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on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Charlene Watson; Susana Mourato; E. J. Milner-Gulland |
| Abstract: | The environmental integrity of a mechanism rewarding Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) depends on appropriate accounting for emission reductions. Largely stemming from a lack of forest data in developing countries, emission reductions accounting contains substantial uncertainty as a result of forest carbon stock estimates, where the application of biome-averaged data over large forest areas is commonplace. Using a case study in the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia, we exemplify the implications of primary and secondary forest carbon stock estimates on predicted REDD project emission reductions and revenues. Primary data estimate area-weighted mean forest carbon stock of 195 tC/ha ± 81, and biomeaveraged data reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change underestimate forest carbon stock in the Bale Mountains by as much as 63% in moist forest and 58% in dry forest. Combining forest carbon stock estimates and uncertainty in voluntary carbon market prices demonstrates the financial impact of uncertainty: potential revenues over the 20-year project ranged between US$9 million and US$185 million. Estimated revenues will influence decisions to implement a project or not and may have profound implications for the level of benefit sharing that can be supported. Strong financial incentives exist to improve forest carbon stock estimates in tropical forests, as well as the environmental integrity of REDD projects. |
| Keywords: | deforestation; emission reductions accounting; Ethiopia; forest carbon stocks; REDD; uncertainty |
| JEL: | J1 |
| Date: | 2013–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:54192&r=env |
| By: | Coria, Jessica (Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University); Jaraite, Jurate (Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics, School of Business and Economics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we empirically compare the transaction costs from monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of two environmental regulations directed to cost-efficiently reduce greenhouse gas emissions: a carbon dioxide (CO2) tax and a tradable emissions system. We do this in the case of Sweden, where a set of firms are covered by both types of regulations, i.e., the Swedish CO2 tax and the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This provides us with an excellent case study as it allows us to disentangle the costs of each regulation from other firm-specific variables that might affect the overall cost of MRV procedures. Our results indicate that the MRV costs of CO2 taxation do not depend on firms’ emissions, while they do in the case of the EU ETS. For firms of equivalent emissions’ size, the MRV costs are lower for CO2 taxation than for the EU ETS, which confirms the general view that regulating emissions upstream by means of a CO2 tax yields lower transaction costs vis-á-vis downstream regulation by means of emission trading. |
| Keywords: | Carbon dioxide emissions; Carbon tax; Emissions Trading; EU ETS; Firm-level data; Sweden |
| JEL: | D23 H23 Q52 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:gunwpe:0609&r=env |
| By: | Shapiro, Joseph S. (Yale University); Walker, Reed (University of California, Berkeley) |
| Abstract: | Between 1990 and 2008, emissions of the most common air pollutants from U.S. manufacturing fell by 60 percent, even as real U.S. manufacturing output grew substantially. This paper develops a quantitative model to explain how changes in trade, environmental regulation, productivity, and consumer preferences have contributed to these reductions in pollution emissions. We estimate the model's key parameters using administrative data on plant-level production and pollution decisions. We then combine these estimates with detailed historical data to provide a model-driven decomposition of the causes of the observed pollution changes. Finally, we compare the model-driven decomposition to a statistical decomposition. The model and data suggest three findings. First, the fall in pollution emissions is due to decreasing pollution per unit output within narrowly defined products, rather than to changes in the types of products produced or changes to the total quantity of manufacturing output. Second, the implicit pollution tax that rationalizes firm production and abatement behavior more than doubled between 1990 and 2008. Third, environmental regulation explains 75 percent or more of the observed reduction in pollution emissions from manufacturing. |
| Keywords: | environmental regulation, air quality, trade and environment |
| JEL: | F18 H23 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8789&r=env |
| By: | Luca Lambertini (Department of Economics, University of Bologna); Giuseppe Pignataro (La Trobe University, Victoria Australia); Alessandro Tampieri (CREA, Université de Luxembourg) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we analyse a setup where consumers are heterogeneous in the perception of environmental quality. The equilibrium is verified in a setting with horizontal and vertical (green) differentiation. Profits are increasing in the mis- perception of quality, while the investment in green quality decreases the more the goods are substitutes. We further consider the introduction of either an emis- sion tax or an environmental standard. Both interventions rise the investment in quality, but their effect is differently influenced by the level of environmental misperception. We show that an optimal environmental standard may be effective against greenwashing when the marginal damage of emissions is low. |
| Keywords: | Green Quality, Misperception; Pigouvian taxation; Environmental Standard |
| JEL: | L13 L51 Q50 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:luc:wpaper:15-01&r=env |
| By: | Joseph S. Shapiro; Reed Walker |
| Abstract: | Between 1990 and 2008, emissions of the most common air pollutants from U.S. manufacturing fell by 60 percent, even as real U.S. manufacturing output grew substantially. This paper develops a quantitative model to explain how changes in trade, environmental regulation, productivity, and consumer preferences have contributed to these reductions in pollution emissions. We estimate the model’s key parameters using administrative data on plant-level production and pollution decisions. We then combine these estimates with detailed historical data to provide a model-driven decomposition of the causes of the observed pollution changes. Finally, we compare the model-driven decomposition to a statistical decomposition. The model and data suggest three findings. First, the fall in pollution emissions is due to decreasing pollution per unit output within narrowly defined products, rather than to changes in the types of products produced or changes to the total quantity of manufacturing output. Second, the implicit pollution tax that rationalizes firm production and abatement behavior more than doubled between 1990 and 2008. Third, environmental regulation explains 75 percent or more of the observed reduction in pollution emissions from manufacturing. |
| JEL: | F18 H23 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:20879&r=env |
| By: | Joseph S. Shapiro (Cowles Foundation, Yale University); Reed Walker (University of California, Berkeley, IZA, & NBER) |
| Abstract: | Between 1990 and 2008, emissions of the most common air pollutants from U.S. manufacturing fell by 60 percent, even as real U.S. manufacturing output grew substantially. This paper develops a quantitative model to explain how changes in trade, environmental regulation, productivity, and consumer preferences have contributed to these reductions in pollution emissions. We estimate the model's key parameters using administrative data on plant-level production and pollution decisions. We then combine these estimates with detailed historical data to provide a model-driven decomposition of the causes of the observed pollution changes. Finally, we compare the model-driven decomposition to a statistical decomposition. The model and data suggest three findings. First, the fall in pollution emissions is due to decreasing pollution per unit output within narrowly defined products, rather than to changes in the types of products produced or changes to the total quantity of manufacturing output. Second, the implicit pollution tax that rationalizes firm production and abatement behavior more than doubled between 1990 and 2008. Third, environmental regulation explains 75 percent or more of the observed reduction in pollution emissions from manufacturing. |
| JEL: | F18 H23 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:1982&r=env |
| By: | Ardjan Gazheli; Miklós Antal; Jeroen van den Bergh |
