|
on Environmental Economics |
|
Issue of 2016‒02‒23
forty-five papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Shintaro Kurachi (Graduate School of Economics, Keio University); Kazuaki Sato (Faculty of Economics, Keio University); Leo Shimamura (Faculty of Economics, Keio University) |
| Abstract: | This article shows how the policy of imposing an environmental tax diffused through Nordic countries and the Netherlands. Tax policy continues to depend on political factors, even though globalization has progressed recently. However, policy coordination in international organizations and between developed countries also affects tax policy. There are three underlying factors for relating the introduction and enlargement of environmental tax to international cooperation. First, environmental problems have been internationalized. Particularly, global warming and acid rain are no longer just regional environmental problems, and international capital flows have enhanced these problems' importance. Second, environmental taxation may become an alternative means of raising financial resources in place of the decreasing income tax rate and may also facilitate international capital flows. Actually, the tax structures in developed countries have tended to move from direct to indirect taxation since the 1980s. Third, if a small country introduces environmental taxation in advance under the open global economy, its competiveness might decrease owing to increasing domestic product cost. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce deduction rules for industry incentives simultaneously with the introduction or increase of environmental tax. Environmental taxation may offer a double dividend, not only improving the environment but also reducing tax system costs. However, this measure may cause the double dividend to decrease. Considering this environmental problem and international aspects of environmental taxation together, international policy cooperation over environmental taxation or the introduction of global environmental taxation emerge as options for developed countries. Carbon tax was introduced in Finland (1990), Sweden (1991), Norway (1991), Denmark (1992), and the Netherlands (1992), in succession. The policy of imposing a carbon tax subsequently diffused among the European Union (EU) countries: for example, England (2001) and Germany (1998~). However, with the exception of Switzerland and Ireland, the policy of environmental taxation has not diffused since the 1990s. In EU countries, the share of tax revenue from environmental tax in the GDP and overall revenue has decreased. This article argues that the failure of the movement toward environmental taxation in the 1990s has a path dependency. Previous research shows that the Nordic Council coordinated carbon tax introduction in Nordic countries. Although the carbon tax rate that Nordic countries introduced was very low, a deduction was introduced to avoid decreasing competiveness (Andersen, M., E. Martin & A. Ryelund, 2006:11). The pace of environmental taxation policy diffusion has been slower and flatter than that of other environmental policies, although this mechanism was based not on legal harmonization and levied compulsory burden, but information exchange between policy makers (Busch, P. & H. J?rgens, 2005). The environmental tax rate was low and policy diffusion was slow because of the strong stance of domestic actors against a policy decision. On the other hand, to facilitate the introduction of environmental taxation in the Netherlands, the EC model proposed in the 1980s was adopted (Andersen, M., E. Martin & A. Ryelund, 2006:11). Simultaneously, the Netherlands took the position that "it should be evaluated from the point of view of whether introduction by one country may inspire international introduction" (Okuma, 1993:154). However, researchers do not always discuss how international cooperation in Nordic countries or the Netherlands affected environmental taxation coordination. Therefore, this article analyzes how the introduction of environmental (carbon) tax in Nordic countries and the Netherlands related to international cooperation in the EU or Nordic Council through consideration of environmental tax theory under the global economy and current policy discussion. This analysis shows the current problem of international cooperation regarding environmental taxation. The findings of this article are as follows. First, tax cooperation in the EU has failed thus far, and the character of cooperation has changed from active proposals against environmental and carbon taxation to tax harmonization to coordinate the competitive conditions in the single market. Thereby, the environmental tax structure corresponded sufficiently to international competiveness and this caused tax exemption and low tax rates. This measure increased political acceptability in each country, although the advantage of environmental tax, for example for cost efficiency, has decreased. Second, the chain introduction of carbon tax in Nordic countries was the result of cooperation using economic measures of environmental policy. The driving factors are (1) coordinating environmental protection and institutions to encourage voluntary domestic environmental legislation, (2) resolving the problem of international competiveness and carbon dioxide emissions, (3) finding alternate tax resources for decreasing income tax rates associated with the introduction of dual income taxation. However, while voluntary policy cooperation in Nordic countries made policy diffusion easier, it made the integration of tax rates more difficult, and this tax rate difference has remained. Third, the Netherlands was affected by the EC proposal, and supported it when the country introduced the carbon tax. At the same time, institutional design decreases the burden on industry from the point of view of international competiveness. After that, however, the Netherlands has been on an independent path, regardless of the failure of carbon tax harmonization in other EU countries. |
| Keywords: | Environment Taxation, Carbon Taxation, International Cooperation, EU, Nordic Countries |
| JEL: | H23 Q58 F53 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:keo:dpaper:2016-001&r=env |
| By: | İriş, Doruk |
| Abstract: | In the standard emission problem, each country’s ruling party decides on an optimal level of emissions by analyzing the cost and benefit to the country. However, such policy decisions are often influenced by political parties’ incentives to be elected. Voters tend to give higher priority to economic issues than they do to environmental ones. As a result, political parties have additional incentives to reach a critical economic benefit level, at a cost of higher emission level, in order to satisfy voters’ expectations in economic issues. Therefore, this study explores the implications of political parties being averse to insufficient economic performance relative to a critical economic target level on sustaining an international environmental agreement on emission levels. In doing so, we allow countries to have asymmetric concerns about economic targets, as well as asymmetric technology levels. We find that stronger concerns about economic targets deter the most cooperative emission levels countries could jointly sustain. Furthermore, technological asymmetry could either deepen or offset this impact. These results suggest that efforts on achieving substantial international environmental agreements should be supported at the citizen level to eliminate the adverse effects. |
| Keywords: | Emission Problem; Economic Targets; Loss-Aversion; International Environmental Agreements; Repeated Game |
| JEL: | D03 Q50 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–09–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69240&r=env |
| By: | E. Perret (METAFORT - Mutations des activités des espaces et des formes d'organisation dans les territoires ruraux - AgroParisTech - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) - VetAgro Sup - Irstea); E. Cahuzac (US ODR - Observatoire des Programmes Communautaires de Développement Rural - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA)); P. Cantelaube (US ODR - Observatoire des Programmes Communautaires de Développement Rural - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA)); N. Guiffant (METAFORT - Mutations des activités des espaces et des formes d'organisation dans les territoires ruraux - AgroParisTech - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) - VetAgro Sup - Irstea); N. Turpin (METAFORT - Mutations des activités des espaces et des formes d'organisation dans les territoires ruraux - AgroParisTech - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) - VetAgro Sup - Irstea) |
| Abstract: | Protection of soil quality and adoption of practices that could mitigate climate change strongly depends on both farm types and soils threats at local level, but there has been so far no general analysis in France of what combinations are used and where. This paper uses information aggregated from the FADN database and combines it with threats on soils to build a typology of LAU1 French territories regarding their soil protection strategies. We highlight four main paths: Some territories rely on the sets of “good practices” designed from action programs from the Nitrate Directive, and those only. Others have developed interesting combinations of conservation tillage, cover crops and agri-environmental schemes. Some have chosen to combine reduced use of fertilisers and pesticides and the last ones happen to show no obvious protection strategy |
