining value chain. Our study reveals that due to the novelty of the demand for GI, most local suppliers engaged in these activities are emergent ones. Moreover, they tend to follow different strategies which facilitate their entrance to the market: they establish relationships with strategic partners, specialize in niches that can hardly be covered by foreign multinational companies, and adapt their innovations to client’s requirements. However, innovations by emergent suppliers remain limited due to multinational mining companies favoring incumbent suppliers with a positive trajectory in the market, financial constraints, and lack of communication and coordination channels within the sector. Thus, successful emergent suppliers depend highly on governmental financing, and linkages with research centers at universities. |
| Keywords: | Green innovations, sustainable innovations, Natural Resource Industries, suppliers |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:apc:wpaper:145&r=all |
| By: | Hassler, John (IIES, Stockholm University, University of Gothenburgh, CEPR and SEM); Krusell, Per (IIES, Stockholm University, University of Gothenburg, CEPR and NBER); Olovsson, Conny (Research Department, Central Bank of Sweden) |
| Abstract: | We construct an integrated assessment model with multiple energy sources-two fossil fuels and “green energy" - and use it to evaluate ranges of plausible estimates for the climate sensitivity as well as for the sensitivity of the economy to climate change. Rather than focusing on uncertainty explicitly, we look at extreme scenarios defined by the upper and lower limits given in available studies in the literature. We compare optimal policy with laissez faire and we point to the possible policy errors that could arise. By far the largest policy error arises when the climate policy is “overly passive"; “overly zealous" climate policy (i.e., a high carbon tax applied when climate change and its negative on the economy are very limited) does not hurt the economy much as there is considerable substitutability between fossil and non-fossil energy sources. |
| Keywords: | Climate change; integrated assessment model; uncertainty |
| JEL: | E60 H23 O44 Q43 Q54 |
| Date: | 2019–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:rbnkwp:0369&r=all |
| By: | Simplice A. Asongu (Yaoundé/Cameroon); Nicholas M. Odhiambo (Pretoria, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | This research examines the relevance of inclusive development in modulating the role of governance on environmental degradation. The study focuses on forty-four countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2000-2012. The Generalised Method of Moments is employed as the empirical strategy and CO2 emissions per capita is used to measure environmental pollution. Bundled and unbundled governance dynamics are employed, notably: political governance (consisting of political stability/no violence and “voice and accountability†), economic governance (encompassing government effectiveness and regulation quality), institutional governance (entailing corruption-control and the rule of law), and general governance (a composite measure of political governance, economic governance and institutional governance). The following main findings are established. First, the underlying net effect in the moderating role of inclusive development in the governance-CO2 emissions nexus is not significant in regressions pertaining to political governance and economic governance. Second, there are positive net effects from the relevance of inclusive development in modulating the effects of regulation quality, economic governance and general governance on CO2 emissions. The significant and insignificant effects are elucidated. Policy implications are discussed. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions; Governance; Sustainable development; Sub-Saharan Africa |
| JEL: | C52 O38 O40 O55 P37 |
| Date: | 2019–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:abh:wpaper:19/006&r=all |
| By: | Stavins, Robert N. (John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University) |
| Abstract: | There is widespread agreement among economists--and a diverse set of other policy analysts--that at least in the long run, an economy-wide carbon pricing system will be an essential element of any national policy that can achieve meaningful reductions of CO2 emissions cost-effectively in the United States. There is less agreement, however, among economists and others in the policy community regarding the choice of specific carbon-pricing policy instrument, with some supporting carbon taxes and others favoring cap-and-trade mechanisms. This prompts two important questions. How do the two major approaches to carbon pricing compare on relevant dimensions, including but not limited to efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and distributional equity? And which of the two approaches is more likely to be adopted in the future in the United States? This paper addresses these questions by drawing on both normative and positive theories of policy instrument choice as they apply to U.S. climate change policy, and draws extensively on relevant empirical evidence. The paper concludes with a look at the path ahead, including an assessment of how the two carbon-pricing instruments can be made more politically acceptable. |
| JEL: | Q40 Q48 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecl:harjfk:rwp19-017&r=all |
| By: | Mohammad Younus Bhat and Mohammad Sultan Bhatt |