| Abstract: | In this paper we present a sector-based approach to investigate whether green growth – combining economic growth with environmental sustainability – is feasible. Our approach considers the relation between on the one hand carbon dioxide emissions per dollar of output (what we will call carbon intensity) and on the other growth in economic output and labor productivity, at the level of production sectors. Carbon intensity (CI) is calculated in two ways: as direct CO2 emissions from each sector, which can be seen to immediately result from the processes in the respective sector; and as total, direct plus indirect, emissions, by using environmentally-extended input-output tables. The analysis covers Denmark, Germany and Spain for the period 1995-2007. We calculate correlations over time between sectoral CIs and a range of economic indicators: sectoral total and relative output, final demand, value added, and so-called output and valued-added productivity indicators, and their change. The findings are similar for the two types of CI indicators. The bad news for green growth is that relatively clean sectors do not seem to be more productive than dirtier ones, and neither show higher productivity growth. Sectors associated with high carbon intensity grew more in absolute terms than those with low carbon intensity. The share of these sectors increased suggesting that green growth requires a very rapid pace of decarbonization, or the economy as a whole to shrink. Longer-term sectoral growth on the other hand, as expressed by a change in value added, does not seem to be positively correlated with carbon intensity. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions, Climate change, Green growth, Labor productivity, Production sectors, World Input-output Database |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:feu:wfewop:y:2015:m:1:d:0:i:81&r=env |
| By: | Francesco Bosello (University of Milan, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) and Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC)); Enrica De Cian (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) and Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC)); Licia Ferranna (Cà Foscari University of Venice and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)) |
| Abstract: | This paper contributes to the normative literature on mitigation and adaptation by framing the question of their optimal policy balance in the context of catastrophic climate risk. The analysis uses the WITCH integrated assessment model with a module that models the endogenous risk of experiencing an economic catastrophe if temperature increases above a certain threshold. We find that the risk of a catastrophic outcome would encourage countries to reduce emissions even in the absence of a coordinated global agreement on climate change and to realign the policy balance from adaptation toward more mitigation. Our analysis also shows that adaptation transfers from and strategic unilateral commitments to adaptation in developed countries appear to provide weak incentives for reducing emissions in developing countries. Thus our first conclusion is that precautionary considerations, rather than the ability to reduce smooth damage increases, justify mitigation as a fundamental policy option. Accordingly, adaptation is needed to cope with the non-catastrophic damages that countries would fail to address with mitigation Our second conclusion is that supporting adaptation in developing countries should be considered primarily as a mean for ensuring equity or improving development, and very marginally as a mitigation incentive. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Mitigation, Adaptation, Climate Risk, Integrated Assessment |
| JEL: | C61 D58 Q5 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2014.108&r=env |
| By: | Tadashi Matsumoto; Loïc Daudey |
| Abstract: | The development of Asian cities is characterised by rapid and continuous urbanisation on an unprecedented scale, with rapid economic growth led in most places by the manufacturing industry, and rapidly increasing motorisation. The result has been escalating greenhouse gas emissions, sprawling urban development and local environmental impacts, as well as disparities in income, education levels and job opportunities in the urban population. These trends differ sharply from those in most of the OECD area and call for a green growth model that differs from those identified in previous OECD studies and that addresses the specific circumstances of Asian cities.<P> This paper proposes an analytical framework for assessing policies for green growth in rapidly growing cities in the emerging world. It builds on Cities and Green Growth: A Conceptual Framework (Hammer et al., 2011) and is adapted to the urban policy context of dynamic Asia. Its three main elements are: i) identification of the key policy strategies for urban green growth in fast-growing Asian cities, highlighting similarities to and differences from OECD cities; ii) opportunities for green growth; and iii) enabling strategies for implementing urban green growth. |
| Keywords: | Asia, transport, water, government policy, climate change, cities, green growth, solid waste management, land use, energy |
| JEL: | O18 O19 Q53 Q54 R11 R58 |
| Date: | 2014–12–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:govaab:2014/12-en&r=env |
| By: | F. Zagonari |
| Abstract: | This paper presents the first empirical test of coherence (i.e., consistency of policies within a framework), efficiency (i.e., ability of policies to meet their objectives), and independence (i.e., logical priority of objectives over policies) of the overall EU environmental policy system. To do so, I applied statistical (cross-sectional and time series) and econometric (dynamic tri-probit) analyses to an original panel dataset, based on addressed issues rather than on implemented policies. In contrast with previous studies of single EU environmental policies, characteristics of the EU environmental policy, or EU environmental objectives, I found that the overall EU environmental policy system is coherent, efficient, and independent. Moreover, the evidence suggests that many issues are correlated: trans-boundary issues became more relevant in 2012, pollution production was more significant than resource use, and flow issues were more important than stock issues from 1995 to 2010. Finally, I show that few objectives overlapped: a “safe environment” objective (1987 to 1997) was preferred to a “greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction” objective (2003 to 2012, but pursued with a 2-year lag), although the latter has recently become preferred to the former. In addition, a “GHG reduction” objective was preferred to “a sustainable development” objective (1998 to 2002). |
| JEL: | Q28 Q38 Q48 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bol:bodewp:wp992&r=env |
| By: | Antoniou, Fabio (Institut für Wirtschaftstheorie I, Humboldt-Univeristät zu Berlin); Kyriakopoulou, Efthymia (Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University) |
| Abstract: | We introduce a model of strategic environmental policy where two firms compete à la Cournot in a third market under the presence of multiple pollutants. Two types of pollutants are introduced, a local and a transboundary one. The regulator can only control local pollution as transboundary pollution is regulated internationally. The strategic effect present in the original literature is also replicated in this setup. However, we illustrate that when transboundary pollution is regulated through the use of tradable emission permits instead of non-tradable ones then a new strategic effect appears which had not been identified thus far. In this case, local pollution increases further and welfare is lowered. We also provide evidence from the implementation of EU ETS over the pollution of PM10 and PM2.5.<p> |
| Keywords: | Environmental regulation; multiple pollutants; (non) tradable permits; strategic interactions |
| JEL: | F12 F18 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:gunwpe:0610&r=env |
| By: | Limin DU; Aoife Hanley; Chu WEI |
| Abstract: | This paper estimates the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) of CO2 emissions in China based on a provincial panel for the period of 2001-2010. The provincial marginal abatement cost (MAC) of CO2 emissions is estimated using a parameterized directional output distance function. Four types of model specifications are applied to fit the MAC-carbon intensity pairs. The optimal specification controlling for various covariates is identified econometrically. A scenario simulation of China’s 40-45 percent carbon intensity reduction based on our MACC is illustrated. Our simulation results show that China would incur a 559-623 Yuan/ton (roughly 51-57 percent) increase in marginal abatement cost to achieve a corresponding 40-45 percent reduction in carbon intensity compared to its 2005 level |
| Keywords: | CO2 Emissions; Marginal Abatement Cost Curve; Model Selection; China |
| JEL: | Q52 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kie:kieliw:1985&r=env |
| By: | Rodrigo Harrison (Instituto de Economia. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile.); Roger Lagunoff (Department of Economics, Georgetown University) |