| Abstract: | Les pratiques des agriculteurs visant à protéger les sols de leurs parcelles sont variées et inégalement mises en ½uvre sur les territoires français. La diversité de ces situations n'avait pas fait l'objet d'une analyse poussée sur l'ensemble du territoire. Cet article utilise des informations agrégées du Recensement agricole et les combine avec les menaces sur les sols rapportées à une maille cantonale (LAU1), pour construire une typologie de territoires qui nous permet, à son tour, d'identifier des stratégies différenciées de protection des sols. Cette typologie met en évidence quatre voies différentes pour ces territoires : certains d'entre eux s'appuient uniquement sur les bonnes pratiques imposées par la Directive Nitrate; dans d'autres, les agriculteurs ont développé des combinaisons originales d'agriculture de conservation et de mesures agro-environnementales ; sur certains cantons sont combinées des mesures de réduction d'engrais et de pesticides, tandis que la dernière voie correspond à la mise en place d'aucune stratégie de protection des sols |
| Keywords: | AGRICULTURE,SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT,SOIL,PROTECTION,AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES,CLIMATIC CHANGE,DEVELOPPEMENT DURABLE,SOL,PRATIQUE AGRICOLE,CHANGEMENT CLIMATIQUE |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01250627&r=env |
| By: | Klemetsen, Marit E. (University of Oslo/Statistics Norway); Rosendahl, Knut Einar (School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences); Lund Jakobsen, Anja (School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impacts of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) on the envi- ronmental and economic performance of Norwegian plants. The EU ETS is regarded as the cornerstone climate policy both in the EU and in Norway, but there has been considerable de- bate regarding its eects due to low quota prices and substantial allocation of free allowances to the manufacturing industry. Both quota prices and allocation rules have changed signicantly between the three phases of the ETS. The rich data allow us to investigate potential eects of the ETS on several important aspects of plant behavior. The results indicate a weak tendency of emissions reductions among Norwegian plants in the second phase of the ETS, but not in the other phases. We nd no signicant eects on emissions intensity in any of the phases, but positive eects on value added and productivity in the second phase. Positive eects on value added and productivity may be due to the large amounts of free allowances, and that plants may have passed on the additional marginal costs to consumers. |
| Keywords: | Tradable emissions quotas; emissions intensity; productivity; propensity score matching; dierence-in-dierences |
| JEL: | C23 C54 D22 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–02–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nlsseb:2016_003&r=env |
| By: | Scott J. Goetz, Matthew Hansen, Richard A. Houghton, Wayne Walker, Nadine Laporte, and Jonah Busch |
| Abstract: | This paper presents an overview of the state of measurement and monitoring capabilities for forests in the context of REDD+ needs, with a focus on what is currently possible, where improvements are needed, and what capabilities will be advanced in the near-term with new technologies already under development. We summarize the role of remote sensing (both satellite and aircraft) for observational monitoring of forests, including measuring changes in their current and past extent for setting baselines, their carbon stock density for estimating emissions in areas that are deforested or degraded, and their regrowth dynamics following disturbance. We emphasize the synergistic role of integrating field inventory measurements with remote sensing for best practices in monitoring, reporting and verification. We also address the potential of remote sensing for enforcing safeguards on conservation of natural forests and biodiversity. We argue that capabilities exist now to meet operational needs for REDD+ measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) and reference levels. For some other areas of importance for REDD+, such as safeguards for natural forests and biodiversity, monitoring capabilities are approaching operational in the near term. For all REDD+ needs, measurement capabilities will rapidly advance in the next few years as a result of new technology as well as advances in capacity building both within and outside of the tropical forest nations on which REDD+ is primarily focused. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change; Mitigation; Forests; REDD+; Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV); Technology |
| JEL: | Q23 Q54 |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:wpaper:392&r=env |
| By: | Achim Hagen (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics); Leonhard Kaehler (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics); Klaus Eisenack (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper explores transnational environmental agreements on climate change. As the Paris agreement of 2015 contains no binding emission reduction targets for nation states, understanding other forms of cooperation as complements to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process becomes increasingly important. We thus aim to identify directions for further research on agreements with heterogeneous contracting parties. By building on empirical examples of emerging transnational environmental agreements, and on insights from the global governance literature, we discuss the scope and limits of the current economic literature on international environmental agreements. We argue that further game theoretical research would benefit from extending the analysis (i) to consider actors that are not nation state governments, and (ii) to consider multiple environmental agreements that are in force at the same time. We underpin this claim by suggesting two proposals for economic models that analyze climate clubs and city alliances. The results show that transnational environmental agreements can be individually rational and can improve the effectiveness of climate policies. |
| Keywords: | heterogeneous actors, international environmental agreements, transnational agreements |
| JEL: | C72 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:old:dpaper:387&r=env |
| By: | Jian-Lei Mo (Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Institute of Policy and Management - Chinese Academy of Sciences); Joachim Schleich (Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research - Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University [Blacksburg] - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, MTS - Management Technologique et Strategique - Grenoble École de Management (GEM)); Lei Zhu (University of Toronto); Ying Fan (School of Economics & Management - Beihang University) |
| Abstract: | Relying on real options theory, we employ a multistage decision model to analyze the effect of delaying the introduction of emission trading systems (ETS) on power plant investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) retrofits, on plant operation, and on carbon dioxide (CO2) abatement. Unlike previous studies, we assume that the investment decision is made before the ETS is in place, and we allow CCS operating flexibility for new power plant investments. Thus, the plant may be run in CCS-off mode if carbon prices are low. We employ Monte Carlo simulation methods to account for uncertainties in the prices of CO2 certificates, other inputs, and output prices, relying on a realistic parameterization for a supercritical pulverized coal plant in China. We find that CCS operating flexibility lowers the critical carbon price needed to support CCS investment because it renders CCS investment less irreversible. For a low carbon price path, operating flexibility also implies that delaying the introduction of an ETS hardly affects plant CO2 abatement since the plant operator is better off purchasing emission certificates rather than operating the plant in CCS mode. Interestingly, for low carbon prices we find a U-shaped relation between the length of the delay and the economic value of the plant. Thus, delaying the introduction of an ETS may make investors worse off. |
| Keywords: | power plant investment, regulatory uncertainty, multistage decision, operating flexibility, real options theory, emissions trading, CCS, China |
| Date: | 2015–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:gemptp:hal-01265934&r=env |
