|
on Energy Economics |
| By: | Olga Chiappinelli; Timo Gerres; Karsten Neuhoff; Frederik Lettow; Heleen de Coninck; Balázs Felsmann; Eugénie Joltreau; Gauri Khandekar; Pedro Linares; Jörn Richstein; Aleksander Śniegocki; Jan Stede; Tomas Wyns; Cornelis Zandt; Lars Zetterberg |
| Abstract: | This paper explores which climate-friendly projects could be part of the COVID-19 recovery while jump-starting the transition of the European basic materials industry. Findings from a literature review on technology options in advanced development stages for climate-friendly production and enhanced sorting and recycling of steel, cement, aluminium and plastics are combined with insights from interviews with 31 European industry stakeholders about the practical and economic feasibility of these technology options. Results indicate that with an estimated investment of 28.9 billion Euro, about 20% of EU’s basic materials could be produced through low-emission processes or additional recycling by 2025 with technologies that are commercially available or at pilot scale today. However, our stakeholder consultation also shows that in order to make these short-term investments viable in the long term, six main barriers need to be addressed, namely i) the lack of effective and predictable carbon pricing, ii) the limited availability of affordable green electricity, iii) the lack of a regulatory framework for circularity, iv) low technology readiness and funding, v) the lack of infrastructure for hydrogen, CO2 and power, and vi) the lack of demand for climate-friendly and recycled materials. Based on these insights, the paper proposes elements of a policy package that can create a long-term framework favourable for investments in these technologies and should ideally accompany the recovery package to give credibility to investors that the business case will last beyond the recovery timeframe. |
| Keywords: | Green COVID-19 Recovery; Industrial Decarbonisation; Policy Package; EU Green Deal; Technology Readiness |
| JEL: | L61 L65 Q54 Q55 Q58 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:diw:diwwpp:dp1921&r=all |
| By: | Rafaty, R.; Dolphin, G.; Pretis, F. |
| Abstract: | We study the impact of carbon pricing on CO2emissions across five sectors for a panel of 39 countries over 1990-2016. Using newly constructed sector-level carbon price data, we implement a novel approach to estimate the changes in CO2emissions associated with (i) the introduction of carbon pricing regardless of the price level; (ii) the implementation effect as a function of the price level; and (iii) post-implementation marginal changes in the CO2price.We find that the introduction of carbon pricing has reduced growth in CO2emissions by 1% to 2.5% on average relative to counterfactual emissions, with most abatement occurring in the electricity and heat sector. Exploiting variation in carbon pricing to explain heterogeneity in treatment effects, we find an imprecisely estimated semi-elasticity of a 0.05% reduction in emissions growth per average $1/metric ton (hereafter abbreviated as: ton) of CO2.After the carbon price has been implemented, each marginal price increase of $1/tCO2 has temporarily lowered the growth rate of CO2emissions by around 0.01%. These are disappointingly small effects. Simulating potential future emissions reductions in response to carbon price paths, we conclude that –in the absence of complementary non-pricing policy interventions – carbon pricing alone, even if implemented globally, is unlikely to be sufficient to achieve emission reductions consistent with the Paris climate agreement. |
| Keywords: | Carbon Pricing, CO2 Emissions, Decarbonization, Carbon Tax, Climate Change, Climate Policy |
| JEL: | Q43 Q48 Q54 Q58 H23 |
| Date: | 2020–11–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:20116&r=all |
| By: | Mathias Mier; Kais Siala; Kristina Govorukha; Philip Mayer |
| Abstract: | We use the cross-impact balance analysis to develop narratives that differ in the level of political collaboration (in terms of the stringency of the EU climate policy) and physical collaboration (possible expansion of transmission capacity between countries) in the European power market. Applying a CGE model and two power market models, we quantify the impact of the two dimensions on emission, abatement cost, and electricity prices until 2050. The most collaborative narrative leads to CO2 emissions of 90 to 139 Mt, abatement cost of 245 to 271 EUR/ton CO2, and prices of 56 to 67 EUR/MWh in 2050. The least collaborative one has emissions of 848 to 1013 Mt, cost of 378 to 559 EUR/ton, and prices of 47 to 57 EUR/MWh. In all narratives, countries at the periphery of the European market tend to experience lower prices and e.abate more, whereas prices are higher and abatement lower in central and Southeast Europe. |
| Keywords: | Collaboration, energy transition, decarbonization, European power market, , transmission, renewable energy, energy system modeling |
| JEL: | C61 C68 Q40 Q41 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ifowps:_343&r=all |
| By: | Mathias Mier |
