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on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Gemechu, Eskinder D.; Butnar, Isabela; Llop Llop, Maria; Castells i Piqué, Francesc |
| Abstract: | CO2 emissions induced by human activities are the major cause of climate change; hence, strong environmental policy that limits the growing dependence on fossil fuel is indispensable. Tradable permits and environmental taxes are the usual tools used in CO2 reduction strategies. Such economic tools provide incentives to polluting industries to reduce their emissions through market signals. The aim of this work is to investigate the direct and indirect effects of an environmental tax on Spanish products and services. We apply an environmentally extended input-output (EIO) model to identify CO2 emission intensities of products and services and, accordingly, we estimate the tax proportional to these intensities. The short-term price effects are analyzed using an input-output price model. The effect of tax introduction on consumption prices and its influence on consumers’ welfare are determined. We also quantify the environmental impacts of such taxation in terms of the reduction in CO2 emissions. The results, based on the Spanish economy for the year 2007, show that sectors with relatively poor environmental profile are subjected to high environmental tax rates. And consequently, applying a CO2 tax on these sectors, increases production prices and induces a slight increase in consumer price index and a decrease in private welfare. The revenue from the tax could be used to counter balance the negative effects on social welfare and also to stimulate the increase of renewable energy shares in the most impacting sectors. Finally, our analysis highlights that the environmental and economic goals cannot be met at the same time with the environmental taxation and this shows the necessity of finding other (complementary or alternative) measures to ensure both the economic and ecological efficiencies. Keywords: CO2 emissions; environmental tax; input-output model, effects of environmental taxation. |
| Keywords: | Emissions atmosfèriques, Anhídrid carbònic, Medi ambient -- Impostos, Anàlisi d'entrada/sortida, 336 - Finances. Banca. Moneda. Borsa, 504 - Ciències del medi ambient, |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/203166&r=env |
| By: | Pandelis Mitsis |
| Abstract: | The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is a relationship across countries between the level of environmental pollution and per capita GDP. This paper investigates the strength of empirical evidence in favour of the existence for an EKC in carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for the model uncertainty created by the numerous candidate regressors proposed in the literature. Using model averaging methods, I find strong evidence in favour of the existence of EKC in carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, evidence in favour of the significance of many of the additional regressors disappears once model uncertainty is accounted for and robustness is examined. The conclusion reached is that social policy may influence environmental degradation, for which an eventual deterioration is signalled. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Kuznets Curve; Model uncertainty; Income inequality |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ucy:cypeua:16-2012&r=env |
| By: | G. Cornelis van Kooten; Tim Bogle; Frans P. de Vries |
| Abstract: | From a cost standpoint and as demonstrated in this paper, it is beneficial to permit forest-sector carbon offsets in lieu of carbon dioxide emissions reduction. Such offsets play a role in voluntary markets and Europe’s Emission Trading System. However, problems related to additionality, leakages, duration and impermanence, high transaction costs, and governance raise important questions about the validity of most carbon offset credits from forestry. Using data for a forest estate in south-eastern British Columbia owned by the Natural Conservancy of Canada (NCC), we construct a forest management model to demonstrate that the planned NCC management program yields questionable forest carbon offsets. NCC management results in slightly less annual carbon sequestration than leaving the forest as wilderness, but sustainable commercial management of the site sequesters between 8 and 270 thousand tonnes of CO2 more per year than NCC management. Because commercial exploitation was the counterfactual used to justify the NCC carbon offsets, offsets were subsequently sold to non-arms-length buyers, and numbers of carbon offsets are highly sensitive to assumptions, one can only conclude that the carbon offsets generated by this (and probably many other) forest conservation projects are simply spurious. |
| Keywords: | climate change and forestry; forest carbon offsets; forest conservation; REDD |
| JEL: | Q54 Q23 P28 |
| Date: | 2012–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rep:wpaper:2012-06&r=env |
| By: | Steven Poelhekke; Frederick van der Ploeg |
| Abstract: | We test for pollution haven effects in outward foreign direct investment (FDI) for different sectors using a comprehensive and exhaustive dataset for outward FDI from the Netherlands, one of the most environmentally stringent countries and a major source of global FDI. Our evidence suggests that in the sectors natural resources extraction and refining, construction, retail, food processing, beverages and tobacco, and utilities, a less stringent environmental policy in the host country significantly attracts FDI. What is important for these pollution haven effects is not only regulation but also enforcement of environmental policy. In contrast to earlier results, it is not only footloose industries that display pollution haven effects, but also the traditional pollution-intensive industries. But for the sectors machines, electronics and automotive and transportation and communication a more stringent and better enforced environmental policy attracts more FDI as this may help their reputation for sustainable management and CSR. These sectors display green haven effects. These findings have important implications for the sector distribution of FDI in destination countries. |
| Keywords: | pollution haven; green haven; FDI; environmental policy; regulation; enforcement; strategic effects; footloose industries; CSR |
| JEL: | F18 F23 F13 Q50 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dnb:dnbwpp:353&r=env |
| By: | Patrick Withey; G. Cornelis van Kooten |