| By: | Ke Wang; Yi-Ming Wei (Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEP), Beijing Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: | Evaluating the energy and emissions efficiency, measuring the energy saving and emissions reduction potential, and estimating the carbon price in China at the regional level are considered a crucial way to identify the regional efficiency levels and efficiency promotion potentials, as well as to explore the marginal abatement costs of carbon emissions in China. This study applies a newly developed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based method to evaluate the regional energy and emissions efficiencies and the energy saving and emissions reduction potentials of the industrial sector of 30 Chinese major cities during 2006-2010. In addition, the CO2 shadow prices, i.e., the marginal abatement costs of CO2 emissions from industrial sector of these cities are estimated during the same period. The main findings are: (i) The coast area cities have the highest total factor industrial energy and emissions efficiency, but efficiency of the west area cities are lowest, and there is statistically significant efficiency difference between these cities. (ii) Economically well-developed cities evidence higher efficiency, and there is still obviously unbalanced and inequitable growth in the nationwide industrial development of China. (iii) Fortunately, the energy utilization and CO2 emissions efficiency gaps among different Chinese cities were decreasing since 2006, and the problem of inequitable nationwide development has started to mitigate. (iv) The Chinese major cities could have, on average, an approximately 19% or 17% efficiency increase on energy utilization or CO2 emissions during 2006-2010. (v) Promoting the industrial energy utilization efficiency is comparatively more crucial for Chinese cities at the current stage, and the efficiency promotion burdens on the west area cities are the heaviest among all Chinese cities. (vi) An N-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) exists between the level of industrial CO2 emissions efficiency and income, and the inflection point the EKC is located between 12052-12341 US$ of GDP per capita, indicating that an accelerated CO2 emissions efficiency increase will accrue when this income level is reached. (vii) In 2010, the industrial total energy saving and CO2 emissions reduction potentials for Chinese major cities were 41 million tce and 143 million tCO2, respectively. (viii) The average industrial CO2 emissions abatement cost for Chinese major cities is 45 US$ during 2006-2010, and the existence of large gap on CO2 shadow prices between different Chinese regions provide a necessity and possibility for establishing a regional carbon emissions trading system in China. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, abatement cost, shadow price, DEA |
| JEL: | Q40 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:biw:wpaper:64&r=env |
| By: | Kohli, Deepti; Sinha, Pankaj |
| Abstract: | Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in our atmosphere have been increasing steadily due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil, etc. CO2 being a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) has contributed to global warming resulting in the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers leading to a rise in the sea levels and finally culminating in the submerging of coastal and low-level areas all around the world. Thus, with the intention of controlling global warming and the rising CO2 emissions, the Kyoto Protocol was set up in 2005 to compel the developed countries to lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thus giving rise to the concept of carbon credits, devised to reduce global carbon emission levels. However, the first phase of the sole international agreement to cut GHG emissions came to an end in 2012. The Kyoto Protocol has not been qualified as an absolute success seeing that it has not produced any demonstrable reduction in emission levels, and global temperatures are still rising at an alarming rate. A miscarriage of the treaty can also be sensed through the demeanor of countries like Canada, which pulled back from the treaty in 2011; Japan and Russia, who would not commit themselves beyond 2012 while the United States remains aloof. This study reviews the climate change regime and explores the concept of carbon credits, how carbon trading is occurring presently and also identifies some key issues concerning the same. The reasons for the unsatisfactory results of the Kyoto Protocol and prospects in mitigating climate change have also been discussed here. |
| Keywords: | carbon credits, carbon trading, clean development mechanism, emissions reduction, greenhouse gases, joint implementation, Kyoto Protocol |
| JEL: | Q01 Q5 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–07–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69455&r=env |
| By: | Simon Hedlin; Cass R. Sunstein |
| Abstract: | Many officials have been considering whether it is possible or desirable to use choice architecture to increase use of environmentally friendly (?green?) products and activities. The right approach could produce significant environmental benefits, including large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and better air quality. This Article presents new data from an online experiment (N=1,245) in which participants were asked questions about hypothetical green energy programs. The central finding is that active choosing had larger effects than green energy defaults (automatic enrollment in green energy), apparently because of the interaction between people?s feelings of guilt and their feelings of reactance. This finding is driven principally by the fact that when green energy costs more, there is a significant increase in opt-outs from green defaults, whereas with active choosing, green energy retains considerable appeal even when it costs more.More specifically, we report four principal findings. First, forcing participants to make an active choice between a green energy provider and a standard energy provider led to higher enrollment in the green program than did either green energy defaults or standard energy defaults. Second, active choosing caused participants to feel more guilty about not enrolling in the green energy program than did either green energy defaults or standard energy defaults; the level of guilt was positively related to the probability of enrolling. Third, respondents were less likely to approve of the green energy default than of the standard energy default, but only when green energy cost extra, which suggests reactance towards green defaults when enrollment means additional private costs. Fourth, respondents appeared to have inferred that green energy automatically would come at a higher cost and/or be of worse quality than less environmentally friendly energy. These findings raise important questions both for future research and for policymaking. If they reflect real-world behavior, they suggest the potentially large effects of active choosing ? perhaps larger, in some cases, than those of green energy defaults. |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qsh:wpaper:320286&r=env |
| By: | Ajay Gajanan Bhave; Neha Mittal; Ashok Mishra; Narendra Singh Raghuwanshi |
| Abstract: | The need for credible, salient and legitimate climate change adaptation options in the water sector, which target location specific adaptation requirements, is well recognized. In developing countries, the low-hanging fruit; no-regret options, should be identified with stakeholders and assessed against future changes in water availability and demand, for comparing effectiveness and robustness. Such integrated basin-scale assessments, including reservoir catchment and command areas, can suitably inform adaptation decision-making. In this study, we integrate participatory and modelling approaches for evaluation of reservoir catchment and command area no-regret options addressing water availability and demand in the Kangsabati river basin. Through multi-level stakeholder workshops we identify and prioritize options, followed by evaluation of two reservoir catchment options; check dams and increasing forest cover and three reservoir command options; changing cropping pattern, traditional ponds and waste water reuse, using the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) model. We use four high resolution (~25 km) regional climate model simulations of future climatic factors, along with non-climatic factors affecting water demand, for forcing WEAP. We find that options have varied ability in addressing adaptation requirements. Amongst catchment options, increasing forest cover addresses adaptation requirements more suitably than check dams, while in the command areas we observe mixed abilities of options, leading to the inference that combining complementary options may be a more useful strategy. We conclude by discussing our experiences with this approach in a developing country context, in terms of benefits, limitations, lessons learnt and future research directions. |
| Keywords: | Adaptation requirement; Developing country; Weap; Reservoir catchment; Reservoir command |
| JEL: | R14 J01 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:65133&r=env |
| By: | Penporn Janekarnkij (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics,Faculty of Economics,Kasetsart University,Thailand) |
| Abstract: | This case study refers to the role of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) as an economic tool in supporting and promoting sustainable development locally. It was developed for using in both undergraduate and graduate courses in natural resource and environmental economics and economic valuation of ecosystem goods and services. Students should be able to apply their knowledge in basic economic concepts of demand and supply, economic valuation of ecosystem goods and services, as well as basic watershed ecology in analyzing a practical situation provided in the case. Main contents of this case study comprise four parts. The first part is the general information about the study area and the community conservation practices in case of Mae Lao Watershed, Thailand. The second part deals with Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in theory and in practice. The third part consists of questions for discussion and group exercises for students to practice. The final part contains the information of teaching note about learning objectives, student audience and background readings. |