| Abstract: | This paper formulates a dynamic model of global carbon consumption in the absence of an effective international agreement. Each period, countries extract carbon from the global ecosystem. A country's output depends both on its carbon usage and on the ecosystem ("stored carbon"). The desired mix of extracted versus stored carbon by each country is determined by its stochastically evolving factor elasticities. We characterize Business-as-usual (BAU) equilibria as smooth, Markov Perfect equilibrium profiles of carbon usage across countries. A BAU equilibrium is shown to generate lower aggregate output and higher carbon use each period than the socially efficient path, although some countries might actually use less carbon under BAU. We characterize properties of {\em tipping points}, threshold levels of stored carbon stocks below which the global commons collapses, spiraling downward toward a steady state of marginal sustainability. We show that if the profile of carbon factor elasticities reaches a high enough threshold, a tipping point will be breached. Even in this case, there remains a time span (a "negotiation window") in which a collapse may be averted if the countries agree to implement the efficient profile of carbon usage. |
| Keywords: | carbon consumption, global carbon commons, climate change, tipping points, international carbon agreements. |
| JEL: | C73 D82 F53 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:geo:guwopa:gueconwpa~15-15-01&r=env |
| By: | Ralf Martin; Romesh Vaitilingam |
| Abstract: | Policies on climate change that encourage 'clean innovation' while displacing 'dirty innovation' could have a positive impact on short-term economic growth while avoiding the potentially disastrous reduction in GDP that could result from climate change over the longer term. |
| Keywords: | Innovation spill-overs; Climate Change; Growth; Patents; Clean technology; Optimal climate policy |
| JEL: | H23 O30 O38 Q54 Q55 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:60616&r=env |
| By: | Masako Ikefuji (Department of Environmental and Business Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark); Jan R. Magnus (Department of Econometrics & Operations Research, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands); Hiroaki Sakamoto (School of Social Sciences, Waseda University, Japan) |
| Abstract: | This paper develops a dynamic model consisting of two regions (North and South), in which the accumulation of human capital is negatively influenced by the global stock of pollution. By characterizing the equilibrium strategy of each region, we show that the regions’ best responses can be strategic complements through a dynamic complementarity effect. The model is used to analyze the impact of adaptation assistance from North to South. It is shown that North’s unilateral assistance to South (thus enhancing South’s adaptation capacity) can facilitate pollution mitigation in both regions, especially when the assistance is targeted at human capital protection. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Mitigation, Adaptation, Human Capital |
| JEL: | D91 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2014.102&r=env |
| By: | Olteanu, Victor |
| Abstract: | Strategic plans in the energy sector have the overall objective of the use of renewable energy, especially wind power, hydroelectricity, biomass intending a considerable increase in the share it has in total energy production. Thus, chase is moving towards an economy based on low carbon consumption and improve performance standards for the production, distribution and use of energy, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of renewable resources for energy production, to lower consumtion. The aim of the study is to describe a few of production and technologies to reduce the consumption of energy in classical sources other than wind power and photovoltaic's. |
| Keywords: | renewable energy, pollution, ecological technologies |
| JEL: | Q16 Q20 Q42 Q49 Q50 |
| Date: | 2014–11–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61752&r=env |
| By: | Ibanez, Marcela; Blackmann, Allen |
| Abstract: | According to advocates, eco-certification can improve developing country farmers’ environmental and economic performance. However, these notional benefits can be undercut by self-selection: the tendency of relatively wealthy farmers already meeting eco-certification standards to disproportionately participate. Empirical evidence on this matter is scarce. Using original farm-level survey data along with matching and difference-in-differences matching models, we analyze the producer-level effects of organic coffee certification in southeast Colombia. We find that certification improves coffee growers’ environmental performance. It significantly reduces sewage disposal in the fields and increases the adoption of organic fertilizer. However, we are not able to discern economic benefits. |
| Keywords: | organic certification, coffee, Colombia, difference-in-differences matching, Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty, Q13, Q20, O13, Q56, |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:197071&r=env |
| By: | Graham Floater; Philipp Rode; Bruno Friedel; Alexis Robert |
| Abstract: | We live in an urban age. Over half the world’s population now lives in urban areas, while the urban population is expected to reach 60% by 2030. At the same time, the importance of cities for national economic growth and climate change continues to increase. Three groups of cities will be particularly important for the global economy and climate: Emerging Cities, Global Megacities and Mature Cities. When combined, these 468 cities are projected to contribute over 60% of global GDP growth and over half of global energy-related emissions growth between 2012 and 2030 under business as usual. However, not all countries and cities will benefit from the potential economic gains of urban growth under business as usual. The winners and losers of urban expansion will depend on the policy decisions that national and sub-national governments make over the next few years. Evidence suggests that urban growth that is poorly managed by governments can lead to a range of economic, social and environmental costs, such as traffic congestion, inefficient public transport, air pollution with associated health impacts, and inadequate infrastructure for basic services such as energy, water and waste. |
| JEL: | R14 J01 E6 |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:60776&r=env |
| By: | Alfredo Marvão Pereira (Department of Economics, The College of William and Mary); Rui M. Pereira (Department of Economics, The College of William and Mary) |
| Abstract: | We assess the relative role of fossil fuel prices, energy efficiency and carbon taxation in achieving climate policy goals using a dynamic general equilibrium model of the Portuguese economy with endogenous growth and a detailed modeling of public sector activities. We show that to achieve ambitious domestic reductions in emissions, given the expected evolution of international fossil fuel prices, the roles of promoting energy efficiency and of a new significant carbon tax are fundamental. More importantly, promoting energy efficiency improvements and the new carbon tax have significantly different economic and budgetary effects. Energy efficiency improvements achieve reductions in emissions while promoting economic performance at the risk of increasing public and foreign debt. The new carbon tax in turn achieves reductions in emissions at the risk of jeopardizing economic performance while the effects on public and foreign debt are more favorable. This being the case, the relevance of pursuing both strategies in tandem is clear. Finally, domestic efforts toward promoting energy efficiency and the introduction of a new carbon tax need to be calibrated in function of the expected evolution of international fossil fuel prices. This evolution has significant effects on emissions and thereby on the measure of the additional effects required from the domestic authorities. It also has negative effects on economic performance while it may have more positive effects on the evolution foreign and public debts, which provide important leeway for the implementation of the domestic policies without generating a negative impact on the levels of indebtedness assuming that the public sector curtails spending appropriately in response to the increasing opportunity cost of public funds. |
| Keywords: | Fossil Fuel Prices, Energy Efficiency, Carbon Taxation, Endogenous Growth, Budgetary Consolidation, Portugal. |
| JEL: | D58 H63 O44 |
| Date: | 2015–02–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwm:wpaper:154&r=env |
| By: | Wolfgang Peters (Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder)); Reimund Schwarze; Anna-Katharina Topp (Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder)) |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:euv:dpaper:17&r=env |
| By: | von Hauff, Michael; Mistri, Avijit |
