|
on Environmental Economics |
|
Issue of 2021‒07‒19
sixty-two papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Villamizar, Rodrigo; Villamizar-Villegas, Mauricio; Arango, Lucia; Castelblanco, Geraldine |
| Abstract: | In this policy note we propose a new country-based sustainability index comprised of three main drivers: climate change, energy use, and resource depletion. We argue that increases in clean energy intensity (clean energy per dollar of GDP), decreases in carbon intensity (carbon emission per dollar of GDP), and water intensity (water used per dollar of GDP) significantly affect sustainability. Supplementary, we compare our proposed index with macroeconomic indicators like GDP, Income per capita and other development indices such as the Human Development Index and the GINI, showing marked differences, which we interpret as unexplored areas for sustainable gains. |
| Keywords: | Sustainability; Climate change; Energy use; Resource depletion |
| JEL: | Q56 |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rie:riecdt:82&r= |
| By: | Piotr Zebrowski; Matthias Jonas |
| Abstract: | In this working paper we place scenarios of Austria's transition to a green economy in a global context of efforts of international community to limit global warming to the levels outlined in the Paris Agreement. To this end we propose a method of deriving robust and physically grounded budgets of Austria's cumulative GHG emissions that are consistent with the 1.5 °C and the 2 °C warming targets of Paris agreement, respectively. These budgets are based on the most recent estimates of carbon budgets for the 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming targets and delineate a "space for manoeuvre" within which Austria's green transformation must take place if it is to make a desired contribution to humanity's climate-change mitigation efforts. We also derive reference pathways for Austria's GHG emissions that are in line with the 1.5 °C and the 2 °C warming targets, and which inform us about the necessary emission reductions in any given year, e.g., in 2050. We also demonstrate how budgets of cumulative national GHG emissions and corresponding reference emission pathways can be downscaled to provide boundary conditions for a novel approach to modelling economic transformations based on the concept of functionalities. First, we establish how much of GHG emissions is currently caused by providing functionalities Access, Shelter and Other Life Support in Austria. Next, with help of existing EU-wide scenarios of green transition that resolve multiple economic sectors, we assess expected cumulative emissions from sectors not covered by these functionalities. Finally, we subtract these cumulative emissions from the budget of Austria's total GHG emissions and distribute the remainder between the considered functionalities. |
| Date: | 2021–07–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2021:i:634&r= |
| By: | Julia M. Puaschunder (The New School, New York, USA) |
| Abstract: | Globalization leveraged pressure on contemporary society. Today's most pressing social dilemmas regarding climate change demand for inclusive solutions that marry the idea of sustainable growth with environmental economics. Understanding the bounds of environmental limits to avoid ethical downfalls beyond the control of singular nation states infringing on intergenerational equity – the fairness to provide an at least as favorable standard of living to future generations as enjoyed today – has become a blatant demand. In a history of turning to natural law as a human-imbued moral compass for solving societal downfalls on a global scale in times of crises; the paper covers the ethical justification for environmental economics. Climate change demands for intergenerational equity in the 21st century and climate justice attention around the globe, while the gains and losses of a warming globe are distributed unequally. Only ethical foundations and imperatives will help to provide the groundwork on climate justice within a society, around the world and over time. Ethics of the environment derived from a human natural drive towards intergenerational fairness back climate justice based governance and private sector solutions. |
| Keywords: | Climate Bonds, Climate Change, Climate Justice, Climatorial Imperative, Economics of the Environment, Ethics, Environmental Justice, Environmental Governance, Heidegger, Kant, Public Policy, Rawls, Sustainability, Teaching |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:lpaper:0043&r= |
| By: | Bakari, Sayef; Tiba, Sofien |
| Abstract: | This paper aiming at investigating the impact of renewable combustible and waste on the economic growth and environmental quality for the case of Tunisia using the ARDL bounds testing approach during the period 1971-2018. The results confirm the presence of long-run relationships between the combustible renewables and waste and the aggregate wealth proxy and the ecological proxies, respectively. Furthermore, for the production function model, our empirical results reflect that combustible renewables and waste exerts a significant positive effect on economic growth. For the environmental model, the findings confirm that combustible renewables and waste has a negative effect on environmental quality. From this outlook, the perspectives on the use of renewable energy use in Tunisia seem to be constructive and positive. The transition towards friendly energy sources is the main response to the climate emergency for a green economy in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).The encouragement of sustainable consumption, sustainable goods, and practices will be the main element towards the achievement of the green transition of the structure Tunisian economy as a whole. |
| Keywords: | Renewable combustible and waste ; GDP ; CO2 ; ARDL Bounds testing ; Tunisia. |
| JEL: | O40 O44 O47 Q2 Q20 Q28 Q5 Q52 Q54 Q57 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108616&r= |
| By: | David Horan (School of Politics and International Relations and UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy, University College Dublin) |
| Abstract: | Research in global climate governance recognizes the importance of transnational multistakeholder partnerships (often termed cooperative initiatives) in driving climate action from global to subnational levels. Large N studies of climate partnerships have shed light on cooperative governance's inclusiveness, thematic focus, geographic scope, degree of institutionalization, and contribution to the attainment of climate goals. However, a neglected aspect of partnership performance concerns its coherence, i.e., the extent to which portfolios of partnerships contribute to the balanced implementation of climate goals across the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Climate action is a complex transboundary problem that spans several sectors and scales and increasingly, scholarship is mapping these linkages across issue areas and levels. Drawing on this evidence base, this paper conducts a large N study of 49 climate-related partnerships in Pacific SIDS (PSIDS) to assess whether and to what extent these partnerships taken together contribute to the balanced implementation of climate action in PSIDS. Using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to assess coherence and introducing a measure of partnership's Output-SDG-Fit, results indicate that these partnerships tend to cluster their activities around a narrow set of nexuses with the climate-ocean nexus receiving relatively many partnerships and the climate-development nexus highly underrepresented. The findings support the view that transnational cooperative climate governance in Pacific SIDS is incoherent and that a lack of development finance for many SIDS may be driving incoherence in PSIDS partnerships. The paper discusses the practical implications of this finding for the orchestration of more coherent portfolios of climate partnerships. |
| Keywords: | Climate Governance, Transnational Multi-stakeholder Partnerships, Effectiveness, Coherence, Sectoral Linkages, SDGs, Pacific SIDS |
| Date: | 2021–03–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ucd:wpaper:202110&r= |
| By: | Mohajan, Haradhan |
| Abstract: | This study tries to discuss aspects of application of circular economy (CE) in Germany. Since the start of the First Industrial Revolution (start in 1760), more than 260 years ago, there becomes enormous development in global linear economy (LE) on the basis of ‘take, make and dispose’. Modern various technologies, such as automobiles, electricity, telephones, mobile phones, transistors, airplanes, computers, and the internet have brought enormous change in production and consumption. But unsustainable side effects of LE are; loss of biodiversity, deforestation, environment pollution, climate change, etc. On the other hand, CE represents a sustainable economy. It keeps resources and materials, as long as, possible. The purpose of this study is to show the importance and beneficial effects of a realized CE on the economic, environmental and social sectors for the success of global sustainable development and the contribution of CE in Germany. Germany is the first country in the world that tries to implement CE by using technologies of waste and resource management. |
| Keywords: | Circular economy, Germany, sustainable development, waste management |
| JEL: | D6 G1 I3 O1 |
| Date: | 2021–03–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108566&r= |
| By: | Julia M. Puaschunder (The New School, New York, USA) |
| Abstract: | Globalization leveraged pressure on contemporary society. Today's most pressing social dilemmas regarding climate change demand for inclusive solutions that marry the idea of sustainable growth with environmental economics. Understanding the bounds of environmental limits to avoid ethical downfalls beyond the control of singular nation states infringing on intergenerational equity – the fairness to provide an at least as favorable standard of living to future generations as enjoyed today – has become a blatant demand. In a history of turning to natural law as a human-imbued moral compass for solving societal downfalls on a global scale in times of crises; the paper covers the ethical justification for environmental economics. Climate change demands for intergenerational equity in the 21st century and climate justice attention around the globe, while the gains and losses of a warming globe are distributed unequally. Only ethical foundations and imperatives will help to provide the groundwork on climate justice within a society, around the world and over time. Ethics of the environment derived from a human natural drive towards intergenerational fairness back climate justice based governance and private sector solutions. |
| Keywords: | Climate Bonds, Climate Change, Climate Justice, Climatorial Imperative, Economics of the Environment, Ethics, Environmental Justice, Environmental Governance, Heidegger, Kant, Public Policy, Rawls, Sustainability, Teaching |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:lpaper:0039&r= |
| By: | Amir, Md. Khaled |
| Abstract: | This research paper intends to evaluate an idea about bankers’ perceptions on green banking by getting a candid opinion from conventional banks’ bankers in Bangladesh based on a quality survey questionnaire covers relevant areas like benefits of green banking, superior officials who serve green banking services, taken eco-friendly initiatives, getting support from proper authorities, safeguarding environment pollution and rewards for adopting green banking. Considering the highest mean score of items in each group, this paper insights about green banking is environment-friendly banking, managers and officers are resourceful, emphasizes on recycling of left-over materials, keeping the environment pollution free, and performs to reduce resource wastages. This paper also finds that support from the government should be getting heightened priority to enhance its performance and area. So it can be easily presumed that green banking already put a great impact on a great portion of the banking industry in Bangladesh so far. |