| Keywords: | Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), watershed conservation, Mae Lao, ecosystem service valuation, contingent valuation method (CVM) |
| JEL: | Q51 Q58 |
| Date: | 2014–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kau:wpaper:201404&r=env |
| By: | Li, Chuan-Zhong (Department of Economics); Bali Swain, Ranjula (Department of Economics) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we analyze a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model on how water resilience a¤acts economic growth and dynamic welfare with special reference to South Africa. While water may become a limiting factor for future development in general, as a drought prone and water poor country with rapid population growth, South Africa may face more serious challenges for sustainable development in the future. Using the model, we conduct numerical simulation for di¤erent parameter configurations with varying discount rate, climate change assumption, and the degree of uncertainty in future precipitation. We find that with sufficient capital accumulation, development can still be made sustainable despite of increased future water scarcity and decreased long-run sustianable welfare; While sto- chastic variation in precipitation has a negatively e¤ect on water resilience and the expected dynamic welfare, the effect is mitigated by persistence in the precipitation pattern. With heavier time discounting and lower capital formation, however, the current welfare may not be sustained. |
| Keywords: | Water resilience; growth; dynamic Welfare; sustainability |
| JEL: | D60 O40 O55 Q25 |
| Date: | 2014–12–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:uunewp:2014_011&r=env |
| By: | Gouse, Marnus |
| Abstract: | This study assessed the value of glyphosate in the South African agricultural sector with focus on the 2012/13 agricultural season. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide in South African and in 2012 more than 23 million litres of glyphosate was sold at an estimated value of R641 million. Glyphosate is a highly effective broad spectrum herbicide and the only herbicide on the market with a systemic mode of action. Glyphosate is considered to be, based on numerous scientific studies environmentally and toxicologically safe when used according to label instructions. Glyphosate is marketed under more than twenty trade-names in SA and is extensively used in the timber, horticulture, sugar and viticulture industries. The main users of glyphosate in SA are however maize, wheat and soybean farmers and in 2012 these farmers used 65% of all glyphosate sold in SA. Making use of ‘with and without glyphosate’ scenario comparisons the assessment showed that glyphosate is immensely valuable to the agricultural sector. In monetary terms and depending on rather conservative yield assumptions the value of glyphosate in the maize sector was estimated to be between R525 million and R2.203 billion in 2012 with genetically modified herbicide tolerant and stacked gene maize farmers enjoying the biggest benefit. Assuming a yield loss of 10% in a withoutglyphosate scenario for only farmers who make use of herbicide tolerant maize varieties, the value of glyphosate is estimated at R1.328 billion. Glyphosate’s value for wheat farmers was estimated to be between R123 million and R485 million with the higher adoption usage rate (75%) and 10% potential damage scenario presenting a realistic value estimation of R335 million for the 2012 season. Soybean farmers making use of conservation tillage practises value glyphosate highly and under a withoutglyphosate scenario stand to lose between R148 million and R693 million with the most probable value estimated at around R412 million. Adoption of conservation tillage practises have increased considerably in SA since the introduction of glyphosate tolerant soybeans in 2001 and maize in 2003. Implementation of different degrees of reduced tillage practises have brought about substantial environmental benefits not only infield (soil) but also in the decreased emission of greenhouse gasses. The study showed that by using glyphosate instead of mechanized weed control, maize and soybean farmers (and wheat farmers to a lesser extent) where able to save about 23 million litres of diesel with a yearly CO2 emission equivalent of 12 thousand average cars. Determining the socio-economic impacts of glyphosate us in SA requires a larger and more in-depth assessment. However, the majority of the surveyed large-scale farmers planting HT maize and soybeans indicated the ease of weed control and management as the main benefit. A study of smallscale HT maize adopting farmers also showed the ease of weed control to be a major benefit with especially female household members being able to spend less time doing arduous manual weeding. The confirmed immense value glyphosate has as a production tool in the South African agricultural sector serves as backdrop to the problem of weed resistance to glyphosate. Worldwide 31 weed species have been reported to be resistant to glyphosate. Three of the 31 reported glyphosate resistance weeds occur in South Africa and resistance has been proven in parts of the Western Cape. With increased adoption of glyphosate tolerant crops and increased sector wide use of glyphosate due to its environmental safety, relative affordability and efficacy, responsible use and stewardship have become even more vital to preserve glyphosate’s value for the future. |
| Keywords: | Health Economics and Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:upaewp:206520&r=env |
| By: | Lucas Bretschger (ETH Zurich, Switzerland); Alexandra Vinogradova (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) |
| Abstract: | Soils are often subject to environmental shocks which are caused by negative extern- alities linked to overexploitation. We present a stochastic model of a dynamic agricultural economy where natural disasters are sizeable, multiple, and random. Expansion of agricultural activities raises e¤ective soil units (an index of quality and quantity) but contributes to an aggregate loss of soil-protective ecosystem services, which increases the extent of soil degradation at the time of a shock. We provide closed-form analytical solutions and show that optimal development is characterized by a constant growth rate of effective soil units and crop consumption until an environmental shock arrives causing both variables to jump downwards. Optimal policy consists of spending a constant fraction of output on soil preservation. This fraction is an increasing function of the shocks arrival rate, degradation intensity of agricultural practices, and the damage intensity of environmental impact. Implications for the optimal propensity to save are also discussed. An extension of the model provides a solution for the optimal preservation policy when both the hazard rate and damages are endogenous. |
| Keywords: | Soil conservation, stochastic degradation, agriculture, environment, uncertainty, natural disasters |
| JEL: | Q18 Q54 O13 O44 |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eth:wpswif:16-232&r=env |
| By: | Todd D. Gerarden (Harvard University); Richard G. Newell (Duke University); Robert N. Stavins (Harvard University); Robert C. Stowe (Harvard University) |
| Abstract: | Improving end-use energy efficiency—that is, the energy-efficiency of individuals, households, and firms as they consume energy—is often cited as an important element in efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Arguments for improving energy efficiency usually rely on the idea that energy-efficient technologies will save end users money over time and thereby provide low-cost or no-cost options for reducing GHG emissions. However, some research suggests that energy-efficient technologies appear not to be adopted by consumers and businesses to the degree that would seem justified, even on a purely financial basis. We review in this paper the evidence for a range of explanations for this apparent “energy-efficiency gap.” We find most explanations are grounded in sound economic theory, but the strength of empirical support for these explanations varies widely. Retrospective program evaluations suggest the cost of GHG abatement varies considerably across different energy-efficiency investments and can diverge substantially from the predictions of prospective models. Findings from research on the energy-efficiency gap could help policy makers generate social and private benefits from accelerating the diffusion of energy-efficient technologies—including reduction of GHG emissions. |
| Keywords: | Energy Efficiency, Climate Change Policy |
| JEL: | Q4 Q48 Q5 Q55 |
| Date: | 2015–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.28&r=env |
| By: | Jane Ellis; Sara Moarif |