| Abstract: | We extend an earlier bioeconomic model of optimal duck harvest and wetland retention in the Prairie Pothole Region of Western Canada to include cropping decisions. Instead of a single state equation, the model has two state equations representing the population dynamics of ducks and the amount of wetlands. We use the model to estimate the impact of climate change on wetlands and waterfowl, including direct climate effects as well as land use change due to biofuel policies aimed at mitigating climate change. The model predicts that climate change will reduce wetlands by 47-56 percent from historic levels. Land use change is expected to reduce wetlands by 45 percent from historic levels, whereas direct climate effects will range from a reduction of 2-11 percent, depending on the future climate scenario. This result indicates that models that neglect the effect of land use change underestimate the effect of climate change on wetlands. Further, wetlands loss is geographically heterogeneous, with losses being the largest in Saskatchewan. |
| Keywords: | bioeconomic modeling; wetland protection; wildlife management; climate change; biofuels |
| JEL: | Q57 C61 Q25 Q54 C13 Q10 Q16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rep:wpaper:2011-06&r=env |
| By: | Richard Jensen (Department of Economics, University of Notre Dame); Steven Lugauer (Department of Economics, University of Notre Dame) |
| Abstract: | We estimate the age distribution's impact on carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 to 2006 by exploiting demographic variation in a panel of 46 countries. To eliminate potential bias from endogeneity or omitted variables, we instrument for the age distribution with lagged birth rates, and the regressions control for total population, output, and country and year fixed effects. The increase in the share of the population aged 35 to 49 accounts for a large portion of the observed increase in carbon dioxide emissions. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Environment, Carbon Dioxide Emissions |
| JEL: | Q4 J1 |
| Date: | 2012–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nod:wpaper:004&r=env |
| By: | David Popp |
| Abstract: | By reducing the costs of environmental protection, technological change is important for promoting green growth. This entails both the creation of new technologies and more widespread deployment of existing green technologies. This paper reviews the literature on environmentally friendly technological change, with a focus on lessons relevant to developing countries. I begin with a discussion of data available for measuring the various steps of technological change. I continue with a discussion of sources of environmental innovation. Given that most innovation is concentrated in a few rich countries, this leads to a discussion of the remaining role for lower-income countries, followed by a discussion of technology transfer. Because of the importance of market failures, I then discuss the role of both technology policy and environmental policy for promoting environmentally friendly technological change. The review concludes with a discussion of what environmental economists can learn from other fields. |
| JEL: | Q55 Q56 |
| Date: | 2012–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:18506&r=env |
| By: | Richard Jensen (Department of Economics, University of Notre Dame) |
| Abstract: | Maximizing the production of ecosystem services is a necessity for resource management particularly when increasing the provision of one service decreases the provision of another. In these instances, it is important to estimate the value of ecosystem services to efficiently distribute resources. We estimate two major ecosystem services provided by the Kafue River, Zambia -hydroelectricity and fisheries- and discuss management implications of the relationship between hydropower controlled water regime and fisheries production. |
| Keywords: | Environmental flows, Multivariate state-space, Fisheries management, ecosystem services, canonical correlation |
| JEL: | D L |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nod:wpaper:010&r=env |
| By: | Dubois, Maarten (KU Leuven, HUBrussel) |
| Abstract: | Although intra-European trade of combustible waste has grown strongly in the last decade, incineration and landfill taxes remain heterogeneous within Europe. A review of taxation schemes in North Western Europe shows that current heterogeneity does not constitute a level playing field for waste processing industries in different regions. The paper proposes a more coherent taxation strategy for Europe that is based on the principle of Pigovian taxation. The strategy aims to create a level playing field between European regions while reinforcing incentives for sustainable management of combustible waste. Three important policy recommendations emerge. First, integrating waste incineration into the European carbon Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) reduces the risk of tax competition between regions. Second, because taxation of every single air pollutant from waste incineration is cumbersome, a differentiated waste incineration tax based on NOx emissions can serve as a second-best instrument. Finally, in order to strengthen incentives for ash treatment, a landfill tax should apply for landfilled incineration residues. An example illustrates the coherence of the policy recommendations for incineration technologies with diverse environmental effects. |
| Date: | 2012–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hub:wpecon:201236&r=env |
| By: | Maria Bernadete Gomes Pereira Sarmiento Gutierrez |
| Abstract: | Ganha força no mundo ideia de que políticas ambientais e políticas comerciais devem ser formuladas de forma integrada, para que se garantam a consistência e a integridade das negociações climáticas. De forma complementar às negociações no âmbito da Convenção-Quadro das Nações Unidas sobre a Mudança do Clima (CQNUMC), alguns países já iniciaram ou estão considerando programas nacionais de limitação nas suas emissões de gases do efeito estufa (GEE), potencialmente se superpondo ao regime do comércio internacional. Destacam-se a União Europeia e os Estados Unidos como exemplos de formuladores de importantes programas para a mitigação nas suas emissões. Em ambos os casos, estes programas terão uma importante interface com as políticas comerciais. Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal mostrar como o comércio e o meio ambiente são questões que estarão crescentemente inter-relacionadas nos foros de negociações comerciais, e de sugerir como o Brasil, sendo país não anexo I, pode ter a competitividade de suas exportações afetadas. Palavras-chave: políticas ambientais; políticas comerciais; competitividade; tarifa ad valorem sobre o carbono. The idea that environmental and trade policies should be formulated in an integrated framework has been gaining momentum so that to ensure the integrity and consistency of climate change negotiations. In a complementary way to the negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC), some countries have already started or are in the process of launching national mitigation plans for reducing greenhouse gases emissions which have an important interface to the international trade regime. The United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) are examples of countries in the process of considering important national plans for the mitigation of their emissions. In both cases, these programmes will have an important interface to trade policies. In this context, the main objective of this study is to highlight the increasingly interdependency of environmental and trade issues in international negotiations as well as to suggest how this might affect Brazilian competitiveness exports, recalling that Brazil is still a non Annex I country. Keywords: trade and environment; competitiveness; border trade adjustments. |