| Abstract: | The trade-off between economic growth and environmental sustainability is very tough to a faster growing developing country like India. The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis proposes, environmental degradation increases with income growth first, and then it declines with income rise. The present study is an endeavor to find out the EKC relation in the arena of access to safe drinking water, ground water development and utilisation, and waterborne diseases during 2001-2012 in 32 Indian States/Union Territories (UTs). The panel analysis results reveal that no EKC relationship is found in the Indian context and income growth has no significant effect on all of the indicators. Income growth in lower income States/UTs immensely helps to improve the access to safe drinking water compared to the higher income States/UTs. Rapid expansion of irrigated agriculture and obsoleted regulation related to the abstraction overexploit the ground water. Moreover, lack of proper technological investment or abatement measures and its implication in Indian industry deteriorate the indicators of environmental quality. The contribution of technological input and its progress infer the poor design of environmental policies and its implementation in India. Apart from these, climatic and geomorphological heterogeneity widely influence the distribution and utilisation of water resources. The huge population pressure also exerts a negative effect on the environment. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), Environmental Sustainability, Safe Drinking water, Ground Water, Waterborne diseases, Economic Growth |
| JEL: | C12 Q53 Q57 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61684&r=env |
| By: | Claudia Ghisetti (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara, Italy.); Massimiliano Mazzanti (Deptartment of Economics and Management. University of Ferrara, Italy.); Susanna Mancinelli (Deptartment of Economics and Management. University of Ferrara, Italy.); Mariangela Zoli (Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Italy.) |
| Abstract: | We analyse the role of financial barriers behind the adoption of environmental innovations with a focus on SMEs by using recent survey data at EU level. Finance is a key lever of innovation, especially relevant in the current phase of the economic cycle, and might play a critical role in defining green economy directions. Empirical analyses confirm financial barriers as a deterrent for the innovative capacity of EU firms. This is true for the economy as a whole, and for manufacturing firms taken alone. Being smaller and having a low amount of human capital in the firm also hampers environmental innovations . On the ‘positive’ side, we note that existing regulations and expected increasing demand for green products both support EI adoption. Financial barriers are perceived by firms and influenced by technological lock-ins, uncertainty in investments, non-competitive markets, and a lack of subsidies. We observe that the ‘deterrent barrier hypothesis’, alternative to the ‘revealed barrier hypothesis’, is not rejected here, as in recent analyses of traditional innovations: perceived financial constraints deter innovative strategies. |
| Keywords: | Environmental innovations, Financial barriers, Firms, Environmental Regulations |
| JEL: | Q55 O31 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:srt:wpaper:0115&r=env |
| By: | Hauff, Michael von; Mistri, Avijit |
| Abstract: | The trade-off between economic growth and environmental sustainability is very tough to a faster growing developing country like India. The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis proposes, environmental degradation increases with income growth first, and then it declines with income rise. The present study is an endeavor to find out the EKC relation in the arena of access to safe drinking water, ground water development and utilisation, and waterborne diseases during 2001-2012 in 32 Indian States/Union Territories (UTs). The panel analysis results reveal that no EKC relationship is found in the Indian context and income growth has no significant effect on all of the indicators. Income growth in lower income States/UTs immensely helps to improve the access to safe drinking water compared to the higher income States/UTs. Rapid expansion of irrigated agriculture and obsoleted regulation related to the abstraction overexploit the ground water. Moreover, lack of proper technological investment or abatement measures and its implication in Indian industry deteriorate the indicators of environmental quality. The contribution of technological input and its progress infer the poor design of environmental policies and its implementation in India. Apart from these, climatic and geomorphological heterogeneity widely influence the distribution and utilisation of water resources. The huge population pressure also exerts a negative effect on the environment. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), Environmental Sustainability, Safe Drinking water, Ground Water, Waterborne diseases, Economic Growth. |
| JEL: | C12 Q53 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61656&r=env |
| By: | Timothy Laing; Misato Sato; Michael Grubb; Claudia Comberti |
| Abstract: | As many countries, regions, cities, and states implement emissions trading policies to limit CO2 emissions, they turn to the European Union's experience with its emissions trading scheme since 2005. As a prominent example of a regional carbon pricing policy, it has attracted significant attention from scholars interested in evaluating the effectiveness and impacts of emissions trading. Among the key difficulties faced by researchers is isolating the effect of the EU ETS on industry operation, investment, and pricing decisions from other dominant factors such as the financial crisis, and establishing credible counterfactual scenarios against this backdrop. This article reviews the evidence, focusing on two intended effects (emissions abatement and investment in low-carbon technologies) as well as two side-effects (profits and price impacts). We find that the EU ETS cut CO2 emissions by 40–80 million t/year on average, or 2–4% of the total capped, while the evidence on innovation and investment impacts is inconclusive. There is strong empirical support for cost-pass through in electricity (20–100%), in diesel and gasoline (>50%), and some preliminary evidence of pricing power in other industrial sectors. Windfall profits have amounted to billions of Euros, and concentrated in a few large companies. |
| JEL: | D24 H23 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:56790&r=env |
| By: | Hakim Hammadou; Claire Papaix |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes a second-best approach to cutting CO2 emissions caused by the urban mobility of passengers. We develop policy scenarios that compare the first-best tool of carbon tax, to a combination of second-best tools, not originally aimed at reducing CO2 (i.e. congestion charging, parking charges, and public transport services). We study their efficiency in attaining a CO2 target, through a change in the modal split. In our model, modal choices depend on individual characteristics, journey features (including the effects of policy tools), and land use at origin and destination zones. Personal “CO2 emissions budgets” resulting from the journeys observed in the metropolitan area of Lille (France) in 2006 are calculated and compared to the situation related to the different policy scenarios. We find that an increase of 50% in parking charges combined with a cordon toll of €1.20 and a 10% travel time decrease in public transport services (made after recycling toll-revenues) is the winning scenario. The combined effects of all the policy scenarios are superior to their separate effects. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions, urban mobility, second-best instruments, cost-efficiency, mode choice model. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cec:wpaper:1501&r=env |
| By: | Mark C. Freeman; Gernot Wagner; Richard J. Zeckhauser |
| Abstract: | Climate change is real and dangerous. Exactly how bad it will get, however, is uncertain. Uncertainty is particularly relevant for estimates of one of the key parameters: equilibrium climate sensitivity—how eventual temperatures will react as atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations double. Despite significant advances in climate science and increased confidence in the accuracy of the range itself, the “likely” range has been 1.5-4.5°C for over three decades. In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) narrowed it to 2-4.5°C, only to reverse its decision in 2013, reinstating the prior range. In addition, the 2013 IPCC report removed prior mention of 3°C as the “best estimate.” We interpret the implications of the 2013 IPCC decision to lower the bottom of the range and excise a best estimate. Intuitively, it might seem that a lower bottom would be good news. Here we ask: When might apparently good news about climate sensitivity in fact be bad news? The lowered bottom value also implies higher uncertainty about the temperature increase, a definite bad. Under reasonable assumptions, both the lowering of the lower bound and the removal of the “best estimate” may well be bad news. |
| JEL: | D81 Q54 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:20900&r=env |