| Abstract: | Biodiversity needs our attention because humans receive a wide range of direct and indirect benefits. Valuation of biodiversity is important to establish the importance of use and non†use values of biological resources and cost of ignoring them. Against this backdrop, the aim of this study is to capture the recreational value of the national park biodiversity while employing travel cost method. To this end, the value of the economic benefits generated by sustainable management of Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir (India) is estimated using data from 301 visitors from different parts of the country. Data are analysed using count data models, and results reveal that travel cost method is suitable for valuation of various use values generated by environmental resources such as national parks. Estimated results show that consumer surplus per visitor per visit in present study is equal to Rs. 12,470 (US$197), which translates into an annual monetary recreational value of about Rs. 247,614,828 (approximately US$3,930,395). Demand for tourism services is also found to be fairly insensitive to travel cost/price. Therefore, an increase in entry fee and redistribution of proceeds can improve the physical and financial management of the park. |
| Keywords: | Biodiversity, Consumer Surplus, Dachigam National Park, Economic Valuation, Travel Cost Method |
| Date: | 2019–01–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201904&r=all |
| By: | Thomas Douenne (Paris School of Economics – Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne); Adrien Fabre (Paris School of Economics – Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne) |
| Abstract: | Using a new survey and National households' survey data, we investigate French perception over carbon taxation. We find that French people largely reject a tax and dividend policy where revenues of the tax would be redistributed uniformly. However, their perception about the properties of the tax are biased: people overestimate the negative impact on their purchasing power, wrongly think the scheme is regressive, and do not perceive it as environmentally effective. Our econometric analysis shows that correcting these three bias would suffice to generate majority acceptance. Yet, we find that people's beliefs are persistent and their revisions biased towards pessimism, so that only few can be convinced. |
| Keywords: | Climate Policy, Carbon tax, Bias, Beliefs Preferences |
| JEL: | D72 D91 H23 H31 Q58 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fae:wpaper:2019.10&r=all |
| By: | F. Fusillo; F. Quatraro; S. Usai |
| Abstract: | The literature on the determinants of green technologies (GTs) has already identified regulation as a key driver of environmental innovations. However, relatively little is known on how the regulatory framework affect the knowledge generation process. This paper contributes this literature by investigating the impact of collaboration networks and environmental regulation, and of their interaction, on the generation of green technologies. The empirical analysis is carried out on a newly constructed dataset of European firms over the period 2005-2012 and it is articulated in two steps. Firstly, we test the existence of a relationship between the environmental regulation, as measured by the OECD Environmental Policy Stringency index, and GTs, proxied by patent applications. We then employ a dynamic network analysis model to explore the dual role of GTs both as determinant of the collaboration network and as outcome of firm collaboration strategies. We find that, even though there exists a strong and positive relationship, the regulatory framework has not a direct effect on GTs but rather it stimulates firms to search for new qualified collaboration. Then, it is the nature and the structure of these collaborations that encourages firms to generate new green technological knowledge. |
| Keywords: | proximity;innovation networks;Green technologies;firms' strategies;environmental regulation;Dynamic Network Analysis |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cns:cnscwp:201907&r=all |
| By: | Dechezlepretre, Antoine; Sato, Misato |
| Abstract: | This article reviews the empirical literature on the impacts of environmental regulations on firms’ competitiveness, as measured by trade, industry location, employment, productivity and innovation. The evidence shows that environmental regulations can lead to statistically significant adverse effects on trade, employment, plant location and productivity in the short run, in particular in a well-identified subset of pollution- and energy-intensive sectors, but that these impacts are small relative to general trends in production. At the same time, there is evidence that environmental regulations induce innovation in clean technologies, but the resulting benefits do not appear to be large enough to outweigh the costs of regulations for the regulated entities. As measures to address competitiveness impacts are increasingly incorporated into the design of environmental regulations, future research will be needed to assess the validity and effectiveness of such measures, and to ensure they are compatible with the environmental objectives of the policies. |
| JEL: | J1 |
| Date: | 2017–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:77700&r=all |
| By: | Gagliarducci, Stefano (University of Rome Tor Vergata); Paserman, M. Daniele (Boston University); Patacchini, Eleonora (Cornell University) |
| Abstract: | This paper studies how politicians and voters respond to new information on the threats of climate change. Using data on the universe of federal disaster declarations between 1989 and 2014, we document that congress members from districts hit by a hurricane are more likely to support bills promoting more environmental regulation and control in the year after the disaster. The response to hurricanes does not seem to be driven by logrolling behavior or lobbysts' pressure. The change in legislative agenda is persistent over time, and it is associated with an electoral penalty in the following elections. The response is mainly promoted by representatives in safe districts, those with more experience, and those with strong pro-environment records. Our evidence thus reveals that natural disasters may trigger a permanent change in politicians' beliefs, but only those with a sufficient electoral strength or with strong ideologies are willing to engage in promoting policies with short-run costs and long-run benefits. |