| Keywords: | Green banking;Bankers’ Perception;Environment friendly;Carbon emission; Pollution reduction |
| JEL: | M1 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108460&r= |
| By: | Doris Folini; Felix K\"ubler; Aleksandra Malova; Simon Scheidegger |
| Abstract: | We develop a generic calibration strategy for climate models used in economics. The key idea is to choose the free model parameters to match the output of large-scale Earth System Models, which are run on pre-defined future emissions scenarios and collected in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). We propose to use four test cases that are considered pivotal in the climate science literature. Two of these tests are highly idealized to allow for the separate examination of the carbon cycle and the temperature response. Another two tests incorporate gradual changes in CO2 emissions, exogenous forcing, and the temperature response. We re-calibrate the free parameters of the climate part of the seminal DICE-2016 model for three different CMIP5 model responses: the multi-model mean as well as two other CMIP5 models that exhibit extreme equilibrium climate sensitivities. As an additional novelty, our calibrations of DICE-2016 allow for an arbitrary time step in the model explicitly. We show that i) both the temperature equations and the carbon cycle in DICE-2016 are miscalibrated and that ii) by re-calibrating its coefficients, we can match all three CMIP5 targets. We apply the economic model from DICE-2016 in combination with the newly calibrated climate model to compute the social cost of carbon and the optimal warming. We find that in our updated model, the social cost of carbon is very similar to DICE-2016, however, the optimal long-run temperature lies almost one degree below that obtained by DICE-2016. This difference in climate behavior is reflected in the over-sensitivity of the social cost of carbon to the discount rate. Under the optimal mitigation scenario, the temperature predictions of DICE-2016 (in contrast to our proposed calibration) fall outside of the CMIP5 scenarios, suggesting that one might want to be skeptical about policy predictions derived from DICE-2016. |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2107.06162&r= |
| By: | Filippo Belloc; Edilio Valentini |
| Abstract: | We propose a mixture model approach to decompose environmental productivity into a managerial and a technological dimension, and to identify locally optimal technologies. For a large sample of plants covered by the EU Emission Trading System, we find that the average output gains, emissions being equal, that plants could reach by adopting the locally optimal technology and the best managerial practices available in the sector are 162% and 53% respectively, with significant cross-plant and cross-sector differentials. This data driven decomposition delivers important policy insights, as it helps predicting larger reductions in emission intensity from exible policies than from one-size-fits-all technology-based standards |
| Keywords: | Environmental productivity, Emission intensity, Environmental technology, Environmental management |
| JEL: | D24 L60 Q54 Q55 |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:usi:wpaper:857&r= |
| By: | Atkinson, Giles; Gelan, Ayele |
| Abstract: | We explore the challenge of sustainability in Kuwait and, in doing so, explore three distinct (but related) questions surrounding this. First, we assess development prospects in Kuwait using metrics of national wealth and natural capital. Secondly, we construct a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for Kuwait. Third, we provide a risk assessment for Kuwait of climate change impacts by combining an economic model with different climate scenarios relevant to Kuwait’s food security. Our findings on wealth accounting and our GHG inventory point to the importance of strengthening, and extending, statistical systems in Kuwait. The benefits of this would be improved sustainability benchmarks (against which official national savings commitments can be evaluated) and a more robust basis for judging GHG reduction strategies (given our finding that existing data sources underestimate Kuwait emissions). Moreover, understanding climate risks for Kuwait is crucial to prudent assessment of development prospects. We show that food security is a useful starting point for this and investigate the impacts of changing world food prices on the cost of imports and scope for substituting for domestic activities in both the food. production and processing sectors |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:110972&r= |
| By: | Silvia London; Mara Leticia Rojas; Karen Natalí Candias |
| Abstract: | Resumen En el marco de la Agenda 2030 del PNUD y los Objetivos del Desarrollo Sostenible, las actividades intensivas en el uso de recursos naturales son de gran interés. Entre ellas se destaca el turismo como actividad impulsora del crecimiento. Sin embargo, dicha actividad también causa daños ambientales que podrían, incluso, minar la base de la propia industria turística. Así, este artículo presenta un modelo de crecimiento sencillo de generaciones solapadas y análisis discreto para economías basadas en turismo con uso intensivo en recursos naturales. Los resultados muestran que la posición final de la economía está determinada por el grado de utilización de los recursos en la actividad turística, la impaciencia de la población respecto de las decisiones de consumo intertemporal –preferencia intertemporal–, la presencia de polución y la existencia o ausencia de medidas de mitigación. Se concluye la presencia de un autorreforzamiento positivo entre los recursos económicos destinados al desarrollo de la actividad y el stock de recursos naturales, si las medidas de mitigación son las adecuadas. El aporte es hacia la formulación de política al reconocer los fundamentos de los mecanismos causales que conducen a un resultado de turismo sostenible. Abstract In the framework of the UNDP’s 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, natural resource-intensive activities are of great interest. Among them, tourism is highlighted as an activity to boost growth. However, said activity also causes environmental damage that could even undermine the tourism industry’s own base. As such, this article presents a simple growth model of overlapping generations and a discrete analysis for tourism based natural resource-intensive economies. The results show that the final position of the economy is determined by the degree of use of resources in tourist activities, the impatience of the population regarding intertemporal consumption decisions – intertemporal preference-, the presence of pollution and the existence or lack of mitigation measures. It is concluded that the presence of positive self-reinforcement among the economic resources destined for the development of the activity and stock of natural resources exist if the mitigation measures are adequate. The contribution is towards the formulation of policy by recognizing the basis of the casual mechanisms that lead to a result of sustainable tourism. |
| Keywords: | turismo; crecimiento; recursos naturales; sostenibilidad; preferencia intertemporal; modelo de generaciones solapadas. |
| JEL: | L83 Z32 O41 O44 |
| Date: | 2021–01–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:col:000418:019348&r= |
| By: | Julia M. Puaschunder (The New School, New York, USA) |
| Abstract: | Monitoring and Evaluation is used in the assessment of the performance of projects, institutions and programmes by governments, international organizations, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as social media campaigns. The goal of M&E is to improve the current and future management of outputs, outcomes and impact. As the continuous assessment of programmes, M&E grants insights for the controlled evolution of large-scale projects’ relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact on a grand scale and with a future-oriented outlook. This article applies an M&E lens to the United States’ Green New Deal (GND) as well as its European pendant the European Green Deal (EGD). Both programs are large-scale endeavors with a long-term impact. |
| Keywords: | Climate Bonds, Climate Change, Economics of the Environment, Ecotax, Environmental Justice, Environmental Governance, Fiscal Policy, Green New Deal, Monetary Policy, Multiplier, Sustainability, Teaching |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:lpaper:0041&r= |
| By: | Lavender Yang; Nicholas Z. Muller; Pierre Jinghong Liang |
| Abstract: | We examine the real effects of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) on electric power plants in the United States. Starting in 2010, the GHGRP requires both the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by facilities emitting more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year to the Environmental Protection Agency and the public dissemination of the reported data in a comprehensive and accessible manner. Using a difference-in-difference research design, we find that power plants that are subject to the GHGRP reduced carbon dioxide emission rates by 7%. The effect is stronger for plants owned by publicly traded firms. We detect evidence of strategic behavior by firms that own both GHGRP plants and non-GHGRP plants. Such firms strategically reallocate emissions between plants to reduce GHGRP-disclosed emissions. We interpret this as evidence that the program is costly to the affected firms. Our results offer new evidence that public or shareholder pressure is a primary channel through which mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting programs affect firm behavior. |
| JEL: | G38 L21 M14 M41 Q54 |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28984&r= |
| By: | Ngoma, Hambulo; Pelletier, Johanne; Mulenga, Brian P.; Subakanya, Mitelo |