| Abstract: | Increasing shares of intermittent renewable energies challenge the dominant way to trade electricity ex-ante in forward, day-ahead, and intraday markets: Coal power plants and consumers cannot react to the stochastic element of renewables, whereas gas turbines can. We use a theoretical model to analyze consumer behavior and incentives of perfectly competitive firms to invest in different types of technologies under ex-ante pricing. Curtailed consumers need to get subsidized in high of their disruption cost. Coal power firms recover cost. Renewables and gas turbine firms fail to do so. We identify imperfections that arise from the delay in price setting and market clearing. Do real-time prices induce an efficient outcome? Consumers need to get taxed in high of rationing cost. Support is redundant for gas turbine firms, but renewables firms still fail to recover cost because they cannot ensure against their price risk. |
| Keywords: | Efficient pricing, market design, capacity mechanisms, renewable energies, supply uncertainty, consumer behavior |
| JEL: | D41 D47 Q41 Q48 L94 L98 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ifowps:_342&r=all |
| By: | Niklas Potrafke; Kaspar Wüthrich |
| Abstract: | We examine how Green governments influence macroeconomic, education, and environmental outcomes. Our empirical strategy exploits that the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan gave rise to an unanticipated change in government in the German state Baden-Wuerttemberg in 2011. The incumbent rightwing government was replaced by a leftwing government led by the Green party. We use the synthetic control method to select control states against which Baden-Wuerttemberg’s outcomes can be compared. The results do not suggest that the Green government influenced macroeconomic outcomes. The Green government implemented education policies that caused comprehensive schools to become larger. We find no evidence that the Green government influenced CO2 emissions, particulate matter emissions, or increased energy usage from renewable energies overall. An intriguing result is that the share of wind power usage decreased relative to the estimated counterfactual. Intra-ecological conflicts and realities in public office are likely to have prevented the Green government from implementing drastic policy changes. |
| Keywords: | Green governments, partisan politics, synthetic control method, causal effects, Fukushima nuclear disaster, environmental policies, energy policies, renewable energies, comprehensive schools |
| JEL: | C33 D72 E65 H70 I21 Q48 Q58 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_8726&r=all |
| By: | Harvey, John PhD; Saboori, Arash; Miller, Marshall PhD; Kim, Changmo PhD; Jaller, Miguel PhD; Lea, Jon; Kendall, Alissa PhD; Saboori, Ashkan |
| Abstract: | California’s truck fleet composition is shifting to include more natural gas vehicles (NGVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and it will shift more quickly to meet state greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goals. These alternative fuel trucks (AFTs) may introduce heavier axle loads, which may increase pavement damage and GHG emissions from work to maintain pavements. This project aimed to provide conceptual-level estimates of the effects of vehicle fleet changes on road and bridge infrastructure. Three AFT implementation scenarios were analyzed using typical Calif. state and local pavement structures, and a federal study’s results were used to assess the effects on bridges. This study found that more NGV, EV, and FC trucks are expected among short-haul and medium-duty vehicles than among long-haul vehicles, for which range issues arise with EVs and FCs. But the estimates predicted that by 2050, alternative fuels would power 25–70% of long-haul and 40–95% of short-haul and medium-duty trucks. AFT implementation is expected to be focused in the 11 counties with the greatest freight traffic—primarily urban counties along major freight corridors. Results from the implementation scenarios suggest that introducing heavier AFTs will only result in minimal additional pavement damage, with its extent dependent on the pavement structure and AFT implementation scenario. Although allowing weight increases of up to 2,000 lbs. is unlikely to cause major issues on more modern bridges, the effects of truck concentrations at those new limits on inadequate bridges needs more careful evaluation. The study’s most aggressive market penetration scenario yielded an approximate net reduction in annual well-to-wheel truck propulsion emissions of 1,200–2,700 kT per year of CO2 -e by 2030, and 6,300–34,000 kT by 2050 versus current truck technologies. Negligible effects on GHG emissions from pavement maintenance and rehabilitation resulted from AFT implementation. |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Trucks, electric vehicles, emissions, alternate fuels, greenhouse gasses, pavement distress, pavement performance, highway bridges, life cycle analysis |
| Date: | 2020–11–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt4z94w3xr&r=all |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Energy - Energy Conservation & Efficiency Energy - Energy Demand Environment - Air Quality & Clean Air Environment - Brown Issues and Health Environment - Pollution Management & Control Environment - Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:34145&r=all |
| By: | Jamasb, Tooraj (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School); Llorca, Manuel (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School); Meeus, Leonardo (Florence School of Regulation (FSR), Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy and Vlerick Energy Centre, Vlerick Business School, Belgium); Schittekatte, Tim (Florence School of Regulation (FSR), Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy and Vlerick Energy Centre, Vlerick Business School, Belgium) |