| Date: | 2012–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipe:ipetds:1772&r=env |
| By: | Teixidó Figueras, Jordi; Duro Moreno, Juan Antonio |
| Abstract: | Scarcities of environmental services are no longer merely a remote hypothesis. Consequently, analysis of their inequalities between nations becomes of paramount importance for the achievement of sustainability in terms either of international policy, or of Universalist ethical principles of equity. This paper aims, on the one hand, at revising methodological aspects of the inequality measurement of certain environmental data and, on the other, at extending the scarce empirical evidence relating to the international distribution of Ecological Footprint (EF), by using a longer EF time series. Most of the techniques currently important in the literature are revised and then tested on EF data with interesting results. We look in depth at Lorenz dominance analyses and consider the underlying properties of different inequality indices. Those indices which fit best with environmental inequality measurements are CV2 and GE(2) because of their neutrality property, however a trade-off may occur when subgroup decompositions are performed. A weighting factor decomposition method is proposed in order to isolate weighting factor changes in inequality growth rates. Finally, the only non-ambiguous way of decomposing inequality by source is the natural decomposition of CV2, which additionally allows the interpretation of marginal term contributions. Empirically, this paper contributes to the environmental inequality measurement of EF: this inequality has been quite stable and its change over time is due to per capita vector changes rather than population changes. Almost the entirety of the EF inequality is explainable by differences in the means between the countries of the World Bank group. This finding suggests that international environmental agreements should be attempted on a regional basis in an attempt to achieve greater consensus between the parties involved. Additionally, source decomposition warns of the dangers of confining CO2 emissions reduction to crop-based energies because of the implications for basic needs satisfaction. Keywords: ecological footprint; ecological inequality measurement, inequality decomposition. |
| Keywords: | Home -- Influència sobre la natura, Medi ambient -- Indicadors, 33 - Economia, 504 - Ciències del medi ambient, |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/203168&r=env |
| By: | Joseph Lanfranchi (LEM - Laboratoire d'Économie Moderne - Université Paris II - Panthéon-Assas : EA4442, CEE - Centre d'études de l'emploi - Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et Recherche - Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Santé); Sanja Pekovic (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - CNRS : UMR7088 - Université Paris IX - Paris Dauphine, DMSP - Université Paris IX - Paris Dauphine) |
| Abstract: | The implementation of environmental standards can be facilitated by motivating workers with pro-social preferences. Therefore, we study if employees working for firms achieving registration for environmental-related standards are more likely to display positive attitudes toward their job, to be actively involved in their jobs and to donate effort. Using a French matched employer-employee database, we find that these "green employees" report a significantly higher feeling of usefulness and equitable recognition at work. Besides, they are more likely to work uncompensated overtime hours. Finally, if the adoption of environmental standards is shown to have no direct influence on job involvement, we expose how it indirectly impacts job involvement through the mediation of employees' feeling of usefulness and equitable recognition at work. |
| Keywords: | environmental-related standards; pro-social motivation; workers' attitudes and behavior. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-00744483&r=env |
| By: | Llop Llop, Maria; Ponce Alifonso, Xavier, |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the effects that technological changes in agriculture would have on environmental, social and economic indicators. Specifically, our study is focused on two alternative technological improvements: the modernization of water transportation systems versus the increase in the total factor productivity of agriculture. Using a computable general equilibrium model for the Catalan economy, our results suggest that a water policy that leads to greater economic efficiency is not necessarily optimal if we consider social or environmental criteria. Moreover, improving environmental sustainability depends less on the type of technological change than on the institutional framework in which technological change occurs. Keywords: agricultural technological changes, computable general equilibrium model, economic impact, water policy |
| Keywords: | Agricultura -- Innovacions tecnològiques, Equilibri (Economia), Aigua -- Abastament -- Política governamental, 338 - Situació econòmica. Política econòmica. Gestió, control i planificació de l'economia. Producció. Serveis. Turisme. Preus, |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/203158&r=env |
| By: | Christoph Höglinger; Tanja Sinozic; Franz Tödtling |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwsre:sre-disc-2012_07&r=env |
| By: | T., MAHESWARI |
| Abstract: | The world has changed greatly since the 1960s and 1970s, when there existed a virtual consensus among Western experts that rapid population growth in the developing world represented a serious global crisis. One of the primary causes of environmental degradation in a country could be attributed to rapid growth of population, which adversely affects the natural resources and environment. This study, in general, makes an endeavor to demonstrate how the population growth in Madurai district in Tamilnadu State of India has been conducive to the environmental degradation. In all the decades the decadal growth rate of population of Madurai district is higher than that of State except in the decade 1991-2001. It can be concluded from the present study that there is a pressure of population on the environment in Madurai district. Population is an important source of development, yet it is a major source of environmental degradation when it exceeds the threshold limits of the support systems. Unless the relationship between the multiplying population and the life support system can be stabilized, development programs, howsoever, innovative are not likely to yield desired results. |