| Abstract: | There are many reasons why the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reporting framework requests information from countries. These include understanding and tracking progress with individual or collective commitments or pledges, providing confidence and enhancing accountability in quantified information measured and reported, and providing background information on the scope and ambition of national climate responses. This paper highlights the gaps, inconsistencies and uncertainties in the current reporting framework, which was developed for both long-standing obligations and mitigation pledges for the period to 2020. The paper also identifies possible improvements in the UNFCCC reporting framework in the context of the post-2020 transparency framework and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for the post-2020 period. Recenser et combler les lacunes du cadre de notification d'informations de la CCNUCC La Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (CCNUCC), qui invite les pays à lui communiquer des informations, vise plusieurs objectifs : mieux cerner les progrès accomplis dans la mise en oeuvre des engagements individuels ou collectifs et en assurer le suivi ; accroître la confiance dans les informations chiffrées communiquées par les pays et renforcer la transparence ; et fournir des renseignements sur le champ d’application et le niveau d’ambition des mesures climatiques nationales. Ce document met en évidence les lacunes, incohérences et incertitudes de l’actuel cadre de notification qui a été élaboré pour rendre compte à la fois des obligations de longue date des pays et de leurs engagements d’atténuation jusqu’en 2020. Il identifie aussi les améliorations qui pourraient être apportées au système de notification de la CCNUCC en ce qui concerne le cadre de transparence et les contributions déterminées au niveau national pour la période de l’après-2020. |
| Keywords: | transparency, climate change, emissions, reporting, adaptation, adaptation, transparence, émissions, changement climatique |
| JEL: | F39 H39 O20 Q54 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaab:2015/7-en&r=env |
| By: | Kalashnikova, Svetlana (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration) |
| Abstract: | The article describes methods of stimulating industrial activities for sustainable development of the territories and environment. The main methods of economic incentives include: preferential taxation of profits, innovative insurance risk transactions under the state guarantees, information support and free advertising, the provision of showrooms, the possibility of obtaining preferential expert, consulting and design services. The article also justified such incentive mechanisms of enterprises in the field of environmental management, as preferential loans and finance leases. Currently, there are no Russian leasing companies, which would be exclusively environmental focused, which greatly complicates the work of environmentally oriented enterprises under leasing schemes. Another effective tool to stimulate the activities of enterprises is a concession that represents a long-term form of investment. International cooperation in this area will allow to access new technologies and information resources. It is also noted that the perspective stimulating nature protection direction is the development of market mechanisms to sell the rights to pollute. In conclusion, the use of these incentive mechanisms will effectively manage the processes of environmental protection for sustainable ecological and economic development of territories. |
| Keywords: | sustainable development, promotion of ecological projects, economical stimulation of environmental security work |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rnp:ppaper:karpc1&r=env |
| By: | Johan Eyckmans; Sam Fankhauser; Snorre Kverndokk |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the implications of climate change for official transfers from rich countries (the North) to poor countries (the South) when the motivation for transfers is ethical rather than strategic. Traditional development transfers to increase income and reduce poverty are complemented by new financial flows to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation transfers) and become climate-resilient (adaptation transfers). We find that in the absence of barriers to adaptation, mitigation or development, climate change will make isolated transfers less efficient: A large part of their intended effect (to increase income, reduce emissions, or boost climate-resilience) dissipates as the South reallocates its own resources to achieve the mitigation, adaptation and consumption balance it prefers. Only in the case of least-developed countries, which are unable to adapt fully due to income constraints, will adaptation support lead to more climate resilience. In all other cases, if the North wishes to change the balance between mitigation, adaptation and consumption it should structure its transfers as “matching grants”, which are tied to the South’s own level of funding. Alternatively, the North could provide an integrated “climate-compatible development” package that recognizes the combined climate and development requirements of the South. If the aim is to increase both mitigation and adaptation in the South, development assistance that increases the income level, can be an effective measure, but only if there is an international agreement and the recipient country is not income constrained. If the recipient country is very poor, development aid may reduce adaptation effort. |
| Keywords: | inequality aversion; mitigation; adaptation; climate finance; development assistance; institutional barriers |
| JEL: | F3 G3 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:64454&r=env |
| By: | Minh Ha-Duong (CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CIRAD - Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC) - AgroParisTech - AgroParisTech, CleanED - Clean Energy and Sustainable Development Lab - USTH - Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Hanoi); Hoang Anh Tran (CleanED - Clean Energy and Sustainable Development Lab - USTH - Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Hanoi) |
| Abstract: | The Clean Energy and Sustainable Development laboratory – CleanED – was established in December 2014 with support from USTH and French Embassy in Hanoi. In September 2015, CleanED lab counted five researchers from France and Vietnam, five doctoral fellows and two internationally qualified staff. This international and interdisciplinary research team gets the mission to contribute to the green growth of the energy sector in Vietnam. Its expertise ranges from engineering to public policy on: Natural resources characterization and management Biomass and waste to energy conversion process technologies Energy systems optimization from smart grid to national plans |
| Keywords: | clean energy, biomass energy, sustainable development, Vietnam, cooperation, activity report, smart grid |
| Date: | 2016–01–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:ciredw:hal-01264985&r=env |
| By: | Ackermann, Andrea; Heidecke, Claudia; Hirt, Ulrike; Kreins, Peter; Kuhr, Petra; Kunkel, Ralf; Mahnkopf, Judith; Schott, Michael; Tetzlaff, Björn; Venohr, Markus; Wendland, Frank |
| Abstract: | Seit dem Jahr 2000 bestehen in der Europäischen Union durch die Wasserrahmenrichtlinie Wasserqualitätsziele für Grundwasser sowie Oberflächen- und Küstengewässer. Für Niedersachsen wurden alle relevanten diffusen und punktuellen Nährstoffeinträge, -frachten und der erforderliche Reduktionsbedarf mit dem AGRUM-Modellverbund, bestehend aus dem Agrarsektormodell RAUMIS, dem Modellsystem GROWA/WEKU/DENUZ/MEPHOS sowie dem Nährstofftransportmodell MONERIS, abgebildet. Aufbauend auf dem Basisjahr 2007 wurde die Eintragssituation 2021 simuliert. Berücksichtigt wurden unter anderem die Düngevorordnung (DüV 2006) sowie die Agrarumweltprogramme 2007 bis 2013, die weitere Entwicklung der Agrarmärkte und der Agrarpolitik. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass unter Berücksichtigung der bisherigen Maßnahmen die Wasserqualitätsziele in Niedersachsen bis 2021 nicht flächendeckend erreicht werden. Als ergänzende Maßnahmen zeigen Agrarumweltmaßnahmen, die auf eine Reduktion der Stickstoffbilanzüberschüsse zur Verbesserung der Wasserqualität abzielen, in einigen Regionen gute Reduktionspotenziale. In anderen Regionen wäre eine Ausweitung auf die gesamte landwirtschaftliche Fläche jedoch nicht ausreichend, um die Qualitätsziele zu erreichen. Insbesondere in diesen Regionen ist aufgrund einer intensiven landwirtschaftlichen Produktion, hoher Produktionserlöse und des Flächennutzungsdrucks eine Zunahme der bisherigen Förderflächen nicht realistisch. Es müssen daher weitere Handlungsoptionen in Betracht gezogen werden, um die gesetzten Ziele zu erreichen. |
| Abstract: | Since 2000 the Water Framework Directive defines water quality targets for groundwater, surface water bodies and coastal waters in the European Union. Employing the model network AGRUM, consisting of the agricultural sector models RAUMIS, the model system GROWA, DENUZ/WEKU, MEPhos and the nutrient transfer model MONERIS, all relevant diffuse and point source nutrient inputs and loads have been simulated for the Federal State of Lower Saxony. The nutrient input situation in 2021 was modelled based on the reference year 2007. Thereby the Fertilizer Directive of 2006, the agri-environmental programs in the period of 2007 to 2013, the future development of the agricultural markets and of agricultural policy have been taken into account. The results predict that the measures and actions already implemented and adopted are not adequate for Lower Saxony to achieve the water quality targets of the Water Framework Directive state wide until 2021. Agri-environmental measures designed to reduce nitrogen balance surpluses on agricultural land and improve water quality, as complementary measures, show a high reduction potential. In other regions an extension of agri-environmental measures to the entire agricultural area of the region might be insufficient to achieve the quality targets. Especially in these regions an increase of the existing area of agri-environmental measures is not realistic due to high intensity agricultural production, a high income and the existing land use pressure. Therefore it is necessary to consider further options for action. |