| Abstract: | Motivation - Although increasing agricultural production is necessary to feed a growing population and meet changing dietary preferences, basing this on expanding area cultivated at the expense of the forest is unsustainable. Expanding agriculture area into forests accounts for 80% of the deforestation globally. Zambia is estimated to lose between 167,000 and 300,000 ha of total forest per annum. Deforestation contributes to climate change, which in turn disproportionately affects smallholder farmers who depend on rainfed agriculture and yet have the least means to adapt to and cope with climate shocks. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is considered a necessary condition to increase agricultural productivity and resilience, as well as to adapt to and mitigate climate change. However, the pathways through which CSA can reduce deforestation are neither obvious, nor are they well understood. At conceptual level, the Borlaug hypothesis postulates that increasing agricultural productivity enables intensification, which in turn spares nature. However, increasing agricultural productivity makes agriculture profitable, which in turn might incentivize rather than reduce deforestation—a phenomenon called the Jevons Paradox. Understanding the different conditions and enabling environments for either of the opposing outcomes in different contexts remains an unresolved and important empirical regularity. Purpose: This paper aims to contribute towards a better understanding of the linkages among CSA, cropland expansion, and deforestation. It unpacks how, why, and where cropland expansion is occurring among smallholder farmers in Zambia. Approach and Methods: Based on detailed nation-wide household-level data, we use an instrumental variable approach to assess cropland expansion and drivers of that expansion, and assess whether CSA reduces cropland expansion in Zambia. We supplemented this analysis with the spatially-explicit Hansen et al. (2013) data to characterize district-level forest cover changes between 2001 and 2018 and correlate these data with district-level changes in cropland expansion to identify processes and patterns. Findings: One-fifth of the 7,241 farm households surveyed in 2019 expanded cropland between the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 farming seasons, clearing on average 0.18 ha, but only 13% expanded their cropland into forests, clearing an average of 0.10 ha of forestland per household. While not all cropland expansion necessarily leads to deforestation, smallholder cropland expansion into forests represents about 4.6% of cultivated land and about 60% (or 150,000 ha) of the 250,000 ha of forests lost per year in Zambia. Most households expanded cropland because of the need to meet subsistence food needs and a few others in response to market opportunities. Much of the cropland expansion among smallholder farmers is concentrated in Luapula, Muchinga, Northern, North- Western, and Western provinces, which are among the most agriculturally favorable areas given the good rainfall conditions (except for Western Province). However, these provinces have high soil acidity, further bringing to the fore a need to address soil health in these areas. Adopting CSA had no statistically significant effect on cropland expansion in our national sample, indicating that CSA alone might not avert expansion-led deforestation. However, age and education are associated with reduced expansion, while secure tenure, landholding size, being male-headed, and distance from the plot to the homestead are positively related to cropland expansion. Thus, CSA-led (technological) intensification alone might not reduce deforestation unless if complemented with improved natural resources management, which would control conversion of forestland to other uses, including agriculture. Policy Implications: We draw three implications for policy. First, relying only on technological-driven intensification to spare forests may be risky. Productivity-enhancing agricultural technologies, like CSA, would be more likely to lead to win-win outcomes for conservation and food production if accompanied by improved resource governance initiatives and better land use planning. Second, seeing that smallholder-led expansion accounts for about 60% of the reported deforestation in Zambia—and most of this expansion occurs in the current agricultural belt—signals the urgency with which policies are required to curb expansion. This is important in order to avert the likelihood that the current agricultural belt, which receives abundant rainfall in Zambia might start to experience reduced rainfall due to deforestation-induced climate variability. And, lastly, we contend that concerted efforts are needed to identify sustainable and efficient ways to scale-up and scale-out CSA adoption in Zambia and the region, given the strategic role CSAs play in building climate resilience. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, International Development |
| Date: | 2019–12–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:miffrp:303522&r= |
| By: | Marion Leroutier (PSE - Paris School of Economics - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, PJSE - Paris Jourdan Sciences Economiques - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AgroParisTech - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation is crucial to tackle climate change. Yet, empirically little is known on the effectiveness of economic instruments in the power sector. This paper examines the impact of the UK Carbon Price Support (CPS), a carbon tax implemented in the UK power sector in 2013. Compared to a synthetic control unit built from other European countries, emissions from the UK power sector declined by 26 percent on an average year between 2013 and 2017. Bounds on the effects of potential UK confounding policies and several placebo tests suggest that the carbon tax caused at least 80% of this decrease. Three mechanisms are highlighted: a decrease in emissions at the intensive margin; the closure of some high-emission plants at the extensive margin; and a higher probability of closure than in the synthetic UK for plants at risk of closure due to European air quality regulations. This paper shows that a carbon tax on electricity generation can lead to successful decarbonisation. |
| Keywords: | Synthetic control method,Synthetic control method carbon tax,Electricity generation,Carbon tax |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:psewpa:halshs-03265636&r= |
| By: | Levi, Sebastian; Goldberg, Matthew H. |
| Abstract: | Climate change concern varies widely across countries. In 2019, 80% of Greeks were at least somewhat worried about climate change, compared to 20% of Egyptians. We argue that variation in climate change concern is partially caused by differences in democracy. Civil liberties protect climate communicators from state repression, censorship, and violence. We offer empirical evidence for the causal effect of democracy on climate change concern using data from 611,909 individuals from 118 countries collected between 2007 and 2019. Exploiting variation in civil liberties across countries and time, we find one unit change in the 7-point civil liberty index to influence climate change concern by 2.3 [95% CI: ±1] percentage points. The effect is much stronger in wealthy countries and less educated cohorts. We also present evidence for our causal pathway using qualitative interviews and by modeling the association between democracy, climate protest, media coverage, and climate concern with simultaneous equations. |
| Date: | 2021–07–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:6vk9d&r= |
| By: | Nguyen, Ha Trong; Christian, Hayley; Le, Huong Thu; Connelly, Luke; Zubrick, Stephen R.; Mitrou, Francis |
| Abstract: | This study explores the differential impact of weather on time allocation to physical activity and sleep by children and their parents. We use nationally representative data with time use indicators objectively measured on multiple occasions for more than 1,100 child-parent pairs, coupled with daily meteorological data. Employing an individual fixed effects regression model to estimate the causal impact of weather, we find that unfavourable weather conditions, as measured by cold or hot temperatures or rain, cause children to reduce physical activity time and increase sedentary time. However, such weather conditions have little impact on children's sleep time or the time allocation of their parents. We also find substantial differential weather impact, especially on children's time allocation, by weekdays/weekends and parental employment status, suggesting that these factors may contribute to explaining the differential weather impact that we observed. Our results additionally provide evidence of adaptation, as temperature appears to have a more pronounced impact on time allocation in colder months and colder regions. The results suggest that extreme weather conditions, including those associated with climate change, could make children vulnerable to reduced physical activity. |
| Keywords: | Weather,time allocation,physical activity,sleep,family,dyad |
| JEL: | I12 J13 J22 Q54 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:886&r= |
| By: | Peter Andre (University of Bonn); Teodora Boneva (University of Bonn); Felix Chopra (University of Bonn); Armin Falk (briq and the University of Bonn) |
| Abstract: | We document individual willingness to fight climate change and its behavioral determinants in a large representative sample of US adults. Willingness to fight climate change - as measured through an incentivized donation decision - is highly heterogeneous across the population. Individual beliefs about social norms, economic preferences such as patience and altruism, as well as universal moral values positively predict climate preferences. Moreover, we document systematic misperceptions of prevalent social norms. Respondents vastly underestimate the prevalence of climate- friendly behaviors and norms among their fellow citizens. Providing respondents with correct information causally raises individual willingness to fight climate change as well as individual support for climate policies. The effects are strongest for individuals who are skeptical about the existence and threat of global warming. |
| Keywords: | climate change, climate behavior, climate policies, social norms, economic preferences, moral values, beliefs, survey experiments |
| JEL: | D64 D91 Q51 |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hka:wpaper:2021-036&r= |
| By: | Ohnishi, Kazuhiro |
| Abstract: | This paper examines a quantity-setting mixed triopoly model comprising a profit-maximizing firm, a partially cooperating firm and a socially concerned firm to reassess the environmental effect of an increase in ambient charges. The paper demonstrates that an increase in the ambient charge can reduce pollutant emissions. |
| Keywords: | ambient charge; Cournot triopoly; partially cooperating firm; pollution; socially concerned firm |
| JEL: | C72 D21 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021–06–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108521&r= |
| By: | Spash, Clive L. |
| Abstract: | Ecological economics has developed as a modern movement with its roots in environmentalism and radical environmental economics. Divisions and conflicts within the field are explored to show why material claiming to fall under the title of ecological economics fails to be representative of progress or the vision which drove socio-economic specialists to interact with ecologists in the first place. The argument is then put forward that ecological economics, as a social science engagingwith the natural sciences, is a heterodox school of modern political economy. |
| Keywords: | ecological economics, methodology, ideology, politics, history |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wus009:8202&r= |
| By: | Salma Khedr; Katrin Rehdanz; Roy Brouwer; Hanna Dijkstra; Sem Duijndam; Pieter van Beukering; Ikechukwu C. Okoli |
| Abstract: | Plastic pollution is one of the most challenging problems affecting the marine environment of our time. Based on a unique dataset covering four European seas and eight European countries, this paper adds to the limited empirical evidence base related to the societal welfare effects of marine litter management. We use a discrete choice experiment to elicit public willingness-to-pay (WTP) for macro and micro plastic removal to achieve Good Environmental Status across European seas as required by the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Using a common valuation design and following best-practice guidelines, we draw meaningful comparisons between countries, seas and policy contexts. European citizens have strong preferences to improve the environmental status of the marine environment by removing both micro and macro plastic litter favouring a pan-European approach. However, public WTP estimates differ significantly across European countries and seas. We explain why and discuss implications for policymaking. |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2107.03957&r= |
| By: | Xu, Lili; Chen, Yuyan; Lee, Sang-Ho |