| Keywords: | Madurai; Population; Environment |
| JEL: | Q50 |
| Date: | 2012–10–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:42007&r=env |
| By: | John Feddersen; Robert Metcalfe; Mark Wooden |
| Abstract: | We investigate the impact of short-term weather and long-term climate on self-reported life satisfaction using panel data. We find robust evidence that day-to-day weather variation impacts life satisfaction by a similar magnitude to acquiring a mild disability. Utilizing two sources of variation in the cognitive complexity of satisfaction questions, we present evidence that weather bias arises because of the cognitive challenge of reporting life satisfaction. Consistent with past studies, we detect a relationship between long-term climate and life satisfaction without individual fixed effects. This relationship is not robust to individual fixed effects, suggesting climate does not directly influence life satisfaction. |
| Keywords: | Life satisfaction, Subjective well-being, Climate change, Weather |
| JEL: | Q51 C23 C81 C83 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:wpaper:627&r=env |
| By: | Teixidó Figueras, Jordi; Duro Moreno, Juan Antonio |
| Abstract: | Recently, White (2007) analysed the international inequalities in Ecological Footprints per capita (EF hereafter) based on a two-factor decomposition of an index from the Atkinson family (Atkinson (1970)). Specifically, this paper evaluated the separate role of environment intensity (EF/GDP) and average income as explanatory factors for these global inequalities. However, in addition to other comments on their appeal, this decomposition suffers from the serious limitation of the omission of the role exerted by probable factorial correlation (York et al. (2005)). This paper proposes, by way of an alternative, a decomposition of a conceptually similar index like Theil’s (Theil, 1967) which, in effect, permits clear decomposition in terms of the role of both factors plus an inter-factor correlation, in line with Duro and Padilla (2006). This decomposition might, in turn, be extended to group inequality components (Shorrocks, 1980), an analysis that cannot be conducted in the case of the Atkinson indices. The proposed methodology is implemented empirically with the aim of analysing the international inequalities in EF per capita for the 1980-2007 period and, amongst other results, we find that, indeed, the interactive component explains, to a significant extent, the apparent pattern of stability observed in overall international inequalities. Key words: ecological footprint; international environmental distribution; inequality decomposition |
| Keywords: | Home -- Influència sobre la natura, Medi ambient -- Indicadors, 33 - Economia, 504 - Ciències del medi ambient, |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/203169&r=env |
| By: | Richard Jensen (Department of Economics, University of Notre Dame) |
| Abstract: | Biological invasions are classical examples of externalities. The risks and damages from biological invasions are endogenous, depending on how society protects itself from invasions, and how it reacts to them after they occur. This paper analyzes a dynamic model in which society can undertake a flow of expenditures to protect against a biological invasion, which continue until an invasion actually occurs, in which case society can undertake a flow of expenditures to control or reduce the damage. The trade-off between these policies is highlighted by the fact that it is optimal to undertake expenditures to protect against the invasion if and only if the cost of the invasion is large enough. This result holds if the cost of the invasion is known initially either with certainty or only in distribution. No protection is more likely to be optimal the larger is either the natural hazard rate of the invasion or the discount rate. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Policy, Invasive Species |
| JEL: | D L |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nod:wpaper:007&r=env |
| By: | Dieckhoener, Caroline (Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitaet zu Koeln); Hecking, Harald (Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitaet zu Koeln) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we develop a microeconomic approach to deduce greenhouse gas abatement cost curves of the residential heating sector. By accounting for household behavior, we find that welfare-based abatement costs are generally higher than pure technical equipment costs. Our results are based on a microsimulation of private households' investment decision for heating systems until 2030. The households' investment behavior in the simulation is derived from a discrete choice estimation which allows investigating the welfare costs of different abatement policies in terms of the compensating variation and the excess burden. We simulate greenhouse gas abatements and welfare costs of carbon taxes and subsidies on heating system investments until 2030 to deduce abatement curves. Given utility maximizing households, our results suggest a carbon tax to be the welfare efficient policy. Assuming behavioral misperceptions instead, a subsidy on investments might have lower marginal greenhouse gas abatement costs than a carbon tax. |
| Keywords: | Household behavior; discrete choice; Pigou; greenhouse gas abatement costs |
| JEL: | C35 C61 Q47 Q53 R21 |
| Date: | 2012–10–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:ewikln:2012_016&r=env |
| By: | Gilles Vermot Desroches (Schneider Electric - {-}); Thomas André (Department of Economics, Ecole Polytechnique - CNRS : UMR7176 - Polytechnique - X) |
| Abstract: | Universal access to clean energy is a major worldwide concern which has been reaffirmed when 2012 was declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Within that framework, multinational corporations are developing inclusive business approaches targeting lowincome populations. To be considered successful, these strategies must participate to development, be sustainable, and impact as many people as possible. We explore the case of Schneider Electric's BipBop programme which aims at promoting access to reliable, affordable and clean energy to the people who need it the most. We provide first key factors contributing to a broader combination of poverty eradication and protection of the environment from multinational corporations: engagement of top management; programme alignment with the strategy of the firm; incorporation of the Groups' entities; balancing global and local actions; measuring social and environmental results. |
