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on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Matei, Mirela; Stancu, Adrian; Vukovic, Predrag |
| Abstract: | Global climate changes are taking place and its impacts on economy are already occurring in fields like tourism, agriculture, forestry, infrastructure, insurance industry or capital market. Specialists draw attention that climate change has negative effects and positive effects. For example, in some parts of Europe, especially in north, the agricultural may benefit from temperature rise increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The most important part of these changes is due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activity. Between greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest contributor with a weight around of 80 % of total GHG emissions. The agriculture is the most affected sector by the climate change, but agricultural activities have many implications on environment through emissions of methane and nitrous oxide that result from changes in land use and agricultural production or through the production of bio fuels. |
| Keywords: | climate change, agriculture, greenhouse gas, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57350&r=env |
| By: | Ignazio Musu (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari) |
| Abstract: | Simple growth accounting shows that the negative scale effect of economic growth on the environment can be compensated by a composition effect, increasing the weight of less polluting productions, and by a technical progress favorable to the environment, in order to make possible a sustainable growth path. To achieve this result a combination of environmental regulation and innovation policy is required. Revenues from economic instruments of environmental regulation can be earmarked to environmental friendly innovations; difficulties arise because of the trade off with using those revenues as redistributive means to compensate the usually regressive nature of environmental regulation. The “case study” of the energy and climate program of President Obama is an example of the complexity of the challenge to move towards the target of a “green economy”. A complementary essential role of social environmental responsibility both of consumers and firms is required. |
| Keywords: | Economic Development, Innovation, Environmental Policies, Sustainable Development |
| JEL: | O11 O38 Q56 |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2010_01&r=env |
| By: | Morley, Bruce |
| Abstract: | The aim of this study is to determine whether environmental taxes affect levels of pollution and energy consumption. Using a panel of EU members and Norway, we find a significant negative relationship between taxes and pollution, but no relationship with energy consumption. A further contribution to the literature involves the use of the Arellano-Bover approach to dynamic panels, to account for the potential partial adjustment towards desired or target levels of pollution and energy usage. The results provide evidence of partial adjustment, as well as evidence of the negative relationship between environmental taxes and pollution. |
| Keywords: | environmental tax; pollution; energy; dynamic panel; partial adjustment |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eid:wpaper:02/10&r=env |
| By: | Daniela Marconi (Bank of Italy, Economics and International Relations) |
| Abstract: | The paper proposes a two-country general equilibrium model of endogenous growth and trade between two regions, North and South, with different environmental standards. Pollution is a by-product of consumption and in order to abate it the northern region unilaterally imposes a green tax on consumption. As the tax affects domestic demand of consumer goods according to their pollution intensities, regardless of where those goods are produced, the model shows that such a unilateral environmental policy can increase the speed of technological change and pollution abatement in both regions. |
| Keywords: | Trade, environment, consumption externality, technological change |
| JEL: | O30 I32 F14 F18 |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdi:wptemi:td_744_10&r=env |
| By: | Arie ten Cate |
| Abstract: | A simple model of "hourglass" problems is presented. For such problems, the benefit of a national policy measure is propagated to all countries through one single world-wide variable. The prime example is the effect of the reduction of CO2 emission on the world climate. <P> Five optimal solutions are given, for various situations and points of view, followed by a comparison with the outcome of permit trading. |
| Keywords: | climate change; CO2; international cooperation |
| JEL: | F5 Q42 Q48 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpb:memodm:238&r=env |
| By: | Simasiku, Phyllis; Chapoto, Antony; Richardson, Robert B.; Sichilongo, Mwape; Tembo, Gelson; Weber, Michael T.; Zulu, Alimakio |
| Abstract: | Natural resource use, including land, and rural population location is an important topic for Zambia's development strategy. Among other efforts, the Government of Zambia (GRZ) has designated 22% of total land area, as Game Management Areas (GMAs) for human settlements and wildlife conservation. Other GRZ programmes seek to improve food security and agricultural productivity, including the use and improvement of conservation farming techniques. GRZ is currently reviewing policies in the agricultural, forestry, fisheries, wildlife and land sectors. Research in these fields has much to contribute to effective management of MAs, increased agricultural productivity and improved welfare, especially for the rural population. |