| Abstract: | This study considers strategic relations between emission tax and environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) in a Cournot–Bertrand comparison, and analyzes two different timings of the games between a tax-then-ECSR (T game) and an ECSR-then-tax (E game). We show that the T game always yields higher emission tax than the E game irrespective of competition modes, but lower ECSR under Cournot while higher ECSR when the marginal damage is high under Bertrand. Additionally, compared with Bertrand, Cournot yields lower (higher) ECSR in the T (E) game, but lower emission tax in the E game while higher emission tax when the product substitutability is low in the T game. We finally show that firms always prefer Cournot competition with the commitment of E game irrespective of the product substitutability and marginal damage. |
| Keywords: | Emission tax; environmental corporate social responsibility; Cournot–Bertrand comparison; tax-then-ECSR; ECSR-then-tax |
| JEL: | H23 L13 M14 |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108498&r= |
| By: | Thierry Déau (Meridiam) |
| Abstract: | Driven by the strong mobilization of its population, Europe is at the forefront of impact investing and sustainable development. The time is ripe to take advantage of this advance and these societal changes to transform finance into a more "sustainable finance", integrating all the parameters of development, and not only the essential fight against climate change. The many legislative changes expected within the framework of the European Green Deal could prove to be decisive in taking these factors into account, and allow us to make our mark. Meridiam's long experience in financing sustainable infrastructure projects allows us to retain some major principles to maximize their impact. Measuring results, setting objectives and giving ourselves the means to achieve them represent the key elements and challenges of sustainable finance in which a lasting impact is decided on a daily basis. |
| Abstract: | Poussée par la mobilisation forte de sa population, l'Europe est à la pointe de l'investissement à impact et du développement durable. Il est nécessaire de capitaliser sur cette avance et ces changements sociétaux pour transformer la finance en « finance durable », intégrant tous les paramètres de développement, et non pas uniquement la lutte contre le changement climatique, évidemment indispensable. Les nombreuses évolutions législatives attendues dans le cadre du Green deal européen pourront se révéler décisives dans la prise en compte de ces facteurs, sur lesquels nous pouvons encore imprimer notre marque. La longue expérience de Meridiam dans le financement de projets d'infrastructures durables permet de dégager quelques grands principes pour maximiser leur impact. La mesure des résultats et la fixation d'objectifs, en se donnant les moyens de les atteindre, sont à la fois la clef et le défi de la finance durable : avoir de l'impact dans la durée se décide au quotidien. |
| Date: | 2021–07–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03277167&r= |
| By: | Stefano Carattini; Sam Fankhauser; Jianjian Gao; Caterina Gennaioli; Pietro Panzarasa |
| Abstract: | Over the past 70 years, the number of international environmental agreements (IEAs) has increased substantially, highlighting their prominent role in environmental governance. This paper applies the toolkit of network analysis to identify the network properties of international environmental cooperation based on 546 IEAs signed between 1948 and 2015. We identify four stylised facts that offer topological corroboration for some key themes in the IEA literature. First, we find that a statistically significant cooperation network did not emerge until the early 1970, but since then the network has grown continuously in strength, resulting in higher connectivity and intensity of cooperation between signatory countries. Second, over time the network has become closer, denser and more cohesive, allowing more effective policy coordination and knowledge diffusion. Third, the network, while global, has a noticeable European imprint: initially the United Kingdom and more recently France and Germany have been the most strategic players to broker environmental cooperation. Fourth, international environmental coordination started with the management of fisheries and the sea, but is now most intense on waste and hazardous substances. The network of air and atmosphere treaties is weaker on a number of metrics and lacks the hierarchical structure found in other networks. It is the only network whose topological properties are shaped significantly by UN-sponsored treaties. |
| Keywords: | environmental cooperation, international environmental agreements, global governance, network analysis |
| JEL: | F53 H87 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_9146&r= |
| By: | Cremer, Helmuth; Borsenberger, Claire; Joram, Denis; Lozachmeur, Jean-Marie; Malavolti, Estelle |
| Abstract: | We study the design of environmental policy in the e-commerce sector and examine two main questions. First, what is the appropriate level of intervention along the value chain. Second, which instruments should be used at a specic level in the vertical chain? We consider a model with two retailers/producers who sell a di¤erentiated product and two parcel delivery operators. The production, retailing and delivery of these goods generates CO2 emissions. We assume that it is more expensive for the retailers and the delivery operators to use greentechnologies. We consider di¤erent scenarios reecting the type of competition and the vertical structure of the industry. In all cases the equilibria are ine¢ cient for two reasons. First, at both level of the value chain (at the production/retailing stage and the delivery stage), the levels of emissions are too large (given the output levels - the number of items produced and delivered). Second the levels of outputs are not e¢ cient because the cost of emissions is not reected by the consumer prices. We show that in the perfect competition scenario a uniform Pigouvian tax on emission, reecting the marginal social damage, is su¢ cient to correct both types of ine¢ ciencies. Under imperfect competition a Pigouvian emissions tax is also necessary, but it has to be supplemented by positive or negative taxes on the quantity of good produced and delivered. The specic design of these instruments is a¤ected by vertical integration between a retailer and a delivery operator. |
| Keywords: | Pigouvian rule; emission taxes; output taxes; E-commerce, delivery operators; vertical integration |
| JEL: | H21 L42 L87 |
| Date: | 2021–07–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tse:wpaper:125780&r= |
| By: | Suryadeepto Nag; Siddhartha P. Chakrabarty; Sankarshan Basu |
| Abstract: | Investor awareness about impending regulations requiring firms to reduce their carbon footprint has introduced a carbon transition risk premium in the stocks of firms. On performing a cross-section analysis, a significant premium was estimated among large caps in the US markets. The existence of a risk premium indicates investor awareness about future exposure to low-carbon transition. A new measure, the Single Event Transition Risk (SETR), was developed to model the maximum exposure of a firm to carbon transition risk, and a functional form for the same was determined, in terms of risk premia. Different classes of distributions for arrival processes of transition events were considered and the respective SETRs were determined and studied. The trade-off between higher premia and higher risks was studied for the different processes, and it was observed that, based on the distributions of arrival times, investors could have a lower, equal or higher probability of positive returns (from the premium-risk trade-off), and that despite a fair pricing of the carbon premium, decisions by investors to take long or short positions on a stock could still be biased. |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2107.06518&r= |
| By: | Zivin, Joshua Graff; Neidell, Matthew; Sanders, Nicholas; Singer, Gregor |
| Abstract: | Influenza and air pollution each pose significant public health risks with large global economic consequences. The common pathways through which each harms health presents an interesting case of compounding risk via interacting externalities. Using instrumental variables based on changing wind directions, we show increased levels of contemporaneous pollution significantly increase influenza hospitalizations. We exploit random variations in the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine as an additional instrument to show vaccine protection neutralizes this relationship. This suggests seemingly disparate policy actions of pollution control and vaccination campaigns jointly provide greater returns than those implied by addressing either in isolation. |
| Keywords: | air pollution; influenza; hospitalizations; vaccines; externalities; ES/R009708/1 |
| JEL: | Q53 I12 I11 |
| Date: | 2021–06–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:110964&r= |
| By: | Reisch, L.; Spash, Clive L.; Bietz, Sabine |
| Abstract: | How to change economic behaviour and achieve sustainable consumption? This paper reports onusing television and internet communication as a means of engaging the least interested sectionsof society with respect to environmental problems and sustainability issues. The theory behinddeveloping such communication is described and the importance of social psychological factorsbrought to the fore. Initial results indicating the success of the approach employed in actualbroadcasts on television in Germany are then reported. Some concerns over use of the media andpublic engagement are also discussed. |
| Keywords: | Consumption, behaviour, choice, norms, consumer theory, environment |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wus009:8199&r= |
| By: | Kwon, Ohyun (Drexel University); Zhao, Hao (Chapman University); Zhao, Min Qiang (Xiamen University) |
| Abstract: | Under a heterogeneous firm framework, this paper demonstrates a novel channel through which emissions cap-and-trade mitigates production-side distortion vis-à-vis an emissions cap. Specifically, a pro rata emissions cap across firms is excessively stringent for more productive firms, leading to negative reallocation in favor of less productive firms. Allowing firms to trade emission permits restores the efficiency loss via positive reallocation without increasing total emissions. Our empirical investigation that exploits the regional and temporal variation in the implementation of cap and cap-and-trade policies in China shows that the emission intensities of more productive firms declined and then increased relative to those of their less productive counterparts following the sequential implementation of emissions cap and cap-and-trade, confirming our key theoretical prediction. Provinces that implemented emissions cap-and-trade achieved greater output growth while being equally effective in curbing total emissions. |
| Keywords: | emissions cap-and-trade; heterogeneous firms; reallocative efficiency |
| JEL: | L51 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021–06–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:drxlwp:2021_013&r= |
| By: | Simmonds, Jeremy; von Hase, Amrei; Quétier, Fabien; Brownlie, Susie; Maron, Martine; Possingham, Hugh; Souquet, Mathieu; zu Ermgassen, Sophus Olav Sven Emil; Kate, Kerry ten; Costa, Hugo |