| Abstract: | In this age of low-cost capital and stimulus packages, is it the best time to heavily invest in tomorrow’s energy networks and research infrastructure? In the academic literature it is widely acknowledged that innovation is key to decarbonise the energy sector and foster sustainable development. However, post liberalisation has been struggling to promote R&D and innovation. Is this the case of business, regulatory, or policy failure, or are there other factors involved? In this paper, we discuss the reasons for slow uptake of new technologies in energy networks and propose some remedies for the European context, where innovation in the area of energy networks is crucial for the implementation of the Green Transition. The solutions to address this shortfall need to be considered in an overarching manner. The specific points raised here are based on incentive regulation, the establishment of competitive funding models like Ofgem’s Low Carbon Network Fund and a large European collaborative research hub. |
| Keywords: | Energy network infrastructure; European green deal; Innovation; Research and development |
| JEL: | L50 L90 O30 Q40 Q50 |
| Date: | 2020–11–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:cbsnow:2020_018&r=all |
| By: | Cavalcanti, T.; Hasna, Z.; Santos, C. |
| Abstract: | We evaluate the aggregate and distributional effects of climate change mitigation policies using a multi-sector equilibrium model with intersectoral input–output linkages and worker heterogeneity calibrated to different countries. The introduction of carbon taxes leads to changes in relative prices and inputs reallocation, including labor. For the United States, reaching its Paris Agreement pledge would imply at most a 0.6% drop in output. This impact is distributed asymmetrically across sectors and individuals. Workers with a comparative advantage in dirty energy sectors who do not reallocate bear relatively more of the cost but constitute a small fraction of the labor force. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, carbon taxes, worker heterogeneity, labor reallocation |
| JEL: | E13 H23 J24 |
| Date: | 2020–11–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:20117&r=all |
| By: | Valeria Fanghella (Grenoble Ecole de Management); Giovanna d'Adda (University of Milan); Massimo Tavoni (Politecnico di Milano) |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the effect of a large-scale behavioral intervention to conserve energy in the workplace, consisting of an energy-saving competition among a bank’s branches. More than 500 branches were involved for a period of one year. Using a difference-in-difference estimation, we find that the competition significantly reduces monthly electricity consumption outside the work schedule (by 7 percent), but that overall energy use does not change significantly (reduction of 2.5 percent). Branch characteristics do not lead to differentiated program response, in stark contrast with the residential sector. In the same setting, we also evaluate a technological intervention automating building energy management. The retrofit leads to significant energy savings (of 18 percent), also concentrated outside the main work schedule. Our results stress the importance of considering contextual characteristics when implementing behavioral programs and show potential overlaps with smart technology investments. |
| Keywords: | Behavioral intervention, Energy conservation, Energy efficiency, Workplace, Difference-in-difference |
| JEL: | C93 D91 H32 Q41 |
| Date: | 2020–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fae:wpaper:2020.21&r=all |
| By: | Asongu, Simplice A; Odhiambo, Nicholas M |
| Abstract: | The study investigates conclusions from the scholarly literature that for low and middle-income countries, higher income inequality is linked with lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Using a sample of 39 sub-Saharan countries consisting of lower- and middle-income countries, this study investigates how increasing inequality affects renewable energy consumption. Three income inequality indicators are used, namely: the Gini coefficient, the Palma ratio and Atkinson index. The empirical evidence is based on quadratic Tobit regressions. The investigated assumption is only partially valid because a net positive impact is apparent only in one of the three income inequality variables used in the study. Hence, it is difficult to establish whether the inequality or equality hypothesis underpinning the nexus between income inequality and renewable energy consumption hold for Sub-Saharan Africa. However, based on the significant results in terms of the threshold, the equality hypothesis is valid when the Atkinson index is below a threshold of 0.6180 while the inequality hypothesis becomes valid when the Atkinson index exceeds the threshold of 0.6180. Hence, as the main policy implication, for the equitable redistribution of income to be promoted and, therefore, for policies that favor income inequality for renewable energy consumption not to be encouraged, policy makers should keep the Atkinson index below a threshold of 0.6180. An implication for Europe and/or high income countries is provided, notably, that the equality hypothesis on the nexus between income inequality and CO2 emissions may not withstand empirical scrutiny but contingent on: (i) the measurements of income inequality and (ii) inequality thresholds when a specific income inequality measurement is retained. |