| Keywords: | Zambia, Africa, natural resources management, GMA, wildlife management policies, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q34, |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58518&r=env |
| By: | Balamou, Eudokia; Saktina, Daina; Meyers H., William |
| Keywords: | lagging rural areas, bi-regional CGE model, rural development policy, CAP, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57338&r=env |
| By: | Pancino, B.; Bonaiuti, M.; Franco, S. |
| Abstract: | The aim of this study is to present the âstock and flowâ model - based on the Georgescu- Roegen bio economic paradigm and on the ecological economics principles - in a regional key and to discuss the implications of such an approach on the local system governance in order to guarantee a long term economic, social and environmental selfsustainability. These theories give a dynamic characteristic to this approach, by interconnecting the production process (supply) with the responsibilities of the welfare generation (demand). Starting from this theoretical model, it is possible to look at the integrating modes of production and consumption processes at a local scale that consent to guide a rural system towards conditions of sustainability. This perspective of rural system governance imposes the relocation of the control of resources (stock) to a local level and, therefore, a deep change in the idea of the politic procedures. |
| Keywords: | Ecological economics, Stock and flow, Ecological footprint, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, Public Economics, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57638&r=env |
| By: | Fernandez, Ana; Richardson, Robert B.; Tschirley, David; Tembo, Gelson |
| Abstract: | FOOD SECURITY RESEARCH PROJECT, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA |
| Keywords: | zambia, food security, tourism, conservation, household income, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Land Economics/Use, q18, q26, q27, q56, |
| Date: | 2009–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:55053&r=env |
| By: | Fernandez, Ana; Richardson, Robert B.; Tschirley, David; Tembo, Gelson |
| Abstract: | KEY POLICY POINTS ⢠Tourism is increasingly important in Zambia as a vehicle for economic growth, and has been identified as a key sector for poverty reduction due to its potential to generate off-farm income and employment in rural areas. Growth in arrivals and receipts in Zambia has outpaced average growth rates for developing countries. ⢠Tourism in Zambia relies mostly on the stock of natural resources, including the protected area system which includes national parks and game management areas (GMAs). Co-management agreements between Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and rural communities present opportunities and threats for households living in GMAs. ⢠Households living in GMAs have lower average income than households in other rural areas. Yet we find that, for prime GMAs (those well stocked with wildlife), the GMA designation leads to higher incomes than households would otherwise be expected to achieve, based on their own characteristics and those of the areas in which they reside. ⢠We further find that the benefits of living in a prime GMA accrue mostly to the wealthier segments of the population. ⢠Though overall effects on households are positive, losses from crop damage by wildlife are a threat to this success: we find that such losses are statistically significant, large enough to be meaningful to households, and greatest in prime GMAs |
| Keywords: | wildlife conservation, rural households, zambia, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q57, |
| Date: | 2009–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:53453&r=env |
| By: | Nicolas Jacquemet (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - CNRS : UMR8174 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - Paris I, EEP-PSE - Ecole d'Économie de Paris - Paris School of Economics - Ecole d'Économie de Paris); Alexander G. James (University of Wyoming - Department of Economics and Finance); Stéphane Luchini (GREQAM - Groupement de Recherche en Économie Quantitative d'Aix-Marseille - Université de la Méditerranée - Aix-Marseille II - Université Paul Cézanne - Aix-Marseille III - Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) - CNRS : UMR6579); Jason F. Shogren (University of Wyoming - Department of Economics and Finance) |
| Abstract: | Environmental economics is now a long standing field of research ; much has been learned on how environmental policy can use incentives to drive individual behaviors. Among the many examples, preference elicitation is the most discussed case in which incentives fail to accurately implement efficient behavior. Using this as our motivating example, herein we explore the cross-fertilization between environmental economics and social psychology. We first review how the lessons drawn from social psychology helped address the hypothetical bias issue. We then turn to the future of this process by focusing on how cheap talk scripts influence preference elicitation. Our experimental results shows CT scripts work through persuasion – i.e. changes mind, but poorly changes actions. in that sense, preference elicitation still lacks a way of making communication binding – i.e. a way to alter intrinsic motivation of subjects to behave truthfully. |