| Abstract: | Increasingly, government and corporate policies on ecological compensation (e.g. offsetting) are requiring ‘net gain’ outcomes for biodiversity. This presents an opportunity to align development with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework’s (GBF) ambition for overall biodiversity recovery. In this perspective, we describe three conditions that should be accounted for in establishing or revising net gain policies to align their outcomes with the Post-2020 GBF: namely, a requirement for residual losses from development to be compensated for by (1) absolute gains, which are (2) scaled to the achievement of explicit biodiversity targets, where (3) gains are ecologically feasible. We show that few current policies meet these conditions, and thus we demonstrate a major disconnect between existing biodiversity net gain approaches and the achievement of the Post-2020 GBF milestones and goals. We conclude by describing how this gap can be bridged through a novel ecological compensation framework. |
| Date: | 2021–07–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:37vtn&r= |
| By: | Jesús Antón (OECD); Johannes Sauer (Technical University of Munich) |
| Abstract: | Increasing productivity at farm level is a key policy objective across most countries and fundamental to the overall performance of agricultural and food systems. This paper applies dynamic statistical methods to farm level data in order to identify the determinants of farm performance over time, in terms of productivity and measures of local sustainability. The analysis sheds light on the effects of policies on productivity, and the links between productivity and sustainability outcomes. It draws on key findings from seven case studies: crop farms in Australia, France, Italy and the United Kingdom (England and Wales); and dairy farms in the Czech Republic, Denmark and Norway, with different sample periods, from the most recent three decades to the last five years. A key finding is that policy changes increasing the degree of decoupling of payments have a positive impact on productivity. Furthermore, with the right incentives, productivity growth can be more locally sustainable insofar as farms can produce more output with less inputs that harm the environment. The detailed background work on the seven samples of crops and dairy farms in the above countries is available in OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Paper N°165. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural policy, Agriculture, Decoupling, Drivers of performance, Environmental sustainability, Farm structure, Innovation, Productivity, Technical change |
| JEL: | D24 O31 O33 Q12 Q18 |
| Date: | 2021–07–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:agraaa:164-en&r= |
| By: | Kim, Seung-Leul; Lee, Sang-Ho |
| Abstract: | This study considers eco-technology licensing strategy by a foreign innovator that competes with a polluting domestic firm in the home country. We examine and compare the two-part licensing contracts with and without non-negative constraints on the royalty or a fixed fee. We find that the licensor may choose either negative royalty or negative fixed fee, depending on the levels of emissions tax and tariff. We then examine the government’s optimal tariff policies under the emissions tax and demonstrate that allowing a non-restrictive two-part licensing contract is better for domestic welfare than a restrictive licensing contract. We also reveal that the tariffs under the two-part licensing have a negative relationship with emissions taxes, but the tariff with non-restrictive licensing is higher than that with restrictive licensing. |
| Keywords: | Eco-technology; tariff policies; emissions tax; non-restrictive two-part licensing; foreign innovated firm |
| JEL: | D45 H23 L13 |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108496&r= |
| By: | Karen Clay; Akshaya Jha; Joshua A. Lewis; Edson R. Severnini |
| Abstract: | The passage of landmark government regulation is often the culmination of evolving social pressure and incremental policy change. During this process, firms may preemptively adjust behavior in anticipation of impending regulation, making it difficult to quantify the overall economic impact of the legislation. This study leverages newly digitized data on the operation of virtually every fossil-fuel power plant in the United States from 1938-1994 to examine the impacts of the 1970 Clean Air Act (CAA) on the power sector. This unique long panel provides an extended pre-regulation benchmark, allowing us to account for both anticipatory behavior by electric utilities in the years leading up to the Act’s passage and reallocative effects of the CAA across plant vintages. We find that the CAA led to large and persistent decreases in output and productivity, but only for plants that opened before 1963. This timing aligns with the passage of the original 1963 CAA, which provided the federal government with limited authority to “control” air pollution, but signaled impending federal regulation. We provide historical evidence of anticipatory responses by utilities in the design and siting of plants that opened after 1963. We also find that the aggregate productivity losses of the CAA borne by the power sector were substantially mitigated by the reallocation of output from older less efficient power plants to newer plants. |
| JEL: | K32 N52 N72 Q41 Q48 Q52 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28962&r= |
| By: | P. G. J. Persoon; R. N. A. Bekkers; F. Alkemade |
| Abstract: | In the race to achieve climate goals, many governments and organizations are encouraging the regional development of Renewable Energy Technology (RET). The spatial dynamics and successful regional development of a technology partly depends on the characteristics of the knowledge base on which this technology builds, in particular the analyticity and cumulativeness of knowledge. In this study we systematically evaluate these knowledge base characteristics for a set of 13 different RETs. We find that, while several RETs (photovoltaics, fuel-cells, energy storage) have a highly analytic knowledge base and develop more widespread, there are also important RETs (wind turbines, solar thermal, geothermal and hydro energy) for which the knowledge base is less analytic and which develop less widespread. Likewise, the technological cumulativeness tends to be lower for the former than for the latter group. This calls for regional policies to be specific for different RETs, taking for a given RET into account both the type of knowledge it builds on as well as the local presence of this knowledge. |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2106.10474&r= |
| By: | Strüker, Jens; Weibelzahl, Martin; Körner, Marc-Fabian; Kießling, Axel; Franke-Sluijk, Ariette; Hermann, Mike |
| Abstract: | Das erfolgreiche und schnelle Erreichen von Nachhaltigkeitsund Klimaschutzzielen rückt zunehmend in den Fokus des politischen, wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Handelns. Vor diesem Hintergrund kann und muss die Energiewirtschaft weiter wesentlich zur Dekarbonisierung in Deutschland und ganz Europa beitragen. Für eine erfolgreiche Transformation hin zu einem nachhaltigen Energiesystem im Rahmen des Pariser Klimaabkommens und des europäischen Green Deal stehen damit nun die umfassende Modernisierung und insbesondere die Digitalisierung der Energiewirtschaft an. Ziel dieses Thesenpapiers ist es, die Diskussion über die Digitalisierung der Energiewirtschaft zu intensivieren und insbesondere Empfehlungen für ein flexibles und proaktives Handeln aller relevanten Akteure zu skizzieren. Die Universität Bayreuth, die Projektgruppe Wirtschaftsinformatik des Fraunhofer FIT und den europäischen Übertragungsnetzbetreiber TenneT eint die Vision eines klimaneutralen Wirtschaftswachstums auf Basis der Innovationskraft der europäischen Wirtschaft. Im Jahr 2021 prägt die Dekarbonisierung bereits die Digitalisierung der Energiewirtschaft: Nach den eingeleiteten Schritten zur Transformation der Energiewirtschaft hin zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit im Zuge der Energiewende in den letzten Jahren geht es nun darum, nachhaltiges Wachstum zu beschleunigen und dabei die Energieversorgung weiterhin sicher und wirtschaftlich zu halten. Einen wesentlichen Baustein dieser Entwicklung bildet die Elektrifizierung weiterer Sektoren. Entsprechend diskutieren wir die Rolle des Netzausbaus im Hinblick auf die Sektorenkopplung und betonen die durchgängige Digitalisierung energiewirtschaftlicher Prozesse. Dabei stellen wir die Bedeutung dezentraler digitaler Identitäten als vielversprechendes Instrument heraus, um die aktuelle digitale Lücke zu überwinden, und verweisen so insbesondere auf die Notwendigkeit von digitalen Zertifikaten für eine durchgängige Dekarbonisierung. In Anbetracht der Dringlichkeit klimapolitischer Maßnahmen empfehlen wir eine Innovationspolitik, die es erlaubt, vielversprechende Lösungsansätze agil zu erproben und rasch hieraus zu lernen. Das Thesenpapier schließt mit einem Ausblick auf das Monitoring der CO2-Emissionen von Netzausbauprojekten und richtet sich insgesamt an politische Entscheidungsträger*innen, Akteure der Energiewirtschaft und alle energiepolitisch interessierten Bürger*innen. |
| Keywords: | Digitalisierung,Dekarbonisierung,Energiewirtschaft,CO2 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:bayism:67&r= |
| By: | Paul Sylvester Fernandes (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India); R Rekha Mammen (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India); Geetanjoy Sahu (Centre for Science, Technology and Society, School of Habitat Studies, India) |
| Abstract: | Maharashtra is considered one of the leading states in India with regard to the implementation of the landmark Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. Yet the struggles in the Raigad district of the Katkari tribe, formally categorized by the government as a ‘Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group’, depicts the continuing difficulties in addressing structural marginalization. The FRA, 2006 legislated recognition of community and individual forest rights as an effective tool to undo the historical injustice inflicted by the colonial and post-colonial state. This study looks at the characterization of rights by the tribal community and forest governance institutions and the nature of contestations regarding indigenous forest rights. The discussion focuses on the land used by the Katkari tribe for dalhi cropping. Using both primary and secondary data sources, forest rights claims are analysed with respect to the history of the Katkari community in the region, their relationship with the forest, and the larger development practice context. The study also attempts to understand the implications of positions taken at multiple levels for indigenous people’s resource rights and the sustainability of livelihoods based on these resources. |
| Keywords: | Forest rights, Forest Rights Act, Dalhi land, Katkari community, indigenous community |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:lpaper:0022&r= |
| By: | Gabriel Bachner; Jakob Mayer; Laura Fischer; Elisabeth Frei; Karl W. Steininger; Mark Sommer (WIFO); Angela Köppl; Stefan Schleicher (Austrian Institute of Economic Research) |