| Keywords: | U.S. Congress, hurricanes, legislative activity |
| JEL: | D70 D72 H50 Q54 |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12334&r=all |
| By: | Edward D. Perry; GianCarlo Moschini (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD)) |
| Abstract: | Abstract. This study exploits a novel dataset containing more than 89,000 farm-level surveys over a 17-year period to investigate how neonicotinoid seed treatments in maize, now ubiquitous, have affected the use of other insecticides. Neonicotinoid insecticides are the most used class of insecticides in the world, but they are controversial because of their high toxicity to honeybees. In the United States, maize production accounts for the majority of neonicotinoid use, mostly as seed treatments. We find that neonicotinoids substituted for other major insecticides: plots planted with neonicotinoid-treated seeds were 52% and 47% less likely to be treated with a pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticide, respectively. Although honeybees have been put at greater risk by neonicotinoids, the changed pattern of pest control instruments has reduced toxicity risk for mammals, birds, and fish. We also find that adoption of genetically engineered insect-resistant maize varieties significantly reduced the use of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, thereby reducing toxicity exposure to all examined taxa. Policies aimed at restricting neonicotinoid use may need to account for undesirable unintended consequences. Key Words: environmental risk, genetically engineered maize, insect control options, insecticides, neonicotinoids, pesticide ban, substitution effects, unintended consequences JEL codes: Q1, Q5 |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ias:cpaper:19-wp590&r=all |
| By: | Padfield, Rory; Hansen, Sune; Davies, Zoe G.; Ehrensperger, Albrecht; Slade, Eleanor M.; Evers, Stephanie; Papargyropoulou, Effie; Bessou, Cécile; Abdullah, Norhayati; Page, Susan; Ancrenaz, Marc; Aplin, Paul; Dzulkafli, Shahirah Balqis; Barclay, Holly; Chellaiah, Darshanaa; Choudhary, Sonal; Conway, Samantha; Cook, Sarah; Copeland, Alison; Campos-Arceiz, Ahimsa; Deere, Nicolas J.; Drew, Simon; Gilvear, David; Gray, Ross; Haller, Tobias; Hood, Amelia S-C.; Huat, Lee Kim; Huynh, Nhat; Kangayatkarasu, Nagulendran; Koh, Lian Pin; Kolandai, Sanath Kumaran; Lim, Robin Ah Hee; Yeong, Kok Loong; Lucey, Jennifer M.; Luke, Sarah H.; Mitchell, Simon L.; Montefrio, Marvin J.; Mullin, Katherine; Nainar, Anand; Nekaris, K. Anne-Isola; Nijman, Vincent; Nunes, Matheus; Nurhidayu, Siti; O'Reilly, Patrick; Puan, Chong Leong; Ruppert, Nadine; Salim, Hengky; Schouten, Greetje; Tallontire, Anne; Smith, Thomas E. L.; Tao, Hsiao-Hang; Tham, Mun Hou; Varkkey, Helena; Wadey, Jamie; Yule, Catherine M.; Azhar, Badrul; Sayok, Alexander K.; Vairappan, Charles; Bicknell, Jake E.; Struebig, Matthew J. |
| Abstract: | The rise of palm oil as the world’s most consumed vegetable oil has coincided with exponential growth in palm oil research activity. Bibliometric analysis of research outputs reveals a distinct imbalance in the type of research being undertaken, notably a disproportionate focus on biofuel and engineering topics. Recognising the expansion of oil palm agriculture across the tropics and the increasing awareness of environmental, social and economic impacts, we seek to re-orient the existing research agenda towards one that addresses the most fundamental and urgent questions defined by the palm oil stakeholder community. Following consultation with 659 stakeholders from 38 countries, including palm oil growers, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and researchers, the highest priority research questions were identified within 13 themes. The resulting 279 questions, including 26 ranked as top priority, reveal a diversity of environmental and social research challenges facing the industry, ranging from the ecological and ecosystem impacts of production, to the livelihoods of plantation workers and smallholder communities. Analysis of the knowledge type produced from these questions underscores a clear need for fundamental science programmes, and studies that involve the consultation of non-academic stakeholders to develop ‘transformative’ solutions to the oil palm sector. Stakeholders were most aligned in their choice of priority questions across the themes of policy and certification related themes, and differed the most in environmental feedback, technology and smallholder related themes. Our recommendations include improved regional academic leadership and coordination, greater engagement with private and public stakeholders of Africa, and Central and South America, and enhanced collaborative efforts with researchers in the major consuming countries of India and China. |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2019–05–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:100824&r=all |
| By: | Can Askan Mavi (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - FRE2010 - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier) |
| Abstract: | his paper aims to present a new explanation for environmental traps, by the presence of endogenous hazard rate. We show that adaptation and mitigation policies have different effects on the occurrence of environmental traps: the former could cause an environmental trap, whereas the latter could help society avoid such a trap, since it decreases the harmful event probability. As a result, we present a new trade-off between adaptation and mitigation policies other than the usual dynamic trade-off highlighted in many studies, which is crucial for developing countries. Contrary to the literature, when the economy is in a trap, the economy at the high environmental quality equilibrium tends to be more conservative for resource exploitation than the low environmental quality equilibrium economy, which implies a heterogeneous reaction against the endogenous hazard rate. |