| Keywords: | Social psychology, commitment, persuasive communication, preference elicitation. |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-00462193_v1&r=env |
| By: | Sylvie FERRARI (GREThA UMR CNRS 5113); Mohammed Mehdi MEKNI (GREThA UMR CNRS 5113); Emmanuel PETIT (GREThA UMR CNRS 5113); Sébastien ROUILLON (GREThA UMR CNRS 5113) |
| Abstract: | The idea of regulating pollutions by means of tradable emission permits on a competitive market was developed for the first time by Dales in 1968. The question of the citizens’ participation on these markets received little attention in the economic literature. However, people are allowed to buy emission permits and can therefore reduce the level of pollution by removing them from the market. From a practical viewpoint, the citizen’s preferences are not taken into account neither in the elaboration nor in the functioning of pollution permits markets. However, such a situation does not comply with both the democratic values and the prevailing economic principles. This article aims to discuss the legitimacy of a participation of the citizens to a pollution permits market by introducing both the economic efficiency and the ethical dimension. As the problem of free riding is fundamental when the citizen participation takes place, we show that it can be partly solved by funding the citizen demand. In addition, it seems that the free riding behaviour is overestimated by theoretical economics as experimental economics applied to the game of the public good shows. In addition, the ethical stakes associated to the opening of the pollution markets permits to the citizens are analyzed. An ethics based on the freedom and the sovereignty of the citizens commands us to authorize the participation of the citizens to these markets. This point is finally discussed towards the cumulative pollutions and towards the intergenerational dimension of the equity. |
| Keywords: | equity, altruism, public good, economic efficiency, ethics, tradable emission permits, citizen participation, intergenerational justice, free rider, cumulative pollutions |
| JEL: | D63 H21 H41 Q58 |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2010-06&r=env |
| By: | Marius-Cristian Frunza (Structuring Department - Sagacarbon et Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne); Dominique Guegan (Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne - Paris School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The aim of this work is to bring an econometric approach upon the CO2 market. We identify the specificities of this market, and analyze the carbon as a commodity. We investigate the econometric particularities of CO2 prices behavior and their result of the calibration. We apprehend and explain the reasons of the non-Gaussian behavior of this market focusing mainly upon jump diffusions and generalized hyperbolic distributions. These models are used for pricing and hedging of carbon options. We estimate the pricing accuracy of each model and the capacity to provide an efficient dynamic hedging. |
| Keywords: | Carbon, Normal Inverse Gaussian, CER, EUA, swap. |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mse:cesdoc:10007&r=env |
| By: | Eric Paul Marius-Cristian Frunza (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - CNRS : UMR8174 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - Paris I, Sagacarbon - Sagacarbon SA); Dominique Guegan (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - CNRS : UMR8174 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - Paris I, EEP-PSE - Ecole d'Économie de Paris - Paris School of Economics - Ecole d'Économie de Paris) |
| Abstract: | The aim of this work is to bring an econometric approach upon the CO2 market. We identify the specificities of this market, and analyze the carbon as a commodity. We investigate the econometric particularities of CO2 prices behavior and their result of the calibration. We apprehend and explain the reasons of the non-Gaussian behavior of this market focusing mainly upon jump diffusions and generalized hyperbolic distributions. These models are used for pricing and hedging of carbon options. We estimate the pricing accuracy of each model and the capacity to provide an efficient dynamic hedging. |
| Keywords: | Carbon, Normal Inverse Gaussian, CER, EUA, swap. |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-00461474_v1&r=env |
| By: | Stojanovic, Zaklina; Manic, Emilija |
| Abstract: | The concept of Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (SARD) is based on resources effective usage that brings strengthen social cohesion of rural regions. Sustainable agro systems take care of natural resources conservation, as well as of economic and social aspects of rural economy. In order to advance complementary activities, agricultural sector has been often seen as the base for local economical diversification of capacities. The connections between agriculture, nature and tourism are especially important. The EU countries insist on this kind of connections which is the integral part of financial support of common funds, while the candidate countries are using the IPA assistance for rural development programs. Program of cross - border cooperation has been placed within this context, too. The article, also, gives several examples of cross-border cooperation project that might include Serbia with some of the neighboring countries in the area of tourism and rural development. The most important elements of cooperation with comments and issues from the authorâs perspective of view are given in this paper. |