| Abstract: | In order to meet the climate targets as set out in the Paris agreement i.e., to stay "well below 2 °C" of global warming a transformation of the socio-economic system towards climate neutrality is required. This transformation is connected to radical changes in most aspects of our daily lives, especially with respect to mobility and housing. This poses the questions of how well-being might change due to these changes and ultimately how to quantitatively measure such changes. In the present paper we make a first steps towards answering these fundamental questions. We do so by making use of the concept of energy services, or "functionalities", which take a demand and sufficiency perspective. To quantify effects, we operationalise this concept by using and extending existing macroeconomic models (Input-Output and Computable General Equilibrium). In terms of results we provide standard economic indicators but contrast them with in our view more relevant indicators, such as a more comprehensive measure for well-being, as well as distributional effects and co-benefits. Our results clearly show increases in well-being emerging from the climate neutral transformation, whereas conventional indicators such as GDP are declining. We thus demonstrate the importance of looking at the "right" indicators, when assessing socio-economic effects of climate policy and at the same time provide a concrete alternative to state-of-the-art modelling approaches. |
| Date: | 2021–07–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2021:i:636&r= |
| By: | Thomas Schinko; Ariane Weifner; Angela Köppl |
| Abstract: | In the context of research on long-run transformations, such as the low-carbon energy transformation, research interest is growing on how to define and measure human well-being meaningfully. The working paper provides a thorough discussion of the literature on well-being and human needs in the context of energy consumption and confronts this scientific discourse with the concept of energy services, or functionalities. Based on a thorough literature review and a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process, we show, that energy services represent the crucial link between energy use (and related GHG emissions) and human need satisfaction. |
| Date: | 2021–07–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2021:i:633&r= |
| By: | KATO Hayato; OKUBO Toshihiro |
| Abstract: | When do multinationals show resilience during natural disasters? To answer this, we develop a simple model in which multinationals and local firms in the host country are interacted through input-output linkages. When natural disasters seriously hit local firms and thus increase the cost of sourcing local intermediates, most multinationals may leave the host country. However, they are likely to stay if they are tightly linked with local suppliers and face lower trade costs of importing foreign intermediates. We further provide two extensions of the basic model to allow for multinationals with heterogeneous productivity and disaster reconstruction. |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:21044&r= |
| By: | Halla, Pekka; Wyss, Romano; Athanassiadis, Aristide; Drevon, Guillaume; Hensel, Michael U.; Kaufmann, Vincent; Koseki, Shin Alexandre; Turcu, Catalina; Vilsmeier, Ulli; Binder, Claudia R. |
| Abstract: | Enhancing the sustainability of cities is a timely, complex task. It involves the challenge of identifying the concerns and goals of different stakeholders in an inclusive manner and bringing into dialogue the various forms of knowledge and know-how that can address these concerns. At the moment, the lack of suitable concepts and methods for taking on this challenge limits our ability to conceive appropriate measures for promoting the sustainable development of cities. We propose three theses outlining the value of metaphors in tackling the challenge, demonstrated through the analysis of three prominent urban metaphors, and as an outcome, suggest three avenues for future work. With our contribution, we wish to encourage the construction of new approaches to urban sustainability based on transdisciplinary knowledge creation and the inclusive acknowledgement of different sustainability requirements. |
| Date: | 2021–07–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:kdzxt&r= |
| By: | Christoph Albert; Paula Bustos; Jacopo Ponticelli |
| Abstract: | We study the effects of climate change on labor and capital reallocation across regions, sectors and firms. We use newly digitized administrative reports on extreme weather events occurred in Brazil during the last two decades and a meteorological measure of excess dryness relative to historical averages to estimate the effects of droughts in the local economy of affected areas, on the magnitude of the labor and capital flows they generate and on factor allocation in destination regions. We document two main results. In the short run, local economies insure themselves against negative weather shocks via financial integration with other regions. However, in the long run, affected regions experience capital outflows driven by a reduction in loans, consistent with a permanent decrease in investment opportunities. Second, we find that abnormal dryness affects the structure of both the local economy and the economy of areas connected via migrant networks. Directly affected areas experience a sharp reduction in population and employment, concentrated in agriculture and services. While local manufacturing absorbs some of the displaced workers, these regions experience large out-migration flows. Regions receiving climate migrants expand employment in agriculture and services, but not in manufacturing. Using social security data, we provide evidence that labor market frictions direct migrants to firms connected to migrant social networks, which are mostly outside the manufacturing sector. This has implications for the composition of economic activity and the firm size distribution in destination regions. |
| JEL: | J61 O1 O16 Q54 |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28995&r= |
| By: | Alice Bartolini; Rosa Maria Di Biase; Lorenzo Fattorini; Sara Franceschi; Agnese Marcelli |
| Abstract: | The difference between potential and actual distribution of species is emphasized, pointing out the ecological importance of maps depicting the actual species presence on the study region. Owing to the impossibility of performing complete surveys over large areas, the presence/absence of species at a pre-fixed spatial grain is estimated for any location of the study region from the presences/absences recorded within plots centered at sample locations and having the same grain. Estimation is performed in a design-based framework by means of the well-known nearestneighbor interpolator. Association maps and species richness maps are obtained as products and sum of the presence maps of single species. The design-based asymptotic unbiasedness and consistency of these maps are theoretically proven and pseudo-population bootstrap estimators of their precision are proposed and discussed. A simulation study is performed on a real community of 302 tree species settled in a 50-ha rectangle in the lowland tropical moist forest of Barro Colorado Island (BCI), central Panama, to check the finite-sample performance of the proposal. A case study for estimating the presence map and the association of holly oak and white violet in the Montagnola Senese (Central Italy) is reported. Technical details are contained in the appendices. |
| Keywords: | species distribution, asymptotic unbiasedness, consistency, pseudo-population bootstrap, simulation study, case study. |
| JEL: | C13 |
| Date: | 2021–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:usi:wpaper:854&r= |
| By: | Wang, Rui; Chen, Xi; Li, Xun |
| Abstract: | In 2014, the city of Flint, MI in the U.S. changed its public water source, resulting in severe water contamination and a public health crisis. Using the Flint Water Crisis as a natural experiment, we estimate the effect of in utero exposure to polluted water on health at birth. Matching vital statistics birth records with various sources of data, we use a Synthetic Control Method (SCM) to identify the causal impact of water pollution on key birth outcomes. Our results suggest that the crisis modestly increased the rate of low birth weight (LBW) by 1.8 percentage points (or 15.5 percent) but had little effect on the length of gestation or rate of prematurity. However, these effects are larger among children born to black mothers, as indicated by an increase in the rate of LBW by 2.5 percentage points (or 19 percent). Children born to white mothers exhibit, on average, a 30.1-gram decrease in birth weight. We find little evidence that the male-to-female sex ratio declines in the overall population, suggesting that the inutero scarring effect of the Flint Water Crisis may dominate the channel of mortality selection. However, we observe a slight decline in the sex ratio among children born to black mothers. Finally, we find no notable change in the fertility rates of either black women or white women in Flint. These results are robust to a rich set of placebo and falsification tests. Our findings highlight the importance and urgency of upgrading U.S. aging, lead-laced water systems in promoting racial and ethnic health equity. |
| Keywords: | water pollution,lead exposure,Flint Water Crisis,infants,low birth weight |
| JEL: | I14 I18 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:887&r= |
| By: | Stefano Bartolini; Francesco Sarracino |
| Abstract: | Empirical evidence suggests that achieving sustainability requires reducing economic growth, not just greening it. This conclusion often leads to ecological pessimism, based on two beliefs. The first is that there is a human tendency to unlimited expansion; the second is that lack of consensus makes limiting growth politically unfeasible. We challenge both beliefs. The decline of fertility and per-capita income growth provide reasons to expect decreasing human pressure on ecosystems. Moreover, the lack of a clear alternative to growth as a means to increase well-being creates the widespread perception of a trade-off between sustainability and current well-being. This hinders the consensus to the policy of limits to growth. Drawing on a large literature on happiness, social capital and other topics, we argue that policies for social capital can decouple well-being from economic growth. Indeed, the crisis of social capital experienced by much of the world's population is at the origin of the current unsustainable growth of the world economy. Declining social capital leads the economies to excessive growth, because people seek economic affluence to compensate for the emotional distress and collective disempowerment caused by poor social capital. We then suggest policies that, by promoting social capital, would expand well-being, and shift the economy to a more sustainable path characterized by slower economic growth. Such set of proposals is more politically viable than the current agenda of limits to growth and reconcile sustainability and well-being |
| Keywords: | sustainability; social relations; subjective well-being; economic growth. |
| JEL: | I31 J1 O1 Q56 |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:usi:wpaper:855&r= |
| By: | Alam, Md. Mahmudul (Universiti Utara Malaysia); Murad, Wahid |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the short-term and long-term impacts of economic growth, trade openness and technological progress on renewable energy use in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Based on a panel data set of 25 OECD countries for 43 years, we used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach and the related intermediate estimators, including pooled mean group (PMG), mean group (MG) and dynamic fixed effect (DFE) to achieve the objective. The estimated ARDL model has also been checked for robustness using the two substitute single equation estimators, these being the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). Empirical results reveal that economic growth, trade openness and technological progress significantly influence renewable energy use over the long-term in OECD countries. While the long-term nature of dynamics of the variables is found to be similar across 25 OECD countries, their short-term dynamics are found to be mixed in nature. This is attributed to varying levels of trade openness and technological progress in OECD countries. Since this is a pioneer study that investigates the issue, the findings are completely new and they make a significant contribution to renewable energy literature as well as relevant policy development. |