| Keywords: | Environmental damage,Harmful event,Occurrence hazard,Tipping points,Multiple equilibria,Environmental traps,Adaptation,Mitigation |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpceem:halshs-02141789&r=all |
| By: | Quang Minh Tran |
| Abstract: | Over the past decade, Vietnam has emerged as one of the world's fastest growing economies. Fossil fuel use, which is a dominant energy source and vital for economic growth, have been increasing considerably. Undoubtedly, the projection of fossil fuel demand is essential for a better understanding of energy needs, fuel mix, and Vietnam's strategic development. This paper provides an outlook for coal, oil, and gas demand in Vietnam to 2050. The projection is based on the calibrated results from a hybrid model (that combines a GTAP†R version for resources, and a micro simulation approach) and an energy database. Under the baseline scenario (business as usual), from 2018 to 2050, the demand for coal, oil products, and gas are expected to increase by a factor of 2.47†fold, 2.14†fold, and 1.67†fold, respectively. Emissions are also projected to increase. Because fossil fuels are the dominant source of carbon emissions in Vietnam, it follows, going forward, that an effective fuel†mix strategy that encourages the development of renewables and energy efficiency is essential. |
| Keywords: | climate change, emissions, fossil fuels demand, projection, Vietnam |
| Date: | 2019–06–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201912&r=all |
| By: | Simplice A. Asongu (Yaoundé/Cameroon); Nicholas M. Odhiambo (Pretoria, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | This study investigates how increasing economic development affects the green economy in terms of CO2 emissions, using data from 44 countries in the SSA for the period 2000-2012. The Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) is used for the empirical analysis. The following main findings are established. First, relative to CO2 emissions, enhancing economic growth and population growth engenders a U-shaped pattern whereas increasing inclusive human development shows a Kuznets curve. Second, increasing GDP growth beyond 25% of annual growth is unfavorable for a green economy. Third, a population growth rate of above 3.089% (i.e. annual %) has a positive effect of CO2 emissions. Fourth, an inequality-adjusted human development index (IHDI) of above 0.4969 is beneficial for a green economy because it is associated with a reduction in CO2 emissions. The established critical masses have policy relevance because they are situated within the policy ranges of adopted economic development dynamics. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions; Economic development; Africa |
| JEL: | C52 O38 O40 O55 P37 |
| Date: | 2019–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:abh:wpaper:19/010&r=all |
| By: | Jean-Marc Montaud (CATT - Centre d'Analyse Théorique et de Traitement des données économiques - UPPA - Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour) |
| Abstract: | In Mali's current context where the crops sector is particularly exposed and vulnerable to agricultural drought, this study assesses the economy-wide impacts of such events and the potential effectiveness of some adaptation strategies. Using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model, we conduct counterfactual simulations of various scenarios accounting for different levels of intensity and frequency of droughts over a 15-year period. We first show how mild, moderate, and intense droughts currently experienced by the country affect its economic performances and considerably degrade its households' welfare. We also show how these negative impacts could be aggravated in the future by the likely increased number of intense droughts threatened by global climate change. However, we finally show that there appears to be some room for Mali to manoeuvre in terms of drought-risk management policies, such as fostering the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties, improving drought early warning systems or extending irrigation capacities. |
| Keywords: | Climate variability,General Equilibrium,Agriculture,Food Security,Mali |
| Date: | 2019–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-02141050&r=all |
| By: | Langthaler, Margarita; Probst, Lorenz |
| Abstract: | Die UN-Agenda 2030 und die 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) schreiben Hochschulbildung eine wichtige Rolle zu. Hochschulbildung ist einerseits als Entwicklungsziel (SDG 4.3.), andererseits als wesentliches Instrument zur Erreichung der anderen Ziele in den SDGs verankert. Das vorliegende Briefing Paper fasst die internationale Diskussion zu beiden Dimensionen aus entwicklungspolitischer Sicht zusammen. Es beleuchtet eingangs den Stellenwert von Hochschulbildung in den SDGs. Anschließend geht es auf die aktuellen globalen Rahmenbedingungen ein. In einem dritten Kapitel erörtert es die Herausforderung des universellen Hochschulzugangs, insbesondere für Länder des Globalen Südens. Schließlich diskutiert es die Rolle von Hochschulen für die Erreichung der SDGs und die wesentlichen Hindernisse bei der Umsetzung, um abschließend kurz die Implikationen der internationalen Diskussion für Österreichs Hochschulen zu reflektieren. |
| Keywords: | Sustainable Development Goals - SDG,Hochschulbildung,SDG 4 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:oefseb:20&r=all |
| By: | Bowen, Alex; Kuralbayeva, Karlygash; Tipoe, Eileen L. |