| By: | Roşu, Elisabeta |
| Abstract: | Biodiversity is a huge variety of ecosystems, species and genes, which represent the natural capital. The biodiversity values make up the natural heritage that must be used by the present generations without jeopardizing the chance of the next generations to enjoy the same living conditions. The protected natural areas represent the most important method to preserve biodiversity and to provide development patterns in harmony with nature, in the context of the fast economic development in the last decades. Natura 2000 represents a protected areas network, designated at from European level. Its aim is the preservation of the wild habitats and of endangered vegetal and animal species, as the proper management of these areas. |
| Keywords: | biodiversity, Natura 2000 sites, management |
| JEL: | O13 P48 Q57 |
| Date: | 2014–11–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61747&r=env |
| By: | Patrice Bougette (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis and GREDEG/CNRS); Christophe Charlier (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis and GREDEG/CNRS) |
| Abstract: | Faced with the energy transition imperative, governments have to decide about public policy to promote renewable electrical energy production and to protect domestic power generation equipment industries. For example, the Canada – Renewable energy dispute is over Feed-in tariff (FIT) programs in Ontario that have a local content requirement (LCR). The EU and Japan claimed that FIT programs constitutesubsidies that go against the SCM Agreement, and that the LCR is incompatible with the non-discrimination principle of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This paper investigates this issue using an international quality differentiated duopoly model in which power generation equipment producers compete on price. FIT programs including those with a LCR are compared for their impacts on trade, profits, amount of renewable electricity produced, and welfare. When ‘quantities’ are taken into account, the results confirm discrimination. However, introducing a difference in the quality of the power generation equipment produced on both sides of the border provides more mitigated results. Finally, the results enable discussion of the question of whether environmental protection can be put forward as a reason for subsidizing renewable energy producers in light of the SCM Agreement. |
| Keywords: | Feed-in Tariffs, Subsidies, Local Content Requirement, Industrial Policy, Canada – Renewable Energy Dispute, Trade Policy |
| JEL: | F18 L52 Q42 Q48 Q56 |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2014.88&r=env |
| By: | Arik Levinson; James O'Brien |
| Abstract: | Environmental Engel curves (EECs) plot the relationship between households’ incomes and the pollution embodied in the goods and services they consume. They provide a basis for estimating the degree to which observed environmental improvements, which come in part from changing consumption patterns, can be attributed to income growth. We calculate a set of annual EECs for the United States from 1984 to 2002, revealing three clear results. First, EECs are upward sloping: richer households are indirectly responsible for more pollution. Second, EECs are convex, with income elasticities of less than one. Third, EECs have been shifting down over time: at every level of income households are responsible for decreasing amounts of pollution. We show that even without changes to production techniques, the pollution necessary to produce the goods and services American households consume would have declined 5 to 8 percent, despite a 13 percent increase in real household incomes. Most of this improvement is attributable to households consuming a less pollution-intensive mix of goods, driven about equally by two factors: household income growth represented by movement along convex EECs; and economy-wide changes represented by downward shifts in EECs. |
| JEL: | Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:20914&r=env |
| By: | Alfani, Federica; Dabalen, Andrew; Fisker, Peter; Molini, Vasco |
| Abstract: | This study estimates marginal increase in malnutrition for children ages 1-3 years from exposure to an extreme shock in the West African Sahel. The study uses knowledge of a child's birth and high resolution spatial and temporal distribution of shocks, calculated from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and satellite-based measures of rainfall and temperature to link a child to the shock experienced in-utero. The study finds that while around 20 percent of the children in the sample are stunted or underweight, more than 30 percent of the children in the sample are highly vulnerable to either form of malnutrition. |
| Keywords: | Science of Climate Change,Population Policies,Rural Poverty Reduction,Regional Economic Development,Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases |
| Date: | 2015–01–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7171&r=env |
| By: | David Martin (Department of Economics, Davidson College) |
| Abstract: | Many biodiversity researchers have responded to the financial constraints faced by policy makers to develop models based upon the “Noah’s Ark” metaphor, implying that society can save only a limited amount of biodiversity. Unfortunately, as Herman Daly (Land Economics, 1991) pointed out, such microeconomic rules can allow an ark to sink albeit in some optimal fashion. So, I step back to look at the macroeconomic question, how big should the ark be? I start with Norgaard’s (Ecological Economics, 2010) framework, which is based upon the concept of a production possibility frontier combined with a sustainability criterion. I develop a model from that starting point by shifting to an isoquant framework while maintaining the strong sustainability criterion. I demonstrate how this model allows for identifying and addressing the key biodiversity protection policy criteria at the macroeconomic level. One key conclusion from this modeling is that Daly’s analysis remains remarkably prescient. Publication Status: Published in Theoretical Economics Letters, 2013, 3(5A):39-44. |
| Keywords: | Biodiversity Protection; Natural Capital; Conservation; Macroeconomics; Sustainable Development |
| JEL: | Q57 |
| Date: | 2013–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dav:wpaper:13-01&r=env |
| By: | Phoebe Koundouri; Vassilis Skianis |
| Abstract: | This chapter sets out the socio-economic principles that should govern water resources management for the achievement of a sustainable allocation of the resource over time and across space, in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive. The resulting allocation should be economically efficient, social equitable and acceptable, and environmentally sustainable. The main background concept guiding the identification of such an allocation is that of the 'Total Economic Value (TEV)' of water resources, which derives from the ecosystem goods and services that water resources provide the economy and society. In this chapter we present the state-of-the-art with regards to estimating TEV of water resources and explain how these estimations can facilitate the design and implementation of the different European policies in relation to mitigation of different forms of water stress. |
| Keywords: | Water Framework Directive, Total Economic Value, Water Valuation, Non-market Valuation |
| Date: | 2015–02–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aue:wpaper:1506&r=env |
| By: | Claire Gavard (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) and Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), Italy) |
| Abstract: | This paper aims at characterizing the conditions of wind power deployment in order to infer a carbon price level that would provide wind power with comparable advantage over fossil fuel technologies as effective wind support policies. The analysis is conducted on Danish data from 2000 to 2010, i.e. after market liberalization took place in 2000. Probit technique is used to analyze the connection of new turbines to the grid each month and tobit analysis is employed on the additional capacity installed monthly. I find that the level and type of the support policy are the dominant drivers of deployment. Electricity price impact is not visible. The investment cost impact is not significant either, but the effect of the interest rate, although not visible in the probit analysis, is significant in the tobit analysis. The number of turbines already installed, that is taken as a proxy for the sites availability, does not have any significant effect either. A feed-in tariff significantly brings more wind power in than a premium policy. The fact that the support policy is a feed-in tariff rather than a premium increases the additional capacity installed monthly by up to several tens MW. The additional capacity installed monthly increases by up to thousand kW for each additional e/MWh of support. If the policy is a premium, I find that 24 e/MWh of support in addition to electricity price is needed to observe the connection of new turbines to the grid with a 0.5 probability. I convert this support level into a carbon price of 28 e/ton if wind power competes with coal, and 50 e/t if it competes with gas. |