| Keywords: | Niedersachsen,Wasserrrahmenrichtlinie,Nährstoffüberschüsse,Nährstoffkonzentrationen,Nährstofffrachten,Handlungsbedarf,Agrarumweltmaßnahmen,Lower Saxony,Water Framework Directive,nutrient surpluses,nutrient concentrations,nutrient loads,reduction demand,agri-environmental measures |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:jhtire:37&r=env |
| By: | Florin-Constantin Mihai ("Alexandru Ioan Cuza " University) |
| Abstract: | Poor waste management facilities led to uncontrolled waste disposal on improper sites in the proximity of human settlements particularly in rural areas. This bad practice prevailed in all rural regions until 16 July 2009 when these garbage dumps should be closed and rehabilitated according to Government Decision number 345/2005 which comply the Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC. The paper aims a spatial analysis of waste indicators concerning the rural dumpsites at administrative territorial units on national, regional and local scale. These data are correlated to geographical conditions reflecting spatial patterns in their distribution across and within Romanian counties. The role of geographical conditions is revealed at local scales in these spatial patterns due to a low coverage rate of rural communities to waste collection services. Such analysis supported by field observations is necessary for a proper understanding of illegal waste disposal issue. Rural regions are still exposed to such bad practices polluting the local environment. |
| Abstract: | Impianti di gestione mal gestiti hanno portato allo smaltimento illegale dei rifiuti in siti localizzati in prossimità degli insediamenti umani, particolarmente nelle zone rurali. Questa cattiva pratica ha prevalso in tutte le regioni rurali fino al 16 luglio 2009, quando queste discariche devono essere chiuso e riabilitate secondo la normativa del governo nr. 345/2005 che è conforme alla direttiva sulle discariche 1999/31/CE. La carta si propone un’analisi spaziale degli indicatori dei rifiuti riguardante discariche rurale presso unità amministrative territoriali su scala nazionale, regionale e locale. Questi dati sono correlati alle condizioni geografiche e riflettono i modelli spaziali nella loro distribuzione all’interno di contee rumene e tra le stesse. Il ruolo dei fattori geografici si rivela su scala locale in tali modelli spaziali a causa di un basso tasso di copertura delle comunità rurali da parte dei servizi di raccolta rifiuti. Tale analisi, supportate da osservazioni di campo, sono necessarie per una corretta comprensione del problema di smaltimento illegale di rifiuti. Le regioni rurali sono ancora esposte a tali pratiche che comportano un rilevante inquinamento nell’ambiente locale. |
| Keywords: | spatial analysis,waste indicators,rural areas,dumps,waste management |
| Date: | 2015–12–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01266073&r=env |
| By: | Lih-Cnyi, Wen; Chun-Hse, Lin |
| Abstract: | As Green Economy has become a global trend and rising concept among governments, it is important to examine the effects of this campaign on industries to what extent. According to The International Institute for Management Development (IMD, 2010), Taiwan's green technology competitiveness is ranked second to Japan in Asia and sixth in the world. Therefore, with green economy prevailing, the purpose of this study is to investigate the market performances of Taiwan’s environment-related industries, whether they have international competitive advantages? How does green economy shape the industries? In addition, we would like to investigate in the major market barriers that industries face and what government can assist. The study found that Taiwan's environment-related businesses are small in terms of the market size and most of them focus only on the domestic market; expanding to international market for them is not easy. Although green technology competitiveness of Taiwan performs well compared to most countries, the production cost in Taiwan cannot compete with those countries with large market scales. In terms of the assistance they need, green policy in different countries and financial assistance are probably two major areas necessary for them to promote environmental related industries. Especially the collection of information about international green regulations and public procurements is important to business. Financial measurements and assistances to are also needed. |
| Date: | 2014–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agi:wpaper:00000059&r=env |
| By: | CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). |
| Keywords: | Groundwater irrigation; Ecosystem services; Smallholders; Farmers; Agrarian structure; Sociology; Ecology; Wetlands; Research; Hydrology; Geology; Irrigation water; Water use; Water management; Land use; Sustainability; Impact assessment; Living standards; Case studies |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h046997&r=env |
| By: | Bartniczak, Bartosz; Ptak, Michał |
| Abstract: | Green jobs exist for a long time. However, for some time dynamics of their creation is increasing and they are created in more and more sectors. Green jobs are created as a result of the development of new environmentally friendly technologies or through the "greening" of the next sectors of the economy. Despite the widespread use of the concept of green jobs there is a lack of a universally accepted definition of this concept and consequently can not be strictly defined sectors where these jobs are created. The purpose of this article is to present the situation related to the creation of green jobs in one of the fastest growing sectors in the world which is the renewable energy sector. The article analyzes the situation in selected countries, as well as in selected areas of renewable energy. The article presents also the support mechanisms that affect the development of the sector and thus to create jobs. |
| Keywords: | green jobs,renewable energy sector |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:opodis:201501&r=env |
| By: | Stefano Bosi; David Desmarchelier |
| Abstract: | PTo study the relationship between a Laffer Curve and the Green Paradox, we consider a Ramsey model with endogenous labor supply, where pollution increases the consumption demand (compensation effect). In the long run, the conditions for a Laffer curve and the Green Paradox are mutually exclusive: the curve exists under a weak compensation effect while the paradox under a strong effect. In the short run, limit cycles arise only if a Laffer curve exists but never occur in the case of Green Paradox. |
| Keywords: | Ramsey model, Pollution, Laffer Curve, Green Paradox, Hopf bifurcation. |
| JEL: | O34 Q16 C41 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:drm:wpaper:2016-9&r=env |
| By: | Shaikh, Salman Ahmed |
| Abstract: | 2 Abstract Economic choices influenced by animalistic instincts in an ethically neutral framework have not only resulted in huge disparity in distribution of income, wealth and standard of living, but, as we now realize, it has also resulted in unprecedented loss to ecology and environment with catastrophic consequences for future generations. More than ever, economics as a discipline of knowledge needs an ethical base to rekindle spiritual rationality that can enable us to take into account equity considerations more explicitly in economic choices at the individual and at the societal level. This paper explains how Islamic economics can help in bridging the gap. The paper explains the teachings of Islam on different environmental issues and shows how Islamic worldview and teachings can help in encouraging and reinforcing environmental friendly behavior and choices. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics, Resource Economics, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Islamic Economics |
| JEL: | I3 Q2 Q3 Q5 |
| Date: | 2015–10–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:68747&r=env |
| By: | Rasmané OUEDRAOGO; Somlanare Romuald KINDA (Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur le Développement International(CERDI)); Eric Nazindigouba KERE |
| Abstract: | According to several reports, natural disasters and climate change will intensify and dampen development if appropriate measures are not implemented. Our paper contributes to this literature and analyzes the impact of natural disasters on domestic resource mobilization in developing countries. Using propensity score matching estimators over the period of 1980-2012 for 120 developing countries, our results conclude that government revenues decrease in the aftermath of natural disasters. Moreover natural disasters that occur in border countries have a negative impact on government revenues of neighbor countries. However, the adverse effects of natural disasters are dampened in countries with high level of resilience capacity and stronger governance. |