| Abstract: | This paper estimates the share of jobs in the US that would benefit from a transition to the green economy, and presents different measures for the ease with which workers are likely to be able to move from non-green to green jobs. Using the US O*NET database and its definition of green jobs, 19.4% of US workers are part of the green economy in a broad sense, although most green employment is 'indirectly' rather than 'directly' green, comprising existing jobs that are expected to be in high demand due to greening, but do not require significant changes in tasks, skills, or knowledge. Analysis of task content also shows that green jobs vary in 'greenness', with very few jobs only consisting of green tasks, suggesting that the term 'green' should be considered a continuum rather than a binary characteristic. While it is easier to transition to indirectly green rather than directly green jobs, greening is likely to involve transitions on a similar scale and scope of existing job transitions. Non-green jobs generally appear to differ from their green counterparts in only a few skill-specific aspects, suggesting that most re-training can happen on-the-job. Network analysis shows that the green economy offers a large potential for short-run growth if job transitions are strategically managed. |
| Keywords: | skills; occupational choice; green employment; green economy; ES/K006576/1 |
| JEL: | J21 J24 J62 O33 O51 |
| Date: | 2018–05–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:87472&r=all |
| By: | Sandra Cortes Acosta (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research); David Fleming (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research); Loic Henry (French National Institute for Agricultural Research, INRA); Edmund Lou (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research); Sally Owen (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research); Bruce Small (AgResearch Ltd) |
| Abstract: | New Zealand scientists have suggested that multiple pastoral farming practices could reduce on-farm biological greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining (and in some circumstances even increasing) farm profits (e.g. de Klein and Dynes, 2017). However, these win–win practices (which we define as “no-cost” mitigation practices) are reported to be under-adopted in New Zealand (Reisinger et al. 2018). The focus of this paper is to identify barriers affecting the adoption or expansion of no-cost mitigation practices by farmers in New Zealand. We define and categorize barriers to adoption using a typology of barriers developed by Jaffe (2017). This typology provides a comprehensive list and precise/accurate description of multiple barriers that might be present in farming contexts. First, we confront the typology with empirical evidence in the literature studying the barriers to the adoptions of technologies and practices in the context of pastoral farming. Although the evidence on perceptions and adoption of GHG emissions mitigation options in New Zealand is very limited, several of the barriers in Jaffe’s typology have been evidenced by researchers as affecting the decisions to adopt different innovative technologies and practices on farms. To complement the literature review and, more importantly, focus on no-cost GHG mitigation practices, we conducted interviews with 14 farmers in different regions of the country. In these conversations we discussed different managerial and practical implications of five different no-cost farming practices, with the aim of identifying barriers that affect their adoption or expansion. We describe in the paper more than 40 quotes obtained from farmers, from which we identified the occurrence of 16 different barriers. Among these, the “Unsureness about practicality”, “risk and uncertainty” and “complex interactions” barriers showed as the most frequent barriers identified as causing under-adoption of the evaluated practices. In addition, different types of perceived costs (financial barriers), such as “modelling mismatch” and “learning and adjustment”, have been pointed out as a limitation for adoption (which are captured by barriers category “arguably efficient” in Jaffe’s typology). We also found that in some cases non-financial barriers seem to be interconnected – in especial the case when the interactions’ complexity increases the riskiness of the outcome (the “risk and uncertainty” barrier) and makes it difficult to see whether the mitigation option is practical (a barrier of “unsureness about practicality”). |
| Keywords: | Barriers to adoption; GHG mitigation practices; pastoral systems; climate change |
| JEL: | Q10 Q19 Q52 Q54 |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mtu:wpaper:19_10&r=all |
| By: | - |
| Abstract: | Ao comemorar os 70 anos da CEPAL, o Escritório em Brasília, com o apoio da Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) e da Young Scholars Initiative do Institute for New Economic Thinking, convidou jovens pesquisadores brasileiros para analisar o futuro da economia do Brasil, a partir das propostas e estruturas das análises da CEPAL. Os artigos incluídos abordam desafíos e oportunidades para o desenvolvimento do país nos próximos anos a partir de temas diversos, tais como a vulnerabilidade externa, a fragilidade das finanças públicas e do Estado, a inovação e diversificação produtiva, a necessidade de políticas sociais distributivas e o impacto da mudança climática. A leitura desse conjunto de artigos poderá formar um horizonte para o debate sobre alternativas de desenvolvimento para o Brasil, articulando uma mudança estrutural com igualdade. |