| Keywords: | Base of the Pyramid, Bottom of the Pyramid, inclusive business, Access to Energy, BipBop, Schneider Electric |
| Date: | 2012–10–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00744236&r=env |
| By: | Sergey Rabotyagov; Catherine L. Kling (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD)); Philip W. Gassman (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD)); Nancy N. Rabalais; R. Eugene Turner |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this review and analysis is to provide a basic understanding of the issues related to worldwide hypoxic zones and the range of economic questions sorely in need of answers. We begin by describing the causes and extent of hypoxic zones worldwide, followed by a review of the evidence concerning ecological effects of the condition and impacts on ecosystem services. We describe what is known about abatement options and cost effective policy design before turning to an analysis of the large, seasonally recurring hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. We advance the understanding of this major ecological issue by estimating the relationship between pollutants (nutrients) and the areal extent of the hypoxic zone. This “production function†relationship suggests that both instantaneous and legacy contributions of nutrients contribute to annual predictions of the size of the zone, highlighting concerns that ecologists have raised about lags in the recovery of the system and affirms the importance of multiple nutrients as target pollutants. We conclude with a discussion of critical research needs to provide input to policy formation. |
| Keywords: | hypoxia, eutrophication, Gulf of Mexico, nonpoint source pollution, water quality JEL classification numbers: Q51, Q52, Q57, B4 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ias:cpaper:12-wp534&r=env |
| By: | Julien Daubanes; Pierre Lasserre |
| Abstract: | The interaction of supply and demand is at the root of market and other equilibria. Yet no systematic synthetic treatment of non-renewable resource supply exists; equilibrium analyses or welfare statements usually are formulated without any systematic decomposition into supply and demand. In this note, we examine the supply decision of individual non-renewable resource suppliers facing given prices. We establish instantaneous restricted (fixed reserves, treated as capital) and unrestricted supply functions. We decompose the effect of a price change into an intertemporal substitution effect and a stock compensation effect. The later arises when the stock of reserves to be extracted is endogenous. We show that the substitution effect always dominates so that a price increase at some date always causes supply to decrease at all other dates. Thus, despite the formal resemblance of resource supply over the time space with demand over the spectrum of goods, there is no such thing as a possible complementarity between resources extracted at different dates. Yet, as this theory of non-renewable resource supply makes clear, this is what researchers seeking exceptions to the green paradox are trying to identify. Nor is there any peculiarity similar to the Giffen paradox or to the inferior good paradox in resource supply. Besides unifying the treatment of conventional good supply and non-renewable resource supply, this theoretical exercise also shows how to avoid supply aggregation problems that make several existing results or modeling approaches questionable. The properties, first established within a parsimonious model, are shown to hold in a very general setup. <P> |
| Keywords: | Non-renewable resource supply, Price effect, Stock effect, Substitution effect, Supply theory, Demand theory, Green paradox, |
| Date: | 2012–10–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirwor:2012s-28&r=env |
| By: | Arie ten Cate |
| Abstract: | <p>The coming energy transition in residential neighbourhoods in the Netherlands is the result of the increasing cost of CO2 emission and the decreasing costs of solar PhotoVoltaics (PV) and alternative techniques of residential heating, namely Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and heat pump. </p><p>The optimal transition is found by minimizing the total discounted social costs of residential energy consumption and generation. Social costs include the cost of CO2 emission and the investment in the electric network. The model integrates economics and the electric constraints based on the Alternating Current (AC) network power flow.</p><p>The results indicate that in the optimal transition nearly all houses are going to use an air-to-water heat pump with auxiliary gas heating. This shift from gas to electricity depends very little on the future CO2 price or the network costs. Solar PV is not yet socially profitable at this moment.</p><p>The "business case" for a household, using private costs, includes taxes and excludes CO2 costs and uses a higher discount rate. In the resulting optimum no heat pumps are used. However, reducing the ratio of the electricity tax versus the gas tax moves the private optimum to the social optimum.</p><p>In order to use the model (with GAMS) or to verify table 18 (with Octave/Matlab), download the packed file below (If needed: rename it from .txt to .zip and unpack the file)</p> |
| JEL: | C61 Q42 Q48 Q58 |
| Date: | 2012–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpb:discus:222&r=env |
| By: | Jérôme Trotignon (GATE Lyon Saint-Etienne - Groupe d'analyse et de théorie économique - CNRS : UMR5824 - Université Lumière - Lyon II - École Normale Supérieure - Lyon) |
| Abstract: | L'Equation de Kaya exprime les émissions de CO2 d'un pays en fonction de facteurs économique, démographique et énergétique. Plusieurs travaux décomposent par période, à partir de cette équation, les effets sur les émissions brésiliennes des variables de population, de PIB par tête, d'intensité énergétique (contenu en énergie du PIB) et d'intensité carbonique (contenu en carbone de l'énergie). Mais ils ne tiennent pas compte des émanations de CO2 engendrées par le secteur UTCATF. Pour pallier cet inconvénient et mieux éclairer les enjeux des politiques climatiques, nous proposons une analyse de décomposition des facteurs d'évolution des émissions qui inclut les statistiques du secteur UTCATF. Son influence dans la variation des émissions totales s'avère prédominante, aussi bien comme stimulant sur la période de déforestation massive de 1994-2000, que comme modérateur de 2000 à 2005, année où s'ébauche le programme de déforestation évitée. |