| Keywords: | Natural disasters ; Tax revenue ; Resilience capacity ; Corruption. |
| JEL: | P52 E62 H20 O11 Q54 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdi:wpaper:1771&r=env |
| By: | Uson, M. |
| Abstract: | Land grabs in the wake of a disaster are nothing new. However this phenomenon gains certain particularities and interest when it happens within the current context of climate change policy initiatives and the global land rush. This nexus produces a new set of political processes containing new actors and alliances, legitimizations, and mechanisms of dispossession that set off a different pace for land grabs. This study explores this nexus which has the potential to swiftly reboot spatial, institutional and political land arrangements in poor communities on a large scale, globally. The gap in the scholarly literature found in the disaster – global land rush – climate change nexus was examined from the perspective of a local community devastated by the 2013 super typhoon Haiyan in central Philippines. Using a political economy lens, the study revealed that along with the dynamics of the structural and institutional environment, the interaction between the pro-reform social and state actors determines the nature, pace, extent and trajectory of the land struggle. The ‘state-society interactive’ approach highlights the political agency of both the state and social actors, particularly how they exercise their autonomy and capacity, and maximize channels within and external to the state to advance their claim. How the interplay of different institutions of climate change mitigation, land grabs and disasters interacts with the political processes of current land grabs is the focus of this study. |
| Keywords: | land grabs, climate change, disasters, Philippines, small islands |
| Date: | 2015–02–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ems:euriss:77539&r=env |
| By: | Dina Andriankaja (PIESO-ENSMSE - Département Performance Industrielle et Environnementale des Systèmes et des Organisations - Mines Saint-Étienne MSE - École des Mines de Saint-Étienne - Institut Mines-Télécom - Institut Henri Fayol, EVS - UMR 5600 Environnement Ville Société - ENS Lyon - École normale supérieure - Lyon - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - Université Jean Moulin - Lyon III - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Etienne - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État [ENTPE] - Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne - ENSAL - Ecole nationale supérieure d'architecture de Lyon - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Natacha Gondran (PIESO-ENSMSE - Département Performance Industrielle et Environnementale des Systèmes et des Organisations - Mines Saint-Étienne MSE - École des Mines de Saint-Étienne - Institut Mines-Télécom - Institut Henri Fayol, EVS - UMR 5600 Environnement Ville Société - ENS Lyon - École normale supérieure - Lyon - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - Université Jean Moulin - Lyon III - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Etienne - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État [ENTPE] - Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne - ENSAL - Ecole nationale supérieure d'architecture de Lyon - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Jesus Gonzalez-Feliu (PIESO-ENSMSE - Département Performance Industrielle et Environnementale des Systèmes et des Organisations - Mines Saint-Étienne MSE - École des Mines de Saint-Étienne - Institut Mines-Télécom - Institut Henri Fayol, EVS - UMR 5600 Environnement Ville Société - ENS Lyon - École normale supérieure - Lyon - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - Université Jean Moulin - Lyon III - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Etienne - École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État [ENTPE] - Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne - ENSAL - Ecole nationale supérieure d'architecture de Lyon - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | IPSS are popular in different fields of transport, mainly for personal use (car-sharing, bike-sharing). Their usage in urban goods transport is not still generalized but those systems present a good potential. This paper proposed to assess and analyze four different scenarios for urban goods transport to compare IPSS configurations to a business as usual situation, in terms of environmental impacts. Those impacts will be estimated via a life cycle analysis (LCA) method. First, the four scenarios are presented. The first scenario is the reference one, i.e. the business as usual situation. The other three scenarios represent possible IPSS configuration, i.e. a vehicle leasing system, a vehicle sharing system and an urban consolidation system. Second, the methodology for scenario assessment using LCA is described, and the main proposed indicators defined. Third, the main results of the scenario assessment are presented, analyzed and discussed. Finally, future researches are proposed. |
| Keywords: | collaborative transport,Urban logistics,life-cycle analysis,Industrial Product-Service Systems,scenario assessment |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01152592&r=env |
| By: | Javier de Frutos (IMUVA, Universidad de Valladolid); Guiomar Martín-Herrán (IMUVA, Universidad de Valladolid) |
| Abstract: | We analyze a differential game model where pollution control is spatially distributed among a number, possibly large, of agents with predetermined spatial relationships. The analysis emphasizes the effects of the different geographical relationships among decision makers. The game has one state variable (pollution stock) distributed among one large region divided in subregions which control their own emissions of pollutants. The emissions are also represented as distributed variables. The dynamics of the state variable is defined by a parabolic PDE. We numerically characterize the feedback Nash equilibrium of a discrete-space model that still captures the spatial interactions among agents. |
| Keywords: | Spatially Distributed Controls; Spatial Dynamics; Parabolic Differential Equations; Differential Games; Transboundary Pollution. |
| JEL: | R12 Q5 C73 C61 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cst:wpaper:201601&r=env |
| By: | Rickels, Wilfried; Dovern, Jonas; Hoffmann, Julia; Quaas, Martin; Schmidt, Jörn; Visbeck, Martin |
| Abstract: | The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with 169 specific targets could be a step forward in achieving efficient governance and policies for global sustainable development. An essential element will be the global indicator framework for monitoring and assessing progress over and against both the overall goals and the specific targets and to guide policy towards sustainable solutions. In the debate over the current indicator framework, little attention is devoted to conceptual issues. Here, we argue that the inclusion of composite indicators, which can be used to aggregate individual indicators, as complements to the single indicators could support the overall assessment process without necessitating any significant changes to the currently proposed indicator base. While the individual indicators remain the backbone of the indicator framework, serving the purpose for detailed assessment of specific policy measures, the composite indicators allow for an explicit assessment of trade-offs between policies. Our illustrative investigation of the sustainable oceanic development of EU coastal states highlights how much a comprehensive assessment can benefit from the additional inclusion of composite indicators. |
| Keywords: | Sustainable Development Goals,Indicator Selection,Composite Indicators,Ocean |
| JEL: | Q01 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:2019&r=env |
| By: | Johansson, Per-Olov (Dept. of Economics) |
| Abstract: | There is no consensus with respect to handling of tradable permits in cost–benefit analysis. The leading (organizational/governmental) manuals in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia handle permits in different ways or ignore them. This paper offers a brief discussion of the properties of cap-and-trade systems, and contrast these to the properties of emission charges. The paper then turns to cost–benefit rules for projects using fossil fuels in a cap-and-trade system. The focus is on small projects but the paper also briefly addresses the case where a project significantly affect prices. As a service to the reader the small project rules are contrasted to the much more familiar and standardized ways of handling emission charges in cost–benefit analysis. Finally, the consequences of market power in cap-and-trade markets are briefly addressed. |
| Keywords: | Cost–benefit analysis; greenhouse gases; tradable permits; emission charges; market power |
| JEL: | H21 H23 H41 H43 I30 L13 |
| Date: | 2015–11–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:hastec:2015_003&r=env |
| By: | Ha-Duong Minh (CleanED - Clean Energy and Sustainable Development Lab - USTH - Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Hanoi, CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AgroParisTech - CIRAD - Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement - École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Keywords: | economics,climate change |
| Date: | 2015–03–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01250007&r=env |