| Keywords: | Renewable energy; Inequality; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sustainable development |
| Date: | 2020–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uza:wpaper:26932&r=all |
| By: | Schittekatte, Tim (Florence School of Regulation (FSR), Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy and Vlerick Energy Centre, Vlerick Business School, Belgium); Meeus, Leonardo (Florence School of Regulation (FSR), Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, Italy and Vlerick Energy Centre, Vlerick Business School, Belgium); Jamasb, Tooraj (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School); Llorca, Manuel (Department of Economics, Copenhagen Business School) |
| Abstract: | Regulation cannot always move as fast as innovation. Regulatory experiments enable real-life testing of new products, services or business models by allowing derogations from existing rules while maintaining the protection of energy consumers. The outcomes of these experiments inform future regulation. In this chapter, we discuss experiences with regulatory experimentation in the energy sector of three pioneering countries: the Netherlands, Great Britain and Italy. We compare the implementations along six dimensions: eligible project promoters, scope of the derogations, length of the derogations, administration of the experiments, funding, and transparency. We also describe how the early approaches have evolved in these countries. Finally, we look ahead and discuss how learnings can be applied to enable experimentation at the European level involving technologies that are expected to become important to enable the green transition. |
| Keywords: | Innovation; Research and development; Energy regulation; Energy retail; Green deal |
| JEL: | L50 L90 O30 Q40 Q50 |
| Date: | 2020–11–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:cbsnow:2020_019&r=all |
| By: | Laura Patel; Sara Trab Nielsen |
| Keywords: | Energy - Electric Power Energy - Energy Conservation & Efficiency Energy - Energy Demand Energy - Energy Policies & Economics Energy - Energy and Environment Energy - Renewable Energy Energy - Solar Energy Poverty Reduction - Migration and Development |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:33951&r=all |
| By: | Sharma, Rajesh; Sinha, Avik; Kautish, Pradeep |
| Abstract: | The reexamination of the existing economic and environmental policies in the South and Southeast Asian countries seems to be necessary, as these countries are struggling to achieve the goals of sustainable development. For suggesting a long-term environmental policy, we intend to examine whether the selected economic and demographic indicators have influenced the ecological footprint in the eight developing countries of Asia for the period of 1990-2015. The use of pooled mean group (PMG) approach allowed driving the long-run common coefficients, which may facilitate us to develop a common policy framework to fortify the environmental quality. The computed results confirmed that the selected variable are cointegrated in the long run; and, per capita income, nonrenewable energy usage, urbanization, fertility rate, and population density are observed as the significant drivers of the environmental pollution. On the other hand, renewable energy consumption restored the environmental quality in these countries. Based on the results, we recommend the need for the diversification of the energy-basket where the use of renewable energy resources to be enhanced. Further, by sensitizing the necessity of environmental conservation, governments should promote less carbon-intense economic and demographic practices across the industries and sectors. |
| Keywords: | Ecological footprint; South and Southeast Asia; Energy; Urbanization |
| JEL: | Q5 Q53 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:104245&r=all |
| By: | Christa D. Court (Food and Resource Economics Department, University of Florida); Randall Jackson (Geology and Geography Department and Regional Research Institute, West Virginia University); Amanda J. Harker Steele (KeyLogic Systems LLC-NETL); Justin Adder (U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory); Gavin Pickenpaugh (U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory); Charles Zelek (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy) |
| Abstract: | To comprehensively model the macroeconomic impacts that result from changes in long-term energyeconomy forecasts, the United States Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) partnered with West Virginia University’s (WVU) Regional Research Institute to develop the NETL/WVU econometric input-output (ECIO) model. The NETL/WVU ECIO model is an impacts forecasting model that functions as an extension of the U.S. energy-economic models available from the United States (U.S.) Energy Information Administration’s National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Market Allocation (MARKAL) model. The ECIO model integrates a macroeconomic econometric forecasting model and an input-output accounting framework along derived forecast scenarios detailing a baseline of the U.S. energy-economy and an alternative forecast on how power generation resources can meet future levels of energy demand to generate estimates of the impacts to gross domestic product, employment, and labor income. This manuscript provides an overview of the model design, assumptions, and standard outputs. |