| Keywords: | Wind Power, Renewable Energy, Subsidy, Carbon Price, Feed-in Tariff, Emissions Trading, Climate Policy |
| JEL: | Q4 Q42 Q48 Q5 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.04&r=env |
| By: | Rob Aalbers; Johannes Bollen; Kees Folmer; Geoffrey J. Blanford |
| Abstract: | In response to the challenge of managing the risks of a changing climate, there is no single optimal transition path for energy technology due to uncertainty in several dimensions. In this paper, we use the MERGE model, a long-term optimization model of the global energy and climate systems with regional and technological detail, enhanced in this paper with a more detailed representation of investment and dispatch detail in Europe’s electric sector, to explore a wide range of possible technology futures under alternative emissions reduction goals. We find that, based on the revised modeling approach, wind energy is attractive for Europe in all scenarios, but to a varying extent ranging from under 15% to over 75%. One of its key disadvantages is to impose lower capacity factors on other technologies, an effect that can be partially mitigated with flexible operations such as joint production of hydrogen and electricity via gasification with CCS. Solar PV is almost never attractive for Europe as a whole, unless CCS and other technologies are significantly limited. |
| JEL: | Q54 Q42 D58 H21 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpb:discus:301&r=env |
| By: | Antony Millner; Simon Dietz |
| Abstract: | Developing countries are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, yet there is disagreement about what they should do to protect themselves from antic- ipated damages. In particular, it is unclear what the optimal balance is between investments in traditional productive capital (which increases output but is vulner- able to climate change), and investments in adaptive capital (which is unproductive in the absence of climate change, but ‘climate-proofs’ vulnerable capital). We show that, while it is unlikely that the optimal strategy involves no investment in adapta- tion, the scale and composition of optimal investments depends on empirical context. Our application to sub-Saharan Africa suggests, however, that in most contingencies it will be optimal to grow the adaptive sector more rapidly than the vulnerable sector over the coming decades, although it never exceeds 1% of the economy. Our sensi- tivity analysis goes well beyond the existing literature in evaluating the robustness of this finding. |
| Keywords: | economic growth; climate change; adaptation; development |
| JEL: | D61 O11 O40 Q54 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:57863&r=env |
| By: | Marzio Galeotti (University of Milan and IEFE-Bocconi); Yana Rubashkina (Catholic University of Milan); Silvia Salini (University of Milan); Elena Verdolini (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and CMCC) |
| Abstract: | We propose the use of a three-level random intercept model to measure the degree of environmental policy performance of different countries and to study its determinants. Inspired by the literature on multilevel latent models and Item Response Theory (IRT), this framework treats policy commitment as a latent variable which is estimated conditional on the difficulty of the policy portfolio implemented by each country. We contribute to the study and scoring of environmental and energy policies in three main ways. First, the model results in a ranking of countries which is conditional on the complexity of their chosen policy portfolio. Second, we provide a unified framework in which to construct a policy indicator and to study its determinants through a latent regression approach. The resulting country ranking can thus be cleaned from the eect of economic and institutional observables which aect policy design and implementation. Third, the model estimates parameters which can be used to describe and compare policy portfolios across countries. We apply this methodology to the case of energy eciency policies in the industrial sectors of 29 EU countries between 2004 and 2011. We conclude by highlighting the future possible applications of this approach, which are not confined to the realm of environmental and energy policy. |
| Keywords: | Energy Policy, Environmental Policy, Ranking, Policy Portfolios |
| JEL: | Q58 O57 C33 |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2014.90&r=env |
| By: | Steve Charnovitz (George Washington University Law School); Carolyn Fischer (Resources for the Future (RFF) and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)) |
| Abstract: | In the first dispute on renewable energy to come to WTO dispute settlement, the domestic content requirement of Ontario’s feed-in tariff was challenged as a discriminatory investment-related measure and as a prohibited import substitution subsidy. The panel and Appellate Body agreed that Canada was violating the GATT and the TRIMS Agreement. But the SCM Article 3 claim by Japan and the European Union remains unadjudicated, because neither tribunal made a finding that the price guaranteed for electricity from renewable sources constitutes a ‘benefit’ pursuant to the SCM Agreement. Although the Appellate Body provides useful guidance to future panels on how the existence of a benefit could be calculated, the most noteworthy aspect of the new jurisprudence is the Appellate Body’s reasoning that delineating the proper market for ‘benefit’ analysis entails respect for the policy choices made by a government. Thus, in this dispute, the proper market is electricity produced only from wind and solar energy. |
| Keywords: | Feed-in-Tariff, Renewable Energy, Subsidies, International Trade, WTO, Green Growth, Local Content Requirement |
| JEL: | K33 Q48 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2014.94&r=env |
| By: | James Lennox (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei); Ramiro Parrado (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici) |
| Abstract: | Computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are widely used to analyse macroeconomic and sectoral effects of climate policies. Developing new and improving existing carbon-free energy technologies will be crucial to limit the long-term economic costs of mitigation policies. Such technologies are largely embodied in capital goods; yet conventionally structured CGE models cannot capture capital-embodiment of sector-specific technologies. In this paper, we clarify the conceptual nature of the capital embodiment problem in multisector CGE models. Aggregating productive sectors and investment goods eliminates channels whereby specific technological changes are embodied in specific capital stocks. Nevertheless, capital-embodiment of sector-specific Hicks-neutral technical changes can be directly represented as investment-specific technical change (ISTC) |
| Keywords: | Climate Change Mitigation, Capital-Embodiment, Technological Change, CGE Models |
| JEL: | O33 O44 Q54 Q55 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.02&r=env |
| By: | Ursu, Ana |
| Abstract: | The study aimed to identify growth prospects / preservation of economic efficiency in terms of interventions to increase performance and in shaping the directions in which this objective can be. For the study started from two methodological premises: vegetable production systems design adapted plains, different shapes and sizes, which were performed simulating economic efficiency indicators for 2011-2014; second methodological premise was to identify needs for intervention and funding by increasing economic efficiency. After analyzing the efficiency and SWOT analysis concluded that modules are designed viable farm, while the yields observed scheduled and have the ability to invest in modern agricultural techniques to increase environmental performance. Under RDP 2014-2020, have been identified four priority areas of intervention: competitiveness of agricultural holdings, organization of food chains, agri-climate. |
| Keywords: | economic efficiency, environmental performance, holdings |
| JEL: | D24 O44 P47 P52 Q12 |
| Date: | 2014–11–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61778&r=env |
| By: | Wainaina, Priscilla; Tongruksawattana, Songporne; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | There is widespread consensus that agricultural technology has an important role to play for poverty reduction and sustainable development. There is less consensus, however, about the types of technologies that are best suited for smallholder farmers in Africa. While some consider natural resource management (NRM) technologies as most appropriate, others propagate input intensification with a stronger role of the private sector. In the public debate, the two strategies are often perceived as incompatible. Most existing adoption studies focus on individual technologies, so that comparisons across technologies in the same context are not easily possible. We use representative data from maize-producing households in Kenya and a multivariate probit model to analyze the adoption of different types of technologies simultaneously. Results indicate that NRM technologies and strategies that build on external inputs are not incompatible. Interesting complementarities exist, which are not yet sufficiently exploited, because many organizations promote either one type of technology or the other, but rarely a combination of both. |