| Keywords: | analyse de décomposition ; Brésil ; déforestation ; équation de Kaya ; facteurs d'émission de CO2 ; intensité carbonique ; intensité énergétique ; secteur UTCATF |
| Date: | 2012–10–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-00746524&r=env |
| By: | Strohm, Kathrin; Schweinle, Jörg; Liesebach, Mirko; Osterburg, Bernhard; Rödl, Anne; Baum, Sarah; Nieberg, Hiltrud; Bolte, Andreas; Walter, Katja |
| Abstract: | Die deutsche Fläche an Kurzumtriebsplantagen (KUP) ist in den letzten drei Jahren überproportional stark angestiegen, und für 2011 geht die FNR von über 4.000 ha kommerziell genutzten Plantagen aus. Die größten KUP-Flächen befinden sich in Brandenburg (~ 1.600 ha), Niedersachsen (~ 700 ha) und Bayern (~ 480 ha). Die dynamische Entwick-lung der letzten Jahre ist unter anderem auf das Engagement großer Energieversorgungsun-ternehmen zurückzuführen, die die Versorgung ihrer Biomasseheizkraftwerke nachhaltig und langfristig zu sichern versuchen. Trotz der positiven Entwicklung bleibt die Flächenentwicklung hinter den Erwartungen und Wünschen seitens der Politik zurück. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es Ziel dieses Beitrags, den aktuellen Stand der Erkenntnisse zu den ökologischen und ökonomischen Effekten des KUP-Anbaus zusammenzustellen. Dabei wird auch die Frage der Förderung thematisiert. In deutschen Zuchtprogrammen werden derzeit Pappeln, Weiden und Robinien bearbeitet, um die Versorgung mit geeignetem Vermehrungsgut auf eine breitere Basis zu stellen. Die Verwendungsmöglichkeiten für Holz von KUP werden von der Baumart und der gewählten Rotationszeit bestimmt. Weide und Holz aus kurzen Rotationszeiten von zwei bis drei Jahren werden in der Regel energetisch genutzt. Für die Böden unter KUP werden die gegenüber ackerbaulicher Nutzung extensivierte Bodenbearbeitung und Kulturpflege als vorteilhaft angesehen. Dieses trägt auch zu einer höheren Pflanzenvielfalt bei. Auf artenreichen Offenlandflächen, vor allem Grünland, kann die Etablierung von KUP aus Biodiversitätsgesichtspunkten jedoch eine ungünstige Änderung des Artenspektrums hervorrufen sowie mit einem Verlust an Bodenkohlenstoff einhergehen. Da sich die Artenzusammensetzung im Laufe der Zeit verschiebt, empfiehlt sich die Anlage mehrerer kleinerer anstatt einer großen KUP, die Pflanzung verschiedener Baumarten und Klone bzw. Sorten sowie eine Bewirtschaftung in unterschiedlichen Rotationszyklen innerhalb einer Gegend. Durch diese Maßnahmen wird die Strukturvielfalt erhöht, und es stehen Habitate für Tier- und Pflanzenarten mit unterschiedlichen Ansprüchen zur Verfügung. [...] -- During the last three years, the German area of short rotation coppice (SRC) has increased strongly. The FNR (Agency for Renewable Resources) expects that in 2011 the commer-cially used plantations exceed 4,000 ha. The largest SRC areas are found in Brandenburg (~ 1,600 ha), Lower Saxony (~ 700 ha) and Bavaria (~ 480 ha). Among other things, the dynamic development of the last years goes back to the involvement of large energy pro-viders that want to secure the supply of their biomass heating power plants. Despite the positive development, the SRC area development falls short of expectations and wishes of politicians. Against this background, this contribution aims at compiling current findings regarding ecologic and economic aspects of SRC. Further, the question of government support is being discussed. German breeding programmes deal with poplar, willow and black locust in order to broaden the basis of the planting material supply. The possible uses of wood from SRC plantations are determined by the species and the rotation cycle. Willow and wood from SRCs managed in rotation periods of two to three years are normally used energetically. The soils under SRC plantations profit from the extensive soil cultivation and reduced plant protection as compared to the agronomic use. This also contributes to higher plant diversity. However, on species rich open areas, in particular grassland, the establishment of SRC can change the species spectrum negatively from the perspective of biodiversity as well as reduce the soil carbon content. Since the species composition changes over time, it is advisable to establish several small instead of one large SRC, to plant different tree spe-cies and varieties, respectively, and to manage the plantation in different rotation cycles. These measures increase the structural diversity and habitats for animals and plants with different requirements develop.[...] |
| Keywords: | Kurzumtriebsplantage (KUP),Deutschland,Umweltwirkungen,betriebswirtschaftliche Analyse,Förderinstrumente,short rotation coppice (SRC),Germany,environmental effects,economic analysis,funding instrument |
| JEL: | Q12 Q15 Q18 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:vtiaba:062012&r=env |
| By: | Esther Blanco; Maria Claudia Lopez; James M. Walker |
| Abstract: | This study examines individual and group behavior in a linear appropriation game setting. Subjects make decisions from a menu of eight games, without feedback. Four treatment conditions vary the magnitude of the opportunity cost of conservation, including symmetric and asymmetric treatments. A parallel set of four treatments implement the same parameter variations in a setting where probabilistic degradation of the commons is linked to group appropriation. Thus, this setting introduces uncertainty in the value of the opportunity cost of appropriation. In summary, subjects respond systematically to changes in the marginal incentives and to the possibility of degradation. These responses are shown to be related to a direct effect of changes in marginal monetary incentives and to an indirect effect associated with changes in subjects’ first order beliefs of the appropriation decisions of others. |
| Keywords: | common-pool resources, asymmetry, cooperation, laboratory experiments |
| JEL: | D7 D3 H4 C90 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:inn:wpaper:2012-25&r=env |
| By: | Igor Ferraz da Fonseca |