| Keywords: | Energy-Economy Forecasting, National Energy Modeling System, Input-Output Model, Econometric Model |
| JEL: | Q43 E17 O33 |
| Date: | 2020–10–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rri:wpaper:2020wp05&r=all |
| By: | Simplice A. Asongu (Yaounde, Cameroon); Nicholas M. Odhiambo (Pretoria, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | The study investigates conclusions from the scholarly literature that for low and middle-income countries, higher income inequality is linked with lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Using a sample of 39 sub-Saharan countries consisting of lower- and middle-income countries, this study investigates how increasing inequality affects renewable energy consumption. Three income inequality indicators are used, namely: the Gini coefficient, the Palma ratio and Atkinson index. The empirical evidence is based on quadratic Tobit regressions. The investigated assumption is only partially valid because a net positive impact is apparent only in one of the three income inequality variables used in the study. Hence, it is difficult to establish whether the inequality or equality hypothesis underpinning the nexus between income inequality and renewable energy consumption hold for Sub-Saharan Africa. However, based on the significant results in terms of the threshold, the equality hypothesis is valid when the Atkinson index is below a threshold of 0.6180 while the inequality hypothesis becomes valid when the Atkinson index exceeds the threshold of 0.6180. Hence, as the main policy implication, for the equitable redistribution of income to be promoted and, therefore, for policies that favor income inequality for renewable energy consumption not to be encouraged, policy makers should keep the Atkinson index below a threshold of 0.6180. An implication for Europe and/or high income countries is provided, notably, that the equality hypothesis on the nexus between income inequality and CO2 emissions may not withstand empirical scrutiny but contingent on: (i) the measurements of income inequality and (ii) inequality thresholds when a specific income inequality measurement is retained. |
| Keywords: | Gender, economic inclusion, tax performance, sustainable development, Africa |
| JEL: | H20 H71 I28 J08 J21 |
| Date: | 2020–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:exs:wpaper:20/094&r=all |
| By: | André de Palma; Shaghayegh Vosough; Robin Lindsey (Université de Cergy-Pontoise, THEMA) |
| Abstract: | Road traffic is a major contributor to air pollution which is a serious problem in many large cities. Experience in London, Milan, and Stockholm indicates that road pricing can be useful in reducing vehicle emissions as well as congestion. This study uses the dynamic traffic network simulator METROPOLIS to investigate the effectiveness of tolls to target emissions and congestion externalities on a stylized urban road network during a morning commuting period. The concentration and spatial distribution of four pollutants are calculated using a Gaussian dispersion model that accounts for wind speed and direction. Single and double cordon tolls are evaluated, as well as flat tolls that do not change during the simulation period and step tolls that change at half-hourly intervals. The presence of emission externalities raises optimal toll levels, and substantially increases the welfare gains from tolling although the advantage of step tolls over flat tolls is lower than if congestion is the only externality. The individual welfaredistributional effects of tolling vary strongly with residential and workplace locations relative to the cordon, and also differ for the windward and leeward sides of the city. |
| Keywords: | congestion, dynamic traffic simulation, emissions, pollution dispersion, tolls |
| JEL: | H2 R41 Q53 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ema:worpap:2020-09&r=all |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Energy - Renewable Energy Environment - Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Economic Growth Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Economic Policy, Institutions and Governance Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Fiscal & Monetary Policy Poverty Reduction - Achieving Shared Growth |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:33904&r=all |
| By: | Javier Pantoja Robayo (School of Economics and Finance, Universidad EAFIT. Medellin, Colombia); Juan C. Vera (Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, The Netherlands) |
| Abstract: | We present the closed-form solution to the problem of hedging price and quantity risks for energy retailers (ER), using financial instruments based on electricity price and weather indexes. Our model considers an ER who is intermediary in a regulated electricity market. ERs buy a fixed quantity of electricity at a variable cost and must serve a variable demand at a fixed cost. Thus ERs are subject to both price and quantity risks. To hedge such risks, an ER could construct a portfolio of financial instruments based on price and weather indexes. We construct the closed form solution for the optimal portfolio for the mean-Var model in the discrete setting. Our model does not make any distributional assumption. |