| Keywords: | Technology adoption, maize, small farms, sustainable agriculture, Africa, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Production Economics, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, O13, O33, Q12, Q16, |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:189914&r=env |
| By: | Malaguzzi-Valeri, Laura; di Cosmo, Valeria |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esr:wpaper:wp493&r=env |
| By: | E. Pieralice; F. Mameli; G. Marletto |
| Abstract: | This paper contributes to the debate on how to make operational the concept of sustainable urban mobility and advocates the use of a mixed – top-down and bottom-up – approach to the generation of priorities for sustainable urban mobility. In particular, we tested whether a common list of priorities remain valid after a participated scrutiny performed in seven urban areas of southern Italy. The test was based on a 3-steps procedure. In step 1, we used a common conceptual framework (based on Mameli and Marletto, 2014) to generate seven area-specific lists of priorities. In step 2, local stakeholders participated to deliberative meetings aimed at amending or deleting each of the proposed priorities, as well as adding new ones. In step 3, citizens' opinion was gathered through seven sample polls and used to rank the list of priorities resulting from stakeholders' deliberation. The test generated three main results - 1) Deliberation between local stakeholders was useful for adapting common priorities to the characteristics of each area. But, with the exception of Reggio Calabria – an urban area with very specific features –, the structure of the starting common conceptual framework was not altered. 2) Surveys on citizens' opinion were useful, not only for ranking priorities, but also for taking into account the relevant differences between car users and the rest of the population. 3) With great caution, reference may be made to a common set of six top priorities referring to - (accessibility by and economic sustainability of) public transport, air pollution, accidents, greenhouse gasses and transport waste. These top priorities cover all three dimension of sustainability (environmental, social and economic). |
| Keywords: | urban mobility, transport policy, sustainability, participation, italy |
| JEL: | Q56 L98 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cns:cnscwp:201501&r=env |
| By: | Stamos, Iraklis; Aifadopoulou, Georgia; Mitsakis, Evangelos; Chrysochoou, Evangelia |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to present the basic methodology and results of updated indicators quantifying urban mobility for the city of Thessaloniki. The indicators relating to the supply and demand data are either research results or results of the static traffic model developed for Thessaloniki. Both the methodology and the results were the basis for developing of strategic scenarios for the sustainable management of urban mobility for the region of Thessaloniki. |
| Keywords: | Urban Mobility Indicators Transport Modeling Environmental Pollution |
| JEL: | R40 R41 R42 |
| Date: | 2013–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61540&r=env |
| By: | Francisco J. André (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain); Luis M. de Castro (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain) |
| Abstract: | It has been shown in prior research that cost effectiveness in the competitive emissions permit market could be affected by tacit collusion or price manipulation when the corresponding polluting product market is oligopolistic. We analyze these cross market links using a Stackelberg model to show that under reasonable assumptions, there are no incentives to collude for lobbying prices up. However, incentives for manipulating the price of permits up appear if there is an initial free allocation of permits, which is a policy argument against grandfathering and in favor of auctioning. This effect is increasing with the amount of permits allocated to the leader. Moreover, the changes for price manipulation increase with those changes that tend to undermine the leader's advantage in output production or to reduce the leader’s abatement cost. |
| Keywords: | Emissions Permits, Collusion, Market Power, Duopoly, Stackelberg Model |
| JEL: | D43 L13 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.06&r=env |
| By: | Vlad, Mihaela Cristina; Berevoianu, Rozi Liliana |
| Abstract: | There are sectors of agriculture, manufacturing processes where conventional power is indispensable, although it may be more savings and better managed. Agricultural production consumes large amounts of conventional energy, especially oil to the normal process flow results more or less efficient in terms of yield per hectare. Renewable energy sources must be considered in the context of climatic resources of a country, bioconversion processes, the phenomenon of photosynthesis in the plant world, which have sometimes unimaginable opportunities for agriculture to provide various forms of energy available. Agro energy new field of study and research is closely linked to climate resources, primarily those from the sun, as totally free. |
| Keywords: | biodiversity, ecosystems, agricultural production, energy balance |
| JEL: | Q10 Q49 Q57 |
| Date: | 2014–11–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:61740&r=env |
| By: | Eric Nazindigouba KERE; Philippe DELACOTE (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)); Saraly ANDRADE DE SA |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the mechanisms determining spatial interactions in deforestation, and its transmission channels, using data from Brazil. Our preliminary results confirm the hypothesis that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is characterized by complementarity, meaning that deforestation in a particular municipality tends to increase deforestation in its neighbors. We further show that cattle density, tend to be the most important factors determining the nature of spatial interactions between neighboring areas. |
| Keywords: | deforestation, Brazilian Amazon, Spatial and Dynamic interactions |
| JEL: | Q33 O13 C21 |
| Date: | 2015–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdi:wpaper:1653&r=env |
| By: | Sander van der Linden |
| Abstract: | Examining the conceptual relationship between personal experience, affect, and risk perception is crucial in improving our understanding of how emotional and cognitive process mechanisms shape public perceptions of climate change. This study is the first to investigate the interrelated nature of these variables by contrasting three prominent social-psychological theories. In the first model, affect is viewed as a fast and associative information processing heuristic that guides perceptions of risk. In the second model, affect is seen as flowing from cognitive appraisals (i.e., affect is thought of as a post-cognitive process). Lastly, a third, dual-process model is advanced that integrates aspects from both theoretical perspectives. Four structural equation models were tested on a national sample (N = 808) of British respondents. Results initially provide support for the “cognitive” model, where personal experience with extreme weather is best conceptualized as a predictor of climate change risk perception and, in turn, risk perception a predictor of affect. Yet, closer examination strongly indicates that at the same time, risk perception and affect reciprocally influence each other in a stable feedback system. It is therefore concluded that both theoretical claims are valid and that a dual-process perspective provides a superior fit to the data. Implications for theory and risk communication are discussed. |
| JEL: | G32 |
| Date: | 2014–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:57689&r=env |
| By: | Sylvain Béal (Université de Franche-Comté, CRESE, 30 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 25009 Besançon, France); Amandine Ghintran (Université Lille 3, EQUIPPE, France); Eric Rémila (Université de Lyon, Lyon, F-69007, France ; CNRS, GATE Lyon St Etienne,F-69130 Ecully, France, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, F-42000, France); Philippe Solal (Université de Lyon, Lyon, F-69007, France ; CNRS, GATE Lyon St Etienne,F-69130 Ecully, France, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, F-42000, France) |
| Abstract: | We introduce a new allocation rule, called the sequential equal surplus division for rooted forest TU-games. We provide two axiomatic characterizations for this allocation rule. The first one uses the classical property of component efficiency plus an edge deletion property. The second characterization uses standardness, an edge deletion property applied to specific rooted trees, a consistency property, and an amalgamation property. We also provide an extension of the sequential equal surplus division applied to the problem of sharing a river with bifurcations. |