| Date: | 2019–12–31 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:wj45u&r= |
| By: | Eunjung Cho; Youngsang Cho |
| Abstract: | Global concern regarding ultrafine particles (UFPs), which are particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 100nm, is increasing. These particles-with more serious health effects than PM less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5)-are difficult to measure using the current methods because their characteristics are different from those of other air pollutants. Therefore, a new monitoring system is required to obtain accurate UFPs information, which will raise the financial burden of the government and people. In this study, we estimated the economic value of UFPs information by evaluating the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the UFPs monitoring and reporting system. We used the contingent valuation method (CVM) and the one-and-one-half-bounded dichotomous choice (OOHBDC) spike model. We analyzed how the respondents' socio-economic variables, as well as their cognition level of PM, affected their WTP. Therefore, we collected WTP data of 1,040 Korean respondents through an online survey. The estimated mean WTP for building a UFPs monitoring and reporting system is KRW 6,958.55-7,222.55 (USD 6.22-6.45) per household per year. We found that people satisfied with the current air pollutant information, and generally possessing relatively greater knowledge of UFPs, have higher WTP for a UFPs monitoring and reporting system. The results can be used to establish new policies response to PM including UFPs. |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2107.03034&r= |
| By: | Johannes Sauer (Technical University of Munich); Will Chancellor (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences); Phillip Mennig (Technical University of Munich); Jesús Antón (OECD) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides detailed farm level data evidence on the dynamics of farm performance from case studies covering crop farms in Australia, France, Italy and the United Kingdom (England and Wales), and dairy farms in the Czech Republic, Denmark and Norway, with different recent sample periods of five to thirty years. An increase in productivity over time is common to all countries and most crop farm classes, but productivity dynamics vary significantly. In Australia, strong productivity growth among the most productive crop farms has led to an increase in the gap between the highest and lowest performing farms; whereas in France, Italy and the United Kingdom, productivity growth was weak among the most productive crop farms and the lowest performing farms closed the productivity gap. Productivity also increased among dairy farms, with an increasing gap between the most and the least productive farm classes in the three sample countries. The impact of policy changes on performance dynamics is analysed for decoupled payments in France and England, and dairy payments in the Czech Republic. The main findings across countries and policy implications are discussed in OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Paper N°164. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural policy, Agriculture, Decoupling, Drivers of performance, Environmental sustainability, Farm structure, Innovation, Productivity, Technical change |
| JEL: | D24 O31 O33 Q12 Q18 |
| Date: | 2021–07–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:agraaa:165-en&r= |
| By: | Spash, Clive L.; Smith, Tone |
| Abstract: | The values of Nature are today ever more contested in attempts to reduce them to a narroweconomics calculus and financial metrics. The crisis of modernity is evident is that the concept ofNature itself has been subject to post-modern deconstruction as archaic Romanticism whilesimultaneously being made into a modernist capital form by economists, bankers and financiers. Inthis paper we start by defining the meaning of Nature before moving to its values, the two beinginseparable. Nature is seen as combining three aspect: (i) being ‘other’ than human, (ii) abiophysical structure and (iii) a quality which humans commonly and intuitively reference butstruggle to specify. When turning to the values of Nature we describe the three major meta-ethicalsystems of Western philosophy—utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. The contestationespecially between utilitarian and rights-based approaches is explored. The role of intrinsic value inthese systems is outlined. Modern mainstream economic valuation is then placed in context of theforgoing discussion and critically reviewed as a misguided but hegemonic approach to valuingNature. The terrain of debate is laid out, briefly covering recent developments of rights to Natureand Nature’s contribution to people. That Nature cannot be dismissed as a concept (somethingattempted by some post-modernists and strong constructionists), but remains importantly contestedin terms of its values, is central to understanding the on-going social-ecological conflicts created by. |
| Keywords: | environmental values, Nature, ethics, utilitarianism, rights, virtue, incommensurability,intrinsic value, economic valuation, moral considerability; standing, plural values |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wus009:8176&r= |
| By: | Mark Sommer (WIFO); Angela Köppl; Stefan Schleicher (Austrian Institute of Economic Research); Gabriel Bachner; Jakob Mayer; Laura Fischer; Karl W. Steininger |
| Abstract: | In this paper we take up the challenge to integrate new aspects into macroeconomic modelling and to consider economic activities from an outcome-oriented perspective, so called functionalities. The basic idea is, that functionalities lie behind the demand for commodities and services and therefore are the actual reason for economic activities. Functionalities describe (basic) human needs, such as housing, nutrition, or mobility, and are determinants of human well-being. A crucial aspect of functionalities is the interaction between stocks and flows. The paper presents the operationalisation of functionalities within the framework of an Input-Output (IO) model. Three extensions of the IOT are performed: Firstly, an appropriate allocation of energy supply, transformation and demand to sectors is made. This allows linking the monetary structure with physical units of the total energy and useful energy balances. Secondly, greenhouse gas emissions and other material consumption were additionally allocated to sectoral production. Thirdly, groups of goods of private and public consumption as well as exports were allocated to specific functionalities. |
| Date: | 2021–07–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2021:i:635&r= |
| By: | ULLAH, NAZIM |
| Abstract: | Corporate sustainability has moved from exploitation to exploration, from corporate environmental management to sustainable entrepreneurship, and from efficiency to innovation. The purpose of the study is to review global entrepreneurship, innovation and Sustainability - theory and practice, entrepreneurship micro – enterprise idea/ project and critical reflection of entrepreneurial theories, concepts and techniques. The study reviews a number literature from different journals ranging from 1994-2016. Based on the review, crow-funding and crypto-currency are the new innovation in the business world and used for financial dealings. Innovative idea should be based on emergency and urgent demand like mask and PPE all over the world. Furthermore, in addition to technology, competition is vital as it ensures that competing businesses provide the target market with quality goods and services. |
| Keywords: | Financial innovation, business planning, challenges and issues |
| JEL: | G39 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:108666&r= |
| By: | Judith Rumin (LIENSs - LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés - UMRi 7266 - ULR - Université de La Rochelle - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Raimundo Gonçalves de Oliveira Junior (LIENSs - LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés - UMRi 7266 - ULR - Université de La Rochelle - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Jean-Baptiste Bérard (BRM/BMM - Biotechnologie et Molécules Marines - IFREMER - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer); Laurent Picot (LIENSs - LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés - UMRi 7266 - ULR - Université de La Rochelle - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent a diverse renewable resource with significant potential for the industrial production of goods and services with high added value. However, scientific, technical/technological, legislative and market gaps and barriers still limit the growth of these markets in Europe and the number of exploited species. We conducted an in-depth survey of European microalgae researchers, experts and stakeholders to identify these limitations and to discuss strategies, recommendations and guidelines to overcome these barriers. Here, we present the findings of this study which detail the main promising markets for microalgae and cyanobacteria in the coming decades, an updated SWOT analysis of the sector, the current opportunities, limitations, risks and threats for microalgae research and market sectors in Europe, a traffic light analysis for a quick assessment of market opportunities for each microalgae sector and detailed recommendations/guidelines for overcoming the scientific, technical/technological, legislative and market gaps and barriers. |
| Keywords: | Delphi analysis,Europe,research,market,microalgae,cyanobacteria |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03277815&r= |
| By: | Jacques Bughin; Michele Cincera; Dorota Reykowska; Rafal Ohme |
| Abstract: | Data science has been proven to be an important asset to support better decision-making in a variety of settings, whether it is for a scientist to better predict climate change, for a company to better predict sales, or for a government to anticipate voting preferences. In this research, we leverage Random Forest (RF) as one of the most effective machine learning techniques using big data to predict vaccine intent in five European countries. The findings support the idea that outside of vaccine features, building adequate perception of the risk of contamination, as well securing institutional and peer trust are key nudges to convert skeptics to get vaccinated against the covid-19. What machine learning techniques further add beyond traditional regression techniques, is some extra granularity in factors affecting vaccine preferences (twice more factors than logistic regression). Other factors that emerge as predictors of vaccine intent are compliance appetite with non-pharmaceutical protective measures, as well as perception of the crisis duration. |
| Keywords: | Attitudes, Big data, Covid-19, iCode™, Machine learning techniques, Random Forest, Response time, Vaccination |
| Date: | 2021–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ict:wpaper:2013/327150&r= |
| By: | Rebecca J. Davis; J. Scott Holladay; Charles Sims |