| Date: | 2020–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2011.08620&r=all |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Energy - Energy Policies & Economics Energy - Oil & Gas Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Economic Growth Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Economic Policy, Institutions and Governance Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Fiscal & Monetary Policy Poverty Reduction - Employment and Shared Growth Poverty Reduction - Inequality |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:34045&r=all |
| By: | Steven Bond-Smith (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Rebecca Cassells (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Alan S Duncan (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Astghik Mavisakalyan (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Silvia Salazar (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University); Maria Sandoval-Guzman (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School); Richard Seymour (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University); Chris Twomey (Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) and Bankwest Curtin Centre, Curtin Business School) |
| Abstract: | Green Shoots: Opportunities to grow a sustainable WA economy, the fifth report in the Focus on Industry series, looks at the green economy, taking stock of the current environmental footprint and development of ‘green’ sectors as well as identifying opportunities to grow a sustainable and diverse Western Australian economy. The challenges brought by climate change have highlighted the significant pressure we put on our resources. The pollution of our air, growing water scarcity and the increasing amount of waste has accelerated the loss of biodiversity and caused growing health concerns in our community. At the same time Western Australia is at a critical juncture in developing its long-term strategy to drive economic and social progress. It is important that our economy has the opportunity to thrive, but doing so in a responsible and sustainable way that respects our natural environment. The report’s findings look at the challenges in balancing economic prosperity with environmental sustainability, and provides a roadmap for Western Australia to transition to a more sustainable and resilient economic future. |
| Keywords: | Western Australia, green diversification, regional development, solar power, environmental impact, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions |
| JEL: | Q20 Q28 Q42 |
| Date: | 2020–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ozl:bcecrs:fi05&r=all |
| By: | Joseph P Byrne; Erkal Ersoy (Centre for Energy Economics Research and Policy, Heriot-Watt University) |
| Abstract: | There continues to be considerable interest in the relationship between oil market fundamentals, oil prices, and uncertainty. This paper examines the impact of oil market uncertainty shocks upon oil fundamentals and prices. We utilise a Bayesian stochastic volatility-in-mean VAR approach, which endogenously models oil market uncertainty and allows the data to dynamically impact uncertainty. We find evidence that supply uncertainty shocks are linked to demand uncertainty, and that supply shocks are associated with a fairly pronounced increase in oil price uncertainty. |
| Keywords: | Oil Prices; Endogenous Uncertainty; Bayesian VAR; Stochastic Volatility-in-Mean. |
| JEL: | C32 E32 Q43 |
| Date: | 2020–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hwc:wpaper:012&r=all |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Energy - Energy Consumption Energy - Energy Demand Energy - Energy Policies & Economics Energy - Energy and Environment Energy - Energy and Natural Resources Environment - Environment and Energy Efficiency Environment - Forests and Forestry |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:34096&r=all |
| By: | Aditya Goenka (University of Birmingham); Lin Liu (University of Liverpool); Nguyen, Manh-Hung (Toulouse School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Preliminary evidence indicates that pollution increases severity and likelihood of Covid- 19 infections as is the for many other infectious diseases. This paper models the interaction of pollution and preventive actions on transmission of infectious diseases in a neoclassical growth framework where households do not take into account how their actions affects disease transmission and production activity results in pollution which increases likelihood of infections. Household can take private actions for abatement of pollution as for controlling disease transmission. Disease dynamics follow SIS dynamics. We study the difference in health and economic outcomes between the decentralized economy, where households do not internalize the externalities, and the socially optimal outcomes, and characterize the taxes and subsidies that will decentralize the socially optimal outcomes. Thus, we examine the question whether there are sufficient incentives to reduce pollution, both at the private and public levels, once its effects on disease transmission is taken into account. |
| Keywords: | Covid-19, pollution, environmental policy, infectious disease, Green Recovery, dynamic Pigovian taxes |
| JEL: | I15 Q53 H23 E22 C61 |
| Date: | 2020–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bir:birmec:20-29&r=all |