| Keywords: | DESARROLLO ECONOMICO, DESARROLLO SOCIAL, POLITICA DE DESARROLLO, IGUALDAD, AJUSTE ESTRUCTURAL, CONDICIONES POLITICAS, POLITICA SOCIAL, CRECIMIENTO ECONOMICO, DISTRIBUCION DEL INGRESO, FINANCIACION DEL DESARROLLO, CAMBIO CLIMATICO, POLITICA AMBIENTAL, POLITICA MONETARIA, DESARROLLO INDUSTRIAL, PRODUCTIVIDAD, INFLACION, POLITICA ECONOMICA, MACROECONOMIA, INDICADORES ECONOMICOS, INDICADORES SOCIALES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT POLICY, EQUALITY, STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT, POLITICAL CONDITIONS, SOCIAL POLICY, ECONOMIC GROWTH, INCOME DISTRIBUTION, DEVELOPMENT FINANCING, CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, MONETARY POLICY, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTIVITY, INFLATION, ECONOMIC POLICY, MACROECONOMICS, ECONOMIC INDICATORS, SOCIAL INDICATORS |
| Date: | 2019–05–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col127:44616&r=all |
| By: | Laetitia Tuffery (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - FRE2010 - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier) |
| Abstract: | In this article, we estimate how the willingness to pay (WTP) for forest recreational services affects housing choice location based on the random bidding model. We obtain four major original findings: (i) The WTP for urban park proximity is globally non-significant, in contrast to forest area. (ii) When forests are recreational green spaces (defined by surface area), they positively influence the WTP, which is higher for the wealthiest households and those over the age of 45. (iii) When forests are natural protected areas, their influence on the WTP is negative for the least affluent classes but positive for managers and professionals belonging to the 30-45 age group. (iv) Finally, forest facilities such as hiking and biking paths have a positive impact on the WTP for most socio-professional categories (with the exception of managers and professionals) and especially for households under the age of 30. |
| Keywords: | Forest proximity,recreational amenity,random bidding model,heterogeneous preference JEL codes: D44 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-02139114&r=all |
| By: | Jenn, Alan; Fleming, Kelly |
| Keywords: | Engineering |
| Date: | 2019–05–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt4j78f7x0&r=all |
| By: | Jonathan Goyette (Department of economics, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada); Maroua Smaoui (Department of economics, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada) |
| Abstract: | The goal of this paper is to examine the impact of rising world temperatures on the incidence of civil armed conflicts, focusing on a specific mechanism: the interaction between variations in annual temperatures and variations in agricultural potential. We assemble a dataset from various sources for 172 countries from 1946 till 2014. Agricultural potential is based on the Food and Agricultural Organization fs definition of a country land suitability for growing basic crops. Annual temperature data come from the Climate Research Unit of the University of East Anglia. Data on civil armed conflicts is from the Uppsala Conflict Data Project. Using a fixed-effect approach, our identification strategy is akin to a natural experiment where the exogenous interaction between the temporal variation in temperature within a country and the cross-country variation in agricultural potential allows identifying the effect of this interaction on conflict incidence. The findings indicate that temperature and agricultural potential are substitutes and have offsetting effects on conflict incidence. We find that in a country with low agricultural potential a one degree increase in temperature is associated with a 3% increase in conflict incidence. However, when agricultural potential is high, a one degree increase in temperature is associated with a 5% decrease in conflict incidence. The results are tested against various robustness checks. |
| Keywords: | armed conflict, civil war, climate change, crop suitability, water scarcity, food security |
| JEL: | I3 O13 P48 Q51 Q54 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:was:dpaper:1903&r=all |
| By: | Josset, Laureline; Allaire, Maura; Hayek, Carolyn; Rising, James; Thomas, Chacko; Lall, Upmanu |
| Abstract: | Water data play a crucial role in the development and assessment of sustainable water management strategies. Water resource assessments are needed for the planning, management, and the evaluation of current practices. They require environmental, climatic, hydrologic, hydrogeologic, industrial, agricultural, energy, and socioeconomic data to assess and accurately project the supply of and demand for water services. Given this context, we provide a review of the current state of publicly available water data in the United States. While considerable progress has been made in data science and model development in recent years, data limitations continue to hamper analytics. A brief overview of the water data sets available at the federal level is used to highlight the gaps in readily accessible water data in the United States. Then, we present a systematic review of 275 websites that provide water information collected at the state level. Data platforms are evaluated based on content (ground and surface water, water quality, and water use information) along with the analytical and exploratory tools that are offered. Wev discuss the degree to which existing state-level data sets could enrich the data available from federal sources and review some recent technological developments and initiatives that may modernize water data. We argue that a national water data portal, more comprehensive than the U.S. Energy Information Administration, addressing the significant gaps and centralizing water data is critical. It would serve to quantify the risks emerging from growing water stress and aging infrastructure and to better inform water management and investment decisions. |
| Keywords: | 1360446; 2LAP2_161876; P300P2_171241 |
| JEL: | J50 |