| Abstract: | Este artigo analisa a utilização e a disseminação do conceito de participação nas políticas ambientais e de desenvolvimento contemporâneas no Brasil, com foco na implementação de conselhos e comitês locais - sobretudo aqueles ligados à temática socioambiental. A hipótese aqui defendida é que o uso atual do conceito de participação é típico de uma buzzword, sendo retoricamente bem-sucedido enquanto sua aplicação na realidade frequentemente fica aquém das expectativas. As conclusões ressaltam que as diversas falhas e obstáculos enfrentados por fóruns participativos no Brasil podem ser minorados caso as especificidades do contexto local sejam consideradas as bases para o estabelecimento de instituições que visem fomentar a cidadania e o controle social nas políticas públicas. Dessa forma, a análise das relações de poder locais,das estruturas econômicas e políticas de maior escala e uma flexibilidade metodológica maior são elementos importantes para um aumento da eficácia e da eficiência desses fóruns. This article examines the use and dissemination of the concept of participation in environmental and development policies, focusing on implementation of local councils in Brazil - especially those linked to socio-environmental issues. The hypothesis advanced here is that the current use of the concept of participation is typical of a buzzword, being rhetorically successful while its implementation often fail. The findings highlight that the several failures and obstacles faced by participatory councils in Brazil could be decreased if the singularities of the local contexts were considered for the establishment of institutions aimed at promoting citizenship, social control and accountability in public policies. Thus, the analysis of power relations, socioeconomic structures of larger scale and greater methodological flexibility are important elements for increase the efficiency and effectiveness of these councils. |
| Date: | 2011–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipe:ipetds:1572&r=env |
| By: | Hugo Bolzon (IUL - Institut d'urbanisme de Lyon - Université Lumière - Lyon II, EVS - Environnement Ville Société - CNRS : UMR5600 - Université Jean Moulin - Lyon III - Université Lumière - Lyon II - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Etienne - Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'Etat - Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon - École Normale Supérieure - Lyon) |
| Abstract: | Ce mémoire vient questionner l'accès à l'énergie en Tunisie par le cas du développement du réseau de gaz naturel dans l'agglomération sfaxienne. À la croisée de thématiques comme les services urbains en réseau ou encore la ville durable dans les pays arabes, l'enjeu est ici d'analyser les logiques d'accès à l'énergie dans une perspective de rétroaction entre le local et le national. La problématique de l'efficience énergétique dans les villes tunisiennes doit être appréhendée dans toute sa globalité, afin de déterminer clairement quelles sont les causes des difficultés rencontrées. La diminution des ressources énergétiques par rapport à la demande croissante et la saisie du concept de développement durable sont à l'origine d'une nouvelle orientation de la politique énergétique tunisienne, dont les villes sont le support privilégié. L'application de ces mesures se révèle parfois bien éloignée des effets d'annonce, notamment en ce qui concerne le paramètre de durabilité, nouveau fourre-tout constamment invoqué par les décideurs politiques. En conséquence, les modalités d'accès à l'énergie s'en trouvent modifiées, et constituent un nouveau lieu de discrimination sociale ; peut-on pour autant parler de fragmentation urbaine ? |
| Keywords: | fragmentation urbaine, services urbains en réseau, développement durable, gaz naturel, politique énergétique, accès à l'énergie, agglomération sfaxienne, Tunisie, splintering urbanism, urban network services, sustainable development, natural gas, energy policy, energy access, Sfax, Tunisia |
| Date: | 2012–09–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:dumas-00745821&r=env |
| By: | César Nunes de Castro |
| Abstract: | Muitos conflitos ocorrem atualmente ao redor do mundo em função de disputas pela utilização da água. Em muitas importantes bacias hidrográficas, a água é cada vez mais escassa. No Brasil, algumas regiões enfrentam problemas de deficiência hídrica, como o semiárido nordestino e algumas regiões metropolitanas (RMs). O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi avaliar o sistema de gestão das águas no Brasil. A gestão dos recursos hídricos iniciou uma nova fase com a aprovação da Lei no 9.433/1997, que trata da Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos. Certamente, algumas das inovações introduzidas por este novo arranjo jurídico-institucional promoveram melhorias na gestão da água no Brasil e, consequentemente, em seu uso mais sustentável. Entretanto, ainda existem aspectos a serem aprimorados; entre estes, promoção de equidade no acesso à água, melhorias no sistema de gestão, aumento da eficiência na utilização da água e maior aproveitamento de fontes alternativas de recursos hídricos. Palavras-Chave: Recursos-hídricos, gerenciamento, bacias hidrográficas, Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos. Many conflicts currently take place around the world due to disputes over water use. In many major river basins of the world, water is increasingly scarce. In Brazil, some regions face problems of water deficiency, such as the Northeastern semi-arid region and some metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water management system in Brazil. The management of water resources started a new phase with the approval of Brazilian Law 9433/97, which deals with the Brazilian water resources Policy. Certainly, some of the innovations introduced by this new legal and institutional arrangement resulted in improvements in water management in Brazil and, consequently, promoted its` more sustainable use. However, there are still aspects to be improved including promotion of equity in access to water, improvements in system management, increased efficiency in water use and and greater usage of alternative sources of water to further enhance the water availability in Brazil, specially in the more water-scarce regions. Key-Words: Water resources, management, river basins, Brazilian water resources policy. |
| Date: | 2012–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipe:ipetds:1744&r=env |
| By: | Katia Rocha; Maria Bernadete G. P. Sarmiento Gutierrez; Philipp Hauser |
| Abstract: | Em julho de 2011 a Junta Executiva da United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aprovou uma guia revisada para taxas de retorno por grupos de indústrias e países que poderiam vir a ser utilizadas como valores de benchmark para a análise de adicionalidade de projetos de Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo (MDL), os quais se configuram como um importante incentivo para as energias renováveis no Brasil. Para o setor de energia renovável no Brasil, foi proposta uma taxa de 11,75% ao ano (a.a.) em termos reais para o custo do capital próprio. Entretanto, a UNFCCC abre possibilidade para a proposição de outros valores, incluindo a metodologia de Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) desde que tenham sua análise econômico-financeira baseada nas melhores práticas de financeiras internacionais e em fontes que possam ser validadas além de propriamente justificadas. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir ao debate da adequação do MDL como mecanismo capaz de incentivar a implementação de projetos de energia renovável através da estimação de parâmetros representativos para Taxa de Retorno do Setor de Energia Renovável no Brasil. Através de extensa pesquisa referenciada nas melhores práticas metodológicas e em estimações já utilizadas por agências reguladoras internacionais e brasileiras, conclui-se que a taxa de retorno proposta pela UNFCCC para o Brasil se encontra abaixo do esperado. Caso optemos por uma ótica conservadora de forma a subsidiar esse segmento no país, poderíamos atingir um valor real e plausível de 15,60% a.a. Essa análise é de suma importância, uma vez que o Plano Decenal de Expansão de Energia 2020 (PDE 2020) prioriza fortemente uma maior participação de energia limpa, com 39% de aumento para hidrelétricas e 198% de aumento para fontes renováveis como Pequenas Centrais Hidrelétricas (PCHs), biomassa e eólicas, que se constituem, atualmente, nas opções apontadas como as mais promissoras para o Brasil, sendo capazes de atender a critérios ambientais e promover a necessária complementação ao atual parque hídrico brasileiro. Podemos concluir, de forma tentativa, que seria necessária a criação de outros instrumentos para estimular a implementação de projetos de energia renovável em linha com as diretrizes propostas pelo governo brasileiro. |
| Date: | 2012–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipe:ipetds:1701&r=env |
| By: | Dieckhoener, Caroline (Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitaet zu Koeln) |
| Abstract: | Improving energy efficiency is one of the three pillars of the European energy and climate targets for 2020 and has led to the introduction of several policy measures to promote energy efficiency. The paper analyzes the effectiveness of subsidies in increasing energy efficiency in residential dwellings. An empirical analysis is conducted in which the effectiveness of subsidies on the number of dwelling modernizations is investigated. Next, the impact of renovations on energy consumption is analyzed using a differences-indifferences-in-differences approach for modernizations made in given subsidy program periods, as well as for ownership status and household types for more than 5000 German households between 1992 and 2010. By controlling for socio-economic status, dwelling characteristics and macro-indicators, it becomes apparent that homeowners invest signi ficantly more and have significantly lower heating expenditures than their tenant counterparts. Thus, the landlord-tenant problem tends to broaden the energy efficiency gap. It is also found that the number of modernizations made by landlords does not increase with higher subsidies. However, the renovations made during the subsidy periods decrease the heating consumption of tenants. Given the conditions that homeowners already invest more in energy efficiency, they increase modernizations only slightly with increasing subsides. However, these modernizations during subsidy periods do not further decrease homeowners' energy consumption. Thus, the large part of the overall subsidies received by homeowners can be identifi ed as windfall pro ts. |
| Keywords: | Household behavior; econometric analysis; energy efficiency; demand modelling |
| JEL: | D12 Q51 R21 |
| Date: | 2012–10–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:ewikln:2012_017&r=env |
| By: | Jean De Beir (TEPP - Travail, Emploi et Politiques Publiques - CNRS : FR3435 - Université Paris Est Marne-la-Vallée, EPEE - Université d'Evry-Val d'Essonne); Laetitia Tufféry (TEPP - Travail, Emploi et Politiques Publiques - CNRS : FR3435 - Université Paris Est Marne-la-Vallée, EPEE - Centre d'Etudes des Politiques Economiques - Université d'Evry-Val d'Essonne); Yannick L'Horty (TEPP - Travail, Emploi et Politiques Publiques - CNRS : FR3435 - Université Paris Est Marne-la-Vallée, ERUDITE - Equipe de Recherche sur l'Utilisation des Données Individuelles Temporelles en Economie - Université Paris XII - Paris Est Créteil Val-de-Marne : EA437 - Université Paris Est Marne-la-Vallée); Céline Emond (TEPP - Travail, Emploi et Politiques Publiques - CNRS : FR3435 - Université Paris Est Marne-la-Vallée, ERUDITE - Equipe de Recherche sur l'Utilisation des Données Individuelles Temporelles en Economie - Université Paris XII - Paris Est Créteil Val-de-Marne : EA437 - Université Paris Est Marne-la-Vallée) |
| Abstract: | Pour mieux protéger la biodiversité, les politiques publiques ont intérêt à combiner des dépenses ciblées pour soutenir des activités jugées stratégiques (sylviculture, aménagements des carrières, agriculture biologique, etc.) avec une action de portée plus générale sur les normes juridiques et réglementaires pour contribuer à changer les pratiques dans l'ensemble des branches au contact avec la diversité des espèces et des écosystèmes. Le premier type d'actions du côté de la demande publique gagne à être très concentré sur quelques secteurs riches en emplois favorables à la biodiversité tandis que les actions sur les conditions de l'offre, qui visent à changer les pratiques productives, gagnent à être étendues sur l'ensemble des branches qui peuvent devenir favorables à la biodiversité. Partant de cette approche, nous prenons en considération la localisation des activités pour produire une analyse spatialisée, puis nous introduisons des effets d'agglomération et de proximité pour mener à bien une analyse spatiale de la protection de la biodiversité, dont nous discutons les enjeux territoriaux. Nous appliquons cette démarche sur la région Ile-de-France. |
| Keywords: | territoires; emploi; biodiversité; politique régionale; politique locale |
| Date: | 2011–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-00744891&r=env |
| By: | José Aroudo Mota; Jefferson Lorencini Gazoni |
| Abstract: | Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar interações das propostas do Plano Amazônia Sustentável (PAS) com as dinâmicas dos desmatamentos na Amazônia. Para isso, foi utilizada uma abordagem qualitativa do método de dinâmicas dos sistemas (system dynamics). O trabalho foi estruturado em três etapas principais. Inicialmente, realizou-se uma revisão aprofundada na literatura sobre as dinâmicas econômicas e socioambientais relacionadas ao desmatamento regional, que foram representadas por um modelo teórico. Em seguida, foi realizada uma análise das interações das principais estratégias relacionadas ao PAS com o sistema integrado do desmatamento. Esta análise foi realizada com foco principal na dimensão ambiental. Ao final, realizou-se uma análise da sustentabilidade ambiental frente às interações das principais estratégias do PAS sobre o sistema, no qual foram identificados estratégias-chave e pressupostos críticos à sustentabilidade ambiental na Amazônia brasileira. Palavras-chave: Políticas públicas, desenvolvimento sustentável, desmatamento. |
| Date: | 2012–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipe:ipetds:1731&r=env |