| By: | World Bank Group |
| Keywords: | Environment - Carbon Policy and Trading Environment - Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases Environment - Environmental Economics & Policies Finance and Financial Sector Development - Finance and Development Macroeconomics and Economic Growth - Climate Change Economics |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:33917&r=all |
| By: | Gerlagh, Reyer (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management); Heijmans, Roweno J.R.K. (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management); Rodendahl, Knut Einar |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tiu:tiutis:a629a851-9ea0-4022-aa1b-ca5ee2fa9f34&r=all |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Environment - Carbon Policy and Trading Environment - Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases Environment - Climate Change and Environment Environment - Global Environment Facility Governance - International Governmental Organizations |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:34328&r=all |
| By: | Joseph I. Uduji (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria); Elda N. Okolo-Obasi (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria); Simplice A. Asongu (Yaoundé, Cameroon) |
| Abstract: | This paper contributes to the literature on the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in oil extraction communities of developing countries. It specifically examines the impact of Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) interventions of multinational oil companies (MOCs) on preventing a resurgence of violence in the Ogoniland of Nigeria. One thousand, two hundred respondent households were sampled across the six kingdoms of Ogoniland. Results from the use of a combined propensity score matching (PSM) and logit model show that GMoUs of MOCs generate significant reductions on key drivers of insurgence in Ogoniland. This suggests that taking on more Cluster Development Boards (CDBs) should form the basis for CSR practice in Ogoniland with the objective of equipping young people with entrepreneurship skills, creating employment, promoting environmental clean-up, and checking the return of violent conflicts. This in turn provides the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the Nigeria’s oil producing region. |
| Keywords: | Oil extraction, Resurgence of violence, Corporate social responsibility, Propensity matching score, Logit model, Nigeria’s Ogoniland |
| Date: | 2020–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:exs:wpaper:20/088&r=all |
| By: | Huang, Donna; Horne, Ralph; Willand, Nicola; Dorignon, Louise; Middha, Bhavna |
| Abstract: | This study investigated housing outcomes during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluated the complex interrelated impacts it is having on Australian households with a range of vulnerabilities. COVID-19 has exacerbated vulnerabilities such as poor housing quality and location; housing affordability; energy poverty and a range of social, mental and physical health conditions. |
| Date: | 2020–11–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:8tvxk&r=all |
| By: | Goodness C. Aye |
| Abstract: | As the world battles with the triple problems of social, economic, and environmental challenges, it has become important to focus both policy and research efforts on these. Therefore, this study examines the effect of wealth inequality on CO 2 emissions in five emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The top decile of wealth share was used as a measure of wealth inequality, while CO 2 emissions per capita were used as a measure of CO 2 emissions. |
| Keywords: | Emissions, Emerging economies, Fixed effects, random effects, wealth inequality |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-161&r=all |
| By: | Urquiza, Anahí; Billi, Marco |
| Abstract: | Entender qué es la seguridad energética e hídrica y su relación directa con la pobreza en América Latina y el Caribe aporta una nueva visión a esta problemática. Una definición adecuada que tenga en cuenta la compleja heterogeneidad y realidad de la región cobra aún más relevancia frente a la crisis sanitaria provocada por el COVID-19, que se superpone a otros complejos desafíos ya existentes en la región y que limitan el logro de un desarrollo sostenible. Este informe, además de destacar la necesidad de desarrollar herramientas para la comprensión del problema, destaca la importancia de considerar la heterogeneidad de las necesidades y capacidades de los distintos países de la región. |
| Keywords: | RECURSOS HIDRICOS, RECURSOS ENERGETICOS, ABASTECIMIENTO DE AGUA, SEGURIDAD ENERGETICA, DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE, RECURSOS NATURALES, POLITICA ENERGETICA, POLITICA DE AGUA, COVID-19, VIRUS, EPIDEMIAS, WATER RESOURCES, ENERGY RESOURCES, WATER SUPPLY, ENERGY SECURITY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY POLICY, WATER POLICY, COVID-19, VIRUSES, EPIDEMICS |
| Date: | 2020–11–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col022:46408&r=all |