| Abstract: | We summarize the history of U.S. coal-fired plant retirements over the last decade, describe planned future retirements, and forecast the remaining operating life for every operating coal-fired generator. We summarize the technology and location trends that are correlated with the observed retirements. We then describe a theoretical model of the retirement decision coal generator owners face. We use retirements from the last decade to quantify the relationships in the model for retired generators. Our model predicts that three-quarters of coal generation capacity will retire in the next twenty years, with most of that retirement concentrated in the next five years. Policy has limited ability to affect retirement times. A $20 per MWh electricity subsidy extends the average life of a generator by six years. A $51 per ton carbon tax brings forward retirement dates by about two years. In all scenarios, a handful of electricity generators remain on the grid beyond our forecast horizon. |
| JEL: | H40 L10 L50 L94 Q4 |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28949&r= |
| By: | Djihad, Tria; Alghorbany, Abdelkader; Bin Muhamad, Azim Izzuddin; Alam, Md. Mahmudul (Universiti Utara Malaysia) |
| Abstract: | Agriculture is considered to be a vital aspect of Algeria’s national economy and rural development. Achieving sustainable agricultural production, generating employment, reducing imports and minimising post-harvest crops losses are the major objectives of the Algerian government. However, based on the evaluation of existing policies, this study found that poor governance is hampering the agriculture sector, particularly in terms of management of financial resources, where most financial investments are made only for short-term gains. The lack of awareness about the importance of post-harvest practices and lack of using modern technology threaten the growth of this sector. Adopting sound post-harvest methods can reduce food losses and wastage in every stage of the food supply chain, and integration of modern techniques, skilled labour, and education training systems are very important if agriculture in Algeria is to progress. |
| Date: | 2020–06–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:25qag&r= |
| By: | Jean-Jacques Lilti (CREM - Centre de recherche en économie et management - UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie - NU - Normandie Université - UR1 - Université de Rennes 1 - UNIV-RENNES - Université de Rennes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Julien Lachuer (CREM - Centre de recherche en économie et management - UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie - NU - Normandie Université - UR1 - Université de Rennes 1 - UNIV-RENNES - Université de Rennes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Date: | 2020–11–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03132193&r= |
| By: | Adrien Fabre (ETHZ ZURICH CHE - Partenaires IRSTEA - IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture); Bénédicte Apouey (PSE - Paris School of Economics - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, PJSE - Paris Jourdan Sciences Economiques - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Thomas Douenne (UvA - University of Amsterdam [Amsterdam]); Jean-Michel Fourniau (IFSTTAR - Institut Français des Sciences et Technologies des Transports, de l'Aménagement et des Réseaux - IFSTTAR - Institut Français des Sciences et Technologies des Transports, de l'Aménagement et des Réseaux - PRES Université Paris-Est); Louis-Gaëtan Giraudet (CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AgroParisTech - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Jean-François Laslier (PSE - Paris School of Economics - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, PJSE - Paris Jourdan Sciences Economiques - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS Paris - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Solène Tournus (MSHPN - Maison des sciences de l'Homme Paris Nord - UP8 - Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Université Sorbonne Paris Nord) |
| Abstract: | We conduct surveys on both participants in the French Citizens Convention for Climate (CCC) and the general public. By comparing the answers of the randomly drawn citizens with those of the general population on identical questions, we assess the representativity of the CCC, study the evolution of the citizens' opinions, and document the perceptions of the CCC. The CCC appeared broadly representative of the French population. Although, the CCC's Citizens seemed to have been somewhat more favorable to climate policies than the general population at the start, a majority support was found for all proposed measures but one. Despite our findings that the CCC correctly represented the population, we document widespread ignorance and mistrust towards the CCC, including a largely shared belief that it was not representative. |
| Keywords: | Convention Citoyenne pour le Climat,Climate change,Sortition,Citizens Assembly |
| Date: | 2021–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:psewpa:halshs-03265053&r= |
| By: | Bond, Jennifer K.; Hitaj, Claudia; Smith, David; Hunt, Kevin; Perez, Agnes; Ferreira, Gustavo |
| Abstract: | Driven by growing consumer demand for fruits, nuts, and vegetables, U.S. growers are expanding their cultivation of these pollinator-dependent crops. To service the rising number of pollination contracts and seek out quality forage to produce honey, beekeepers move their bees around the country. Limited nationwide data exist on the number of honey bee colonies that pass through each State throughout the year, the routes these colonies take, and the distances traveled. Using data from a USDA survey of beekeepers, this report quantifies honey bee colony movements over the four seasons and provides a basis for understanding how the transport of honey bee colonies affects pollination services, honey production, and the loss of colonies. The intensity of the use of pollination services across a variety of pollinator-dependent crops in various regions and States is also summarized to explain the timing and volume of colony movements. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Industrial Organization, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2021–06–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:usdami:312286&r= |
| By: | Di Foggia, Giacomo; Beccarello, Massimo |
| Abstract: | In light of the organizational dynamics of services of economic interest, the regulation of municipal solid waste management is a critical issue to deal with so as to achieve sustainability goals in the coming decades. The European circular economy targets limit the share of municipal waste in landfills to a maximum of 10% by 2035. Consequently, waste-to-energy plants may temporarily become the primary option for residual unsorted waste. The municipal waste management chain comprises two consequential stages: collection and transport, and the treatment and disposal stage, which characterizes as an oligopolistic market structure. After defining the relevant market and calculating market concentration measures, we analyze market power in the treatment and disposal of non-recyclable mixed waste, also known as residual waste. Our analyses are based on empirical data using well-known market concentration indices such as the Herfindahl–Hirschman index and concentration ratios. We report the results of three different market concentration scenarios based on alternative geographic and product market definitions. Considering only waste-to-energy as a product market, we present a situation of moderate concentration, typically involving the attention of competition authorities. On the contrary, considering both options as a single product market, no relevant evidence emerges due to the significant share of waste sent to landfills in 2019, i.e., 20.1% of the total municipal solid waste generated in Italy. Implications for future studies consist of new detailed information on the municipal waste treatment market structure in one of the leading European countries that may prompt comparative studies. Policy implications are derived from the possibility of taking cues from this paper to envisage appropriate regulatory models for an evolving sector in which market spaces are increasing. |
| Date: | 2021–07–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:fwk6d&r= |
| By: | Maarten Pieter Schinkel (University of Amsterdam); Leonard Treuren (University of Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | Industry-wide voluntary agreements are touted as a means for corporations to take more corporate social responsibility (CSR). We study what type of joint CSR agreement induces firms to increase CSR efforts in a model of oligopolistic competition with differentiated products. Consumers have a willingness to pay for more responsibly manufactured products. Firms are driven by profit, and possibly by intrinsic motivation, to invest in costly CSR efforts. We find that cooperative agreements directly on the level of CSR reduce CSR efforts compared to competition. Such agreements throttle both for-profit and intrinsic motivations for CSR. CSR efforts only increase if agreements are permitted solely on output. Such production agreements, however, reduce total welfare in the market and raise antitrust concerns. Taking externalities into account may help to justify a production agreement under a total welfare standard, but not agreements on CSR directly. Moreover, simply requiring a higher CSR level by regulation while preserving competition always gives higher within-market welfare. |
| Keywords: | CSR, voluntary agreement, cartel, competition policy, externalities, regulation |
| JEL: | K21 L13 L40 Q01 |
| Date: | 2021–07–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20210063&r= |
| By: | Ryan, Anthony M.; Spash, Clive L.; Measham, Thomas G. |
| Abstract: | Policy has traditionally focused on increasing water supply by investing in large scale and centralised projects. However, demand for water can be substantially decreased if households reuse greywater and/or install rainwater tanks. We investigate water use based on an internet survey of 354 households in the Australian Capital Territory and examine the relationship between socio-economic and psychological variables and the likelihood of the garden being irrigated with greywater and/or rainwater. Income, gender, age and education could not differentiate residents’ by such water use. Residents who used tank water on the garden had higher self reported understanding of water supply options. Female participants and lower income residents were morelikely to use greywater on their garden. Concerns about water collection and reuse, which have lead to some large scale projects being politically unacceptable, were not found to predict the use of tank water or greywater on the garden. |
| Keywords: | Water management, consumption behaviour, consumer theory, social psychology |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wus009:8200&r= |
| By: | Sarah Jacobson (Williams College) |
| Abstract: | Economic theories of the exploitation of depletable natural resources are built around a core model of intertemporal profit maximization that predicts that (barring unforeseen shocks) scarcity crises will not arise because forward looking resource owners will smooth extraction over time. The model that provides this result can seem opaque to students, but its intuition can be more easily grasped from experience. This paper shares a game that provides that experience. Participants play the role of mine owners who must decide how much to extract in each of two periods. In addition to showing how market pressures moderate intertemporal scarcity, the game also provides lessons about discounting, market power, information, and property rights. I provide all materials needed to play the game immediately or customize it. |
| Keywords: | classroom game, natural resource extraction, Hotelling rule, active learning |
| JEL: | A20 Q30 D25 D40 Q02 |
| Date: | 2021–07–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wil:wileco:2021-10&r= |