| Date: | 2019–05–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:100855&r=all |
| By: | Marion Dupoux (University of Gothenburg); Vincent Martinet (INRA, Economie Publique, Paris-Grignon, France) |
| Abstract: | Empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks mostly suggest normality of public environmental goods. In this paper, we argue there is no reason an environmental good should be categorized as inferior, normal or luxury in all decision contexts. We develop a model that allows public environmental goods to switch from one category to another, depending on individual income and environmental quality levels (i.e., the context). Our model is based on needs within which private consumption and environmental goods may interact differently (substitutes/complements). We formalize utility functional forms that comply with our framework. We finally derive some policy implications for environmental benefit transfers. |
| Keywords: | substitutability, context, willingness to pay for the environment, inferior good, needs |
| JEL: | D11 H41 Q50 |
| Date: | 2019–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fae:wpaper:2019.08&r=all |
| By: | Karim Chaib (UMR : AGroécologie, Innovations, TeRritoires - Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse); Aude Ridier (SMART - Structures et Marché Agricoles, Ressources et Territoires - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - AGROCAMPUS OUEST); Soukaina Hitane |
| Abstract: | Les nouveaux enjeux de la filière blé dur française nécessitent de repenser les systèmes de production vers des itinéraires techniques innovants à bas intrants. Les pratiques visant la réduction de l'utilisation des intrants de synthèse contribuent au respect de la réglementation environnementale mais peuvent aussi modifier le niveau de productivité des cultures et augmenter sa variabilité. Le risque sur le rendement s'ajoute au risque de fluctuation des prix de marché. La souscription de contrats entre agriculteur et collecteur peut permettre de gérer ces risques, une des fonctions du contrat étant de partager les risques entre les parties. Dans cet article, nous interrogeons l'effet d'une offre de contrats diversifiée sur l'adoption par les agriculteurs d'itinéraires techniques innovants à bas intrants. Nous construisons un modèle dynamique en programmation stochastique discrète proposant une articulation originale entre l'adoption d'un changement de pratique et l'adoption séquentielle de contrats de commercialisation. Nous intégrons les choix de production et les choix de commercialisation séquentiels d'un producteur spécialisé en blé dur. Nous montrons que bien que moins rentables en moyenne, les itinéraires techniques à bas intrants peuvent atteindre des prix d'intérêts plus élevés si le choix de production est accompagné de certains types de contrats qui diminuent le risque de marché. |
| Keywords: | blé dur,modèle dynamqiue,itinéraires à bas intrants,contrats |
| Date: | 2018–12–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01972730&r=all |
| By: | Filippova, Olga; Nguyen, Cuong; Noy, Ilan; Rehm, Michael |
| Abstract: | Globally, the single-most observable, predictable, and certain impact of climate change is sea level rise. Using a case study from the Kapiti Coast District in New Zealand, we pose a simple question: Do people factor in the warnings provided by scientists and governments about the risk of sea-level rise when making their investment decisions? We examine the single most important financial decision that most people make – purchasing a home, to see whether prices of coastal property change when more/less information becomes available about property-specific consequences of future sea level rise. The Kapiti Coast District Council published detailed projected erosion risk maps for the district’s coastline in 2012 and was forced to remove them by the courts in 2014. About 1,800 properties were affected. We estimate the impact of this information on home prices using data from all real estate transactions in the district with a difference-in-differences framework embedded in a hedonic pricing model. We find that the posting of this information had a very small and statistically insignificant impact on house prices, suggesting people do not care much about the long-term risks of sea-level rise as they do not incorporate these risks in their investment decisions. |
| Keywords: | House price, Sea level rise, Climate change, Erosion, New Zealand, Investment risk, |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vuw:vuwecf:8158&r=all |
| By: | Guo, B.; Newbery, D.; Gissey, G. |
| Abstract: | Market coupling makes efficient use of interconnectors by ensuring lower-price markets import until prices are equated or interconnectors constrained. A carbon tax in one of the market can distort trade and reduce price convergence. This paper uses econometrics to investigate the impact of the British Carbon Price Support (CPS, an extra carbon tax) on GB’s cross-border electricity trading with France (through IFA) and the Netherlands (through BritNed). Over 2015-2018 the CPS led to GB importing 18 TWh more electricity, thereby reducing carbon tax revenue by e74.4 million. Congestion revenue increased by e252 million, half of which was transferred to foreign interconnector owners, and the unilateral CPS created e18 million of deadweight loss. About 60% (s.e.=12%) of the CPS was passed through to the GB day-ahead prices, with 9% of this having been passed through to France and 11% to the Netherlands. |
| Keywords: | Carbon tax, Interconnectors, Market Coupling, Cost-benefit analysis, MGARCH |
| JEL: | Q48 F14 D61 C13 |
| Date: | 2019–06–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:1951&r=all |
| By: | Sandra E. Black; Paul J. Devereux; Petter Lundborg; Kaveh Majlesi |