| Keywords: | Multifunctional, Extensive agriculture, SARD, Cross-border cooperation, Rural tourism, Ecotourism, Serbia, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57485&r=env |
| By: | Thomas Bernauer; Anna Kalbhenn; Vally Koubi; Gabi Ruoff |
| Abstract: | We argue that participation in international agreements is influenced by their design characteristics, notably commitment levels, measured by the specificity of obligations, and compliance mechanisms, measured by monitoring, enforcement, assistance, and dispute settlement provisions in treaties. We submit that specific obligations as well as monitoring and enforcement have a negative, and assistance and dispute settlement a positive effect on participation. These arguments are tested on a new dataset that includes information on ratifications of more than 200 global environmental agreements in 1950- 2006. We find that specific obligations, assistance, and dispute settlement have the expected effects. Surprisingly, our results show that the presence (or absence) of monitoring and enforcement has no effect on participation. The latter finding suggests that monitoring and enforcement through mechanisms operating outside of treaties rather than through treaty obligations themselves are likely to play a significant role. |
| Date: | 2010–01–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:got:cegedp:94&r=env |
| By: | Robalino, Juan; Villalobos-Fiatt, Laura |
| Abstract: | Despite the global environmental benefits of increasing the amount of protected areas, how these conservation policies affect the well-being of nearby individuals is still under debate. Using household surveys with highly disaggregated geographic references, we explored how national parks affect local wages in Costa Rica and how these effects vary within different areas of a park and among different social groups. We found that a park’s effects on wages vary according to economic activity and proximity to the entrance of the park. Wages close to parks are higher only for people living near tourist entrances. Workers close to entrances are not only employed in higher-paid activities (nonagricultural activities) but also receive higher wages for these activities. Agricultural workers, however, are never better off close to parks (neither close to or far from the entrances). Also, workers close to parks but far away from tourist entrances earn similar or lower wages than comparable workers far away from parks. Our results are robust to different econometric approaches (OLS and matching techniques). The location of national park entrances and the possibility that agricultural workers can switch to higher-paid service activities near tourist entrances may be important tools for helping local workers take advantage of the economic benefits of protected areas. |
| Keywords: | wages, national parks, matching, labor markets, conservation policies, parks, poverty |
| JEL: | Q56 Q58 Q24 C21 J31 |
| Date: | 2010–02–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-10-02-efd&r=env |
| By: | Schouten, Marleen; Van Der Heide, Martijn; Heijman, Wim |
| Abstract: | In todayâs world, rural areas are confronted with a spectrum of changes. These changes have multiple characters, varying from changes in ecosystem conditions to socioeconomic impacts, such as food- and financial crises. They present serious problems to rural management and largely affect future perspectives of rural areas. Rural resilience refers to the capacity of a rural region to adapt to changing external circumstances in such a way that a satisfactory standard of living is maintained, while coping with its inherent ecological, economic and social vulnerability. Rural resilience describes how rural areas are affected by external shocks and how it influences system dynamics. This paper further eradicates on this concept, by exploring in detail what the importance is of resilience theory within rural areas. An answer is tried to be given to the question how to detect resilience in rural areas, by reviewing the existing literature and to the question how to enhance resilient rural development. Finally questions are formulated for further research within the field of rural resilience. |
| Keywords: | Resilience, social-ecological systems, rural development, complex adaptive systems, system dynamics, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57343&r=env |
| By: | Tembo, Gelson; Bandyopadhyay, Sushenjit; Pavy, Jean-Michel |
| Abstract: | Key Policy Points - Game Management Areas (GMAs) in Zambia aim to combine nature conservation with economic empowerment of rural households and communities. - We find evidence of consumption gains from living in GMAs and from participating in natural resource management through Community-Resource Boards (CRBs) and Village Action Groups (VAGs). - However, these benefits are unevenly distributed. Only GMAs with limited alternative livelihoods (Bangweulu and South Luangwa) exhibit significant consumption benefits. Also, the benefits accrue mainly to the relatively well off while the poor do not gain even if they participate. - Resources from ZAWA to CRBs seldom reach the VAGs. Richer, more educated community members participate at CRB or higher level while poorer households participate at VAG level. There is need to address impediments to effective participation by the majority of the community members. - Infrastructure development, which is more evident in Kafue and Lower Zambezi park systems, does not necessarily translate into household level consumption gains in the short run. Moreover, the observed infrastructure development in these areas cannot be attributed to the GMA institution. |