| By: | Somlanare Romuald Kinda (CEDRES - Centre d'Etudes, de Documentation et Recherche Economique et Sciences - Université Ouagadougou) |
| Abstract: | Little is known about the role that foreign aid can play in dampening the effect of climate change. This paper investigates the role of aid in mitigating the adverse effect of climatic shocks on food security in developing countries. Because foreign aid is an important source of revenue for developing countries, it can enable them to face climatic shocks by mobilizing or stabilizing resources for the financing of agriculture production or food imports. Our results show that foreign aid dampens the effect of climatic shocks on food security. Moreover, the dampening effect is higher for countries that are vulnerable to food price shocks. |
| Keywords: | "food security", "climatic shocks","food prices vulnerability", "foreign aid" |
| Date: | 2016–01–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01260846&r=env |
| By: | Emma Soane; Iljana Schubert; Simon Pollard; Sophie Rocks; Edgar Black |
| Abstract: | Government institutions have responsibilities to distribute risk management funds meaningfully and to be accountable for their choices. We took a macro-level sociological approach to understanding the role of government in managing environmental risks, and insights from micro-level psychology to examine individual-level risk-related perceptions and beliefs. Survey data from 2179 UK citizens showed that lay people's funding preferences were associated positively with beliefs about responsibility and trust, yet associations with perception varied depending on risk type. Moreover, there were risk-specific differences in the funding preferences of the lay sample and 29 policy makers. A laboratory based study of 109 participants examined funding allocation in more detail through iterative presentation of expert information. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed a meso-level framework comprising three types of decision makers who varied in their willingness to change funding allocation preferences following expert information: adaptors, responders and resistors. This research highlights the relevance of integrated theoretical approaches to understanding the policy process, and the benefits of reflexive dialogue to managing environmental risks. |
| Keywords: | environmental risk; policy; government funding; decision making; agency |
| JEL: | G32 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:63823&r=env |
| By: | Merk, Christine; Pönitzsch, Gert; Rehdanz, Katrin |
| Abstract: | Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) is a climate engineering (CE) method that is reputed to be very effective in cooling the planet but is also thought to involve major risks and side effects. As a new option in the bid to counter climate change, it has attracted an increasing amount of research and the debate on its potential gained momentum after it was referred to in the 5th IPCC report (IPCC 2013). One major objection to SAI and the research done on it is that it could undermine commitment to the mitigation of greenhouse gases (Lawrence & Crutzen 2013; Schneider 2001). Policymakers, interest groups or individuals might wrongly perceive SAI as an easy fix for climate change and accordingly reduce their mitigation efforts. This is the first study to provide an empirical evaluation of this claim for individuals. In a large-scale framed field experiment with more than 650 participants, we show that people do not back-pedal on mitigation when they learn that the climate change problem could be partly addressed via SAI. Instead, we observe that people who have been informed about SAI mitigate more than people who have not. Our data suggest that the increase is driven by a perception of SAI as potentially hazardous. |
| Keywords: | climate engineering,risk compensation,moral hazard,climate change mitigation |
| JEL: | Q54 D19 C93 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:2006&r=env |
| By: | Drechsel, Pay; Heffer, P.; Magen, H.; Mikkelsen, R.; Singh, H.; Wichelns, D. |
| Keywords: | Water management; Food security; Nutrients; Ecosystem services; Farmers; Soil fertility; Fertilizers |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h046806&r=env |
| By: | Pierre Lasserre; Gérard Gaudet |
| Date: | 2015–05–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirwor:2015s-19&r=env |
| By: | Ekaterina Kakorina; Timerkhan Bakhautdinov; Elias Dmitriev |
| Abstract: | Since the signing of the US Energy Policy Act of 2005 by US President G.W.Bush a new market has been organized for trading a specific financial asset called Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN). RIN is a security, whose price is a tax stimulating fuel blenders and consumers in the USA to use more ecological fuels. The aim of this working paper is to introduce Russian readers to the basics of the RIN market, as information about the market is still scarce in Russian. In particular, we discuss such significant factors influencing the RIN market as mandate and blend wall. We also note the close link of the number of RINs in circulation with ethanol production. In the nearest future the problem of ethanol overproduction is likely to arise in the USA which might be resolved by its export to the EC and Canada. The possible dynamics of the RIN market in that respect are certainly of interest. Finally, although the market is still young, some large-scale cases of fraud have already been revealed. Those cases have attracted attention of regulators and may soon provide a reason for revision of RIN market rules. |
| Keywords: | Renewable Identification Number, ethanol market, renewable resources, biofuels, blender, environmental tax |
| JEL: | Q28 |
| Date: | 2014–06–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eus:wpaper:ec0414&r=env |
| By: | Sevatdal , Hans (Centre for Land Tenure Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences) |
| Abstract: | New commons might come into being by pooling of resources. Such pooling often needs some sort of professional external assistance, as well as appropriate institutional framework. In Norway the Land Consolidation Courts - originally established for reallocation and individualization of land and rights - have developed into a multipurpose instrument, also for facilitating common use of formerly individualized resources. Examples are extraction of certain mineral deposits, development of small-scale hydroelectric power, recreational fishing and hunting, land development etc. The issue is discussed in a context of legal framework - both in public and private law - negotiation, decision-making and enforcement. |
| Keywords: | Commons; negotiations; institutions; the Land Consolidation Court |
| JEL: | P48 Q15 |
| Date: | 2016–02–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nlsclt:2016_003&r=env |
| By: | Dittoh, S.; Snyder, K. A.; Lefore, Nicole |
| Keywords: | Gender; Women; Equity; Agricultural policy; Policy making; Agricultural workers; Agricultural production; Natural resources; Poverty; Funding; Socioeconomic environment; Civil society organizations; Local communities; Households; Resource allocation; Case studies |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h047003&r=env |
| By: | Anonymous |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2015–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midamp:212898&r=env |
| By: | Bachev, Hrabrin |
| Abstract: | В статията се прави оценка на ефектите от земетресението, цунамито и ядрената авария във Фукушима през март 2011 година върху селското стопанство и хранителния сектор на Япония. Най напред се представят трите бедствия и техните последствия. След това се оценява ефектът върху фермите и аграрните ресурси. Следва оценка на последствията върху хранителната промишленост. След това се представя размера на радиационното замърсяване на земеделските и хранителни продукти. Накрая, се прави оценка на ефектите върху пазарите, потребителите и международната търговия. Обобщена е реакцията на различните агенти, оценен е прогреса и предизвикателствата на възстановяването и реконструкцията след бедствията, и са извлечени поуки от японския опит. |
| Keywords: | great east Japan eartquake, tsunami, Fukushima nuclear accident, social, economic, environmental, instructional, organisational, technological, impacts, agriculture, food industry, food consumption, agri-food chains |
| JEL: | Q1 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q2 Q20 Q3 Q30 Q4 Q5 Q51 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69426&r=env |
| By: | Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin; Ingrid Peignier; Minh Hoang Bui; Miguel F. Anjos; Steven A. Gabriel; Carla Guerra |
| Abstract: | L’énergie est essentielle au quotidien et sa disponibilité influence directement notre mode de vie. Par conséquentelle est au coeur d’un large éventail d’activités de l’état : réglementation, taxation, développement économique,enjeux politiques, etc. À cette liste s’est ajoutée depuis la fin du XXe siècle la question environnementale.Maintenant que le lien entre climat et consommation d’énergies fossiles est établi1 et qu’il semble au coeur despréoccupations des Québécois, il est nécessaire de se questionner sur notre avenir énergétique.Une des parties prenantes essentielle à la réflexion est la population. Pour qu’elle joue un rôle actif et contribuepositivement au dialogue, il est nécessaire qu’elle possède un niveau de connaissance adéquat des enjeuxénergétiques. Dans ce contexte, une enquête a été