| Abstract: | Wealth is highly correlated between parents and their children; however, little is known about the extent to which these relationships are genetic or determined by environmental factors. We use administrative data on the net wealth of a large sample of Swedish adoptees merged with similar information for their biological and adoptive parents. Comparing the relationship between the wealth of adopted and biological parents and that of the adopted child, we find that, even prior to any inheritance, there is a substantial role for environment and a much smaller role for pre-birth factors and we find little evidence that nature/nurture interactions are important. When bequests are taken into account, the role of adoptive parental wealth becomes much stronger. Our findings suggest that wealth transmission is not primarily because children from wealthier families are inherently more talented or more able but that, even in relatively egalitarian Sweden, wealth begets wealth. We further build on the existing literature by providing a more comprehensive view of the role of nature and nurture on intergenerational mobility, looking at a wide range of different outcomes using a common sample and method. We find that environmental influences are relatively more important for wealth-related variables such as savings and investment decisions than for human capital. We conclude by studying consumption as an overall measure of welfare and find that, like wealth, it is more determined by environment than by biology. |
| Keywords: | Intergenerational mobility; Wealth inequality; Nature and nurture; Wealth transmission; Environmental influences |
| JEL: | J00 |
| Date: | 2019–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ucn:wpaper:201904&r=all |
| By: | Yeva Nersisyan; L. Randall Wray |
| Abstract: | This paper follows the methodology developed by J. M. Keynes in his How to Pay for the War pamphlet to estimate the "costs" of the Green New Deal (GND) in terms of resource requirements. Instead of simply adding up estimates of the government spending that would be required, we assess resource availability that can be devoted to implementing GND projects. This includes mobilizing unutilized and underutilized resources, as well as shifting resources from current destructive and inefficient uses to GND projects. We argue that financial affordability cannot be an issue for the sovereign US government. Rather, the problem will be inflation if sufficient resources cannot be diverted to the GND. And if inflation is likely, we need to put in place anti-inflationary measures, such as well-targeted taxes, wage and price controls, rationing, and voluntary saving. Following Keynes, we recommend deferred consumption as our first choice should inflation pressures arise. We conclude that it is likely that the GND can be phased in without inflation, but if price pressures do appear, deferring a small amount of consumption will be sufficient to attenuate them. |
| Keywords: | Green New Deal; Keynes; How to Pay for the War; Modern Money Theory |
| JEL: | B50 E0 E2 E3 E6 H6 Q0 |
| Date: | 2019–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lev:wrkpap:wp_931&r=all |
| By: | Kurt van Dender |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the main external costs related to road transport and the design of taxes to manage them. It provides an overview of evolving tax practice in the European Union and the United States and identifies opportunities for better alignment of transport taxes with external costs. There is considerable scope for improving transport tax practice, notably by increasing the use of taxes based on road use. Distance charges offer great promise in delivering more efficient road transport. In heavily congested areas, targeted charges are a cost-effective way of reducing congestion. Fiscal objectives provide an impetus for change as improving vehicle fuel efficiency and fleet penetration of alternative fuel vehicles erode traditional tax bases, particularly those relating to fossil fuel use. A gradual shift from an energy-based approach towards distance-based transport taxes has the potential to establish a stable tax base in the road transport sector in the long run. |
| Keywords: | congestion, congestion charging, distance-charges, external costs, fuel taxes, pollution, road transport |
| JEL: | H23 Q58 R4 R41 R48 |
| Date: | 2019–06–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:ctpaaa:44-en&r=all |
| By: | Ahmed, Haseeb; Yoder, Jonathan; Davis, Alicia |
| Keywords: | Farm Management |
| Date: | 2019–06–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eaa168:289588&r=all |
| By: | Mounir Amdaoud (CEPN - Centre d'Economie de l'Université Paris Nord - UP13 - Université Paris 13 - USPC - Université Sorbonne Paris Cité - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | Les ressources naturelles ont été souvent analysées dans la littérature économique comme étant non compatibles avec le développement économique (Auty, 2001 ; Gylfason, 2001 ; Sacks & Warner, 1995). L'objet de ce papier est de revenir sur l'analyse du lien qui caractérise les ressources naturelles et le développement économique. Pour ce faire, nous mobilisons une nouvelle approche basée sur les théories évolutionnistes et institutionnelle qui porte la focale sur l'importance de la dynamique d'apprentissage et de création de nouvelles connaissances notamment dans les économies riches en ressources naturelles. Les résultats obtenus dans notre étude sur près de 100 pays montrent que certaines des économies les plus avancés et les plus riches au monde sont des économies basées sur les ressources naturelles. Par conséquent, la malédiction serait davantage dans l'apprentissage et la construction de compétences que dans les ressources. |
| Keywords: | Ressources naturelles,rente,croissance économique,institutions,innovation,apprentissage,compétences |
| Date: | 2019–05–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cepnwp:hal-02136083&r=all |