| Keywords: | zambia, food security, policy, natural resources, conservation, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q18, q56, |
| Date: | 2009–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:55055&r=env |
| By: | Frederick van der Ploeg; Dominic Rohner |
| Abstract: | Although the relationship between natural resources and civil war has received much attention, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Controversies and contradictions in the stylized facts persist because resource extraction is treated as exogenous while in reality fighting affects extraction. We study endogenous fighting, armament, and extraction method, speed and investment. Rapacious resource exploitation has economic costs, but can nevertheless be preferred to balanced depletion due to lowered incentives for future rebel attacks. With private exploitation, rebels fight more than the government if they can renege on the contract with the mining company, and hence government turnover is larger in this case. Incentive-compatible license fees paid by private companies and mining investment are lower in unstable countries, and increase with the quality of the government army and office rents. This implies that privatised resource exploitation is more attractive for governments who have incentives to fight hard, i.e., in the presence of large office rents and a strong army. With endogenous weapon investments, the government invests more under balanced than under rapacious or private extraction. If the government can commit before mining licenses are auctioned, it will invest more in weapons under private extraction than under balanced and rapacious nationalized extraction. |
| Keywords: | Conflict, natural resources, private resource exploitation, mining investment, license fee |
| JEL: | D45 D74 L71 Q34 |
| Date: | 2010–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zur:iewwpx:481&r=env |
| By: | Simasiku, Phyllis; Chapoto, Antony; Richardson, Robert B.; Sichilongo, Mwape; Tembo, Gelson; Weber, M.T.; Zulu, Alimakio |
| Abstract: | More effective policies are needed to improve access and secure rights to land and other natural resources for various stakeholders, particularly smallholder farmers. Service delivery at all levels of governance needs to be restructured and strengthened in order to promote and improve economic development and management of natural resources in both open and protected areas. New strategies are needed for protecting and developing natural resource areas based on appropriate resource management systems that promote broad-based participation and sharing of benefits, and offer potential for more effective community-based natural resource management. Improvements are needed in natural resource policy and law review processes in order to take better advantage of accumulated technical knowledge among stakeholders. In addition more efforts are required to achieve effective public-private pooling of interests and resources as well to adopting business-oriented approaches to natural resource management. Coordinated efforts are required to raise productivity of smallholdersâ agricultural land through greatly expanded applied research and extension, and complementary infrastructure investments. |
| Keywords: | Zambia, food security, rural development, natural resource management, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q16, q18, q27, q30, |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:58543&r=env |
| By: | Don J. Webber (Department of Business Economics, Auckland University of Technology and Department of Economics, UWE, Bristol); Stephanié Rossouw (Department of Business Economics, Auckland University of Technology and Department of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Most empirical investigations into economic vulnerability focus on the national level. Although some recent contributions investigate vulnerability from a sub-national perspective they contribute to the literature in an aspatial manner, as they do not explicitly account for the relative locations of areas and for the potential of spillovers between contiguous areas. This paper extends the current literature on a number of important fronts. First, we augment a principle components model to take explicit account of spatial autocorrelation and apply it to South African magisterial district level data. Second, by comparing spatial and aspatial models estimates, our empirical results illustrate the presence and importance of spatial spillovers in local vulnerability index estimates. Third, we augment the methodology on the vulnerability intervention index and present results which highlight areas that are performing better and worse than would be expected. After accounting for spatial spillovers, the results illustrate a clear urban-rural vulnerability divide. |
| Keywords: | Economic vulnerability; Environmental vulnerability; Governance vulnerability; Demographic vulnerability; Health vulnerability |
| JEL: | R11 C21 I31 |
| Date: | 2010–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uwe:wpaper:1004&r=env |