| By: | Hendrik Davi (URFM 629 - Ecologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes [Avignon] - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Laetitia Tuffery (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - FRE2010 - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Emanuel Garbolino (Climpact Data Science); Bernard Prévosto (RECOVER - Risques, Ecosystèmes, Vulnérabilité, Environnement, Résilience - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Bruno Fady (URFM 629 - Ecologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes [Avignon] - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | One of the greatest challenges when addressing issues in complex social-ecological systems (SES), is the need for an efficient interdisciplinary framework when large-magnitude social and ecological disturbances occur. Teams comprising of scientists from different backgrounds and disciplines are frequently called upon to propose research methods and results that can be useful for policy and decision makers. However, most of the outcomes from these pluri-disciplinary teams appear extremely difficult to implement within a bigger picture because concepts, hypotheses, methods, and results are specific to each discipline. Here, we propose a reverse-engineering (RE) method to define the scientific needs that could help policy makers and citizens to assess the impacts of socioeconomic "disruptors" on social-ecological systems. We present this method using the example of an ongoing wood biomass energy plant (Gardanne) in the French Mediterranean region. In the Mediterranean region, species diversity is high, the forest cover is ample, but difficult access and low forest productivity make any biomass policy an ecological and social disruption. Our method is based on three complementary approaches to (1) describe the social-ecosystems, (2) draw up a map of interactions between actors and the impacts on the ecosystem, and (3) identify relevant questions needed for a global analysis of the impacts and potentialities of adaptation of actors and the ecosystems to the perturbation and the connections needed between the different disciplines. Our analysis showed that knowledge gaps have to be filled to assess forest resource vulnerability and better estimate how the different resource used (solid wood, biomass, landscape) competed together. Finally, we discuss how this method could be integrated into a broader transdisciplinary work allowing a coproduction of knowledge and solutions on a SES. |
| Keywords: | forest,interdisciplinary,model,reverse-engineering,wood energy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03010363&r=all |
| By: | World Bank |
| Keywords: | Transport - Transport and Trade Logistics Environment - Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases Environment - Green Issues Infrastructure Economics and Finance - Infrastructure Finance |
| Date: | 2020–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:34101&r=all |
| By: | David King (Arizona State University) |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the challenges to transport justice in the context of zero-car-growth policies. It analyses the car-dependence created by sprawling cities that necessitate access to automobiles if citizens want to fully participate in the economy, maintain social connections and achieve a desirable quality of life. It specifically highlights the complications this presents for cities in their efforts towards environmental, equity and economic goals largely achieved through reduced car use. |
| Date: | 2020–10–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:itfaab:2020/12-en&r=all |
| By: | Benjamin Jones |
| Abstract: | The emergence of a mass market for electric vehicles (EVs) offers considerable development opportunities for resource exporters, given their intensive raw material requirements, including for cobalt, nickel, lithium, copper, aluminium, and manganese. To exploit the benefits of new demand, empirical evidence on the 'resource curse' increasingly points to the benefits of strengthening institutions for effective policy management and to mitigate the risk of poorly directed, often excessively procyclical, investment. |
| Keywords: | Transportation, Raw materials, Resource curse, policy, resource mobilization |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-158&r=all |
| By: | Crampes, Claude; Léautier, Thomas-Olivier |
| Abstract: | Tradable certificates are a good tool to promote economic activities when they increase the social surplus. White certificates are counterproductive, because although they encourage activities aimed at reducing energy consumption, these activities are ‘credence goods', i.e. goods whose real quality cannot be verified. They therefore lead to opportunistic behavior by professionals of building renovation and heating system installation. In order to make the system virtuous, certificates should guarantee the results actually measured, instead of ex ante technical evaluations. Given the cost of controls, the accuracy of the declarations should be ensured by heavy penalties for infringements, which is not feasible when companies are too small. Concentration in the building renovation sector should therefore be encouraged, respecting a trade-off between the collective benefit of having large companies responsible for energy performance and the risk of abuse of a dominant position or collusion by these same companies |
| Date: | 2020–11–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tse:wpaper:124950&r=all |
| By: | Gerlagh, Reyer (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management); van Tilburg, Rens; van Wijnbergen, Sweder; Carton, Linda |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tiu:tiutis:5d6cf09d-3b5c-42e5-95db-f9a26a509a4a&r=all |