| Keywords: | Amalgamation, Consistency, Fairness, Rooted forest, Sequential equal surplus division, Water allocation |
| JEL: | C71 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gat:wpaper:1440&r=env |
| By: | Todd D. Gerarden; Richard G. Newell; Robert N. Stavins |
| Abstract: | Energy-efficient technologies offer considerable promise for reducing the financial costs and environmental damages associated with energy use, but these technologies appear not to be adopted by consumers and businesses to the degree that would apparently be justified, even on a purely financial basis. We present two complementary frameworks for understanding this so-called “energy paradox” or “energy-efficiency gap.” First, we build on the previous literature by dividing potential explanations for the energy-efficiency gap into three categories: market failures, behavioral anomalies, and model and measurement errors. Second, we posit that it is useful to think in terms of the fundamental elements of cost-minimizing energy-efficiency decisions. This provides a decomposition that organizes thinking around four questions. First, are product offerings and pricing economically efficient? Second, are energy operating costs inefficiently priced and/or understood? Third, are product choices cost-minimizing in present value terms? Fourth, do other costs inhibit more energy-efficient decisions? We review empirical evidence on these questions, with an emphasis on recent advances, and offer suggestions for future research. |
| JEL: | L00 Q4 Q48 Q5 |
| Date: | 2015–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:20904&r=env |
| By: | Géraldine THIRY (UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES)); Philippe ROMAN (Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Centre International REEDS) |
| Abstract: | L'Indice de richesse inclusive est issu de la théorie économique standard de la soutenabilité, entendue comme préservation d'une somme pondérée de capitaux censés contribuer au bien-être intergénérationnel. Cet indicateur semble voué à occuper une place importante dans la poursuite d'un développement soutenable, notamment dans les pays en développement. Si l'indicateur séduit par son élégance et sa portée, il n'en pose pas moins des problèmes méthodologiques, épistémologiques et politiques majeurs. Nous proposons une analyse critique de l'indicateur et du cadre théorique sur lequel il s'appuie, en mettant l'accent sur l'économicisme qui le caractérise sous les dehors d'une théorie rénovée et débarrassée de ses oripeaux néoclassiques les plus injustifiables. The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) is built upon mainstream sustainability economics, where sustainability is defined as a weighted sum of capital assets according to their supposed contribution to intergenerational wellbeing. The IWI will likely play an important role in the pursuit of sustainable development. While the IWI's elegance and scope are attractive features, major methodological, epistemological and political problems remain. We critically assess the indicator and its underlying theoretical framework. We specifically address the economism of a framework that seems relieved of its most unwarranted neoclassical assumptions. |
| Keywords: | indicateurs de soutenabilité, indicateur de richesse inclusive, économie écologique, économicisme,nouvelle économie des ressources sustainability indicators, inclusive wealth index, ecological economics, economism, new resource economics |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ctl:louvir:2015001&r=env |
| By: | Amedee Mollard (Economie Appliquée de Grenoble, INRA); Jean-Christophe Boschet (UR ADBX, Institut National de Recherche en Sciences et Technologies pour l'Environnement et l'Agriculture); Jean-Christophe Dissart (Institut d'Urbanisme de Grenoble); Anne Marie Lacroix (Economie Appliquée de Grenoble, INRA); Mbolatiana Rambonilaza (ADBX, Institut National de Recherche en Sciences et Technologies pour l'Environnement et l'Agriculture); Dominique Vollet (UMR Métafort, Institut National de Recherche en Sciences et Technologies pour l'Environnement et l'Agriculture) |
| Abstract: | Les aménités environnementales sont une source d'agrément et d'attraction pour les touristes et les visiteurs d'un territoire dont la spécificité est liée à des ressources naturelles de qualité. Mais comme l'accès à ces aménités est gratuit (bien publics, ni rivaux, ni exclusifs), leur valorisation économique n'est pas acquise a priori, car elle suppose que soient réunies des conditions précises. À partir d'analyses conjointes réalisées en France dans trois régions (Aquitaine, Auvergne et Rhône-Alpes), cet article montre que la valorisation effective d'un potentiel d'aménités pour le développement des territoires ruraux implique un certain nombre de conditions liées à la fois aux qualités des sites et aux stratégies d'acteurs. Il faut notamment que l'identité du territoire soit claire et liée à des aménités environnementales appréciées et qu'il y ait aussi un lien avéré entre l'attractivité de ces bouquets d'aménités et la qualité des produits et services de qualité offerts sur ces territoires grâce à l'appui et à une bonne coordination entre les acteurs publics et privés. |
| Keywords: | amenite, perception environnementale, tourisme en milieu rural, produit de qualité, coordination d'acteurs, renteenvironnement, territoire rural, valorisation économiqueaménagement touristiqueaquitaine, auvergne, rhône alpes |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:inr:wpaper:280488&r=env |
| By: | Armando Malebranch Eraso Dorado |
| Abstract: | En este artículo se trata de explicar en forma sucinta el trabajo de fundamentación teórica y epistemológica de la línea de investigación en la ciencia económica identificada como Economía y desarrollo sostenible, en el sentido que tanto los proyectos de investigación, como los trabajos de grado dirigidos, sean desarrollados bajo los conceptos tanto en los agregados económicos como en los efectos en la sociedad colombiana y en la región. Por consiguiente, la línea de investigación se conjuga de manera plena con los compromisos de la misión de la Universidad Colombiana, en cuanto a que se promueve el estudio y la comprensión de las condiciones políticas y económicas del país, haciendo frente a la realidad económica nacional, formulando soluciones y recomendaciones eficaces para mejorar dichas condiciones, dentro de una sustentabilidad ambiental. En primer lugar se hace una breve relación de los cuatro núcleos polémicos u objetos de investigación asociados a Economía y desarrollo sostenible, que son: economía y desarrollo sostenible, ética y economía, educación y desarrollo y globalización, e igualmente se hace una mención de los paradigmas, enfoques y posturas conceptuales adoptadas por los grupos tanto universitarios como de fuera y que desarrollan investigaciones en esta temática. Así como también se hace una breve explicación de los métodos de investigación definidos para el abordaje de la misma. Por otra parte, se desarrolla el marco teórico haciendo la correspondiente revisión bibliográfica y se evidencian los elementos que muestran el estado de avance del tema sobre Economía y desarrollo sostenible tales como presentar una relación de los grupos o centros de investigación tanto nacional como internacional que trabajan alrededor del tema. |
| Date: | 2013–12–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:col:000444:012404&r=env |
| By: | Masini, Andrea; Aflaki, Sam |
| Abstract: | Confronted by increasingly tight budgets and a broad range of alternative options, policy makers need empirical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at supporting the diffusion of renewable energy sources (RES). Rigorous empirical studies of renewable energy policy effectiveness have typically relied on panel data models to identify the most effective mechanisms. A common characteristic of some of these studies, which has important econometric implications, is that they assume that the contribution of RES to total electricity generation will be stationary around a mean. This paper reviews such assumptions and rigorously tests the time series properties of the contribution of RES in the energy mix for the presence of a unit root. To that end, we use both individual and panel unit root tests to determine whether the series exhibit non-stationary behavior at the country level as well as for the panel as a whole. The analysis, applied to a panel of 19 OECD countries over the period 1990-2012, provides strong evidence that the time series of the renewable share of electricity output are not stationary in 17 of the 19 countries examined. This finding has important implications for energy policy assessment and energy policy making, which are discussed in the paper. |
| Keywords: | Unit root; cross-sectional dependence; renewable energy diffusions; renewable energy policies |
| JEL: | C22 C23 Q28 |
| Date: | 2014–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ebg:heccah:1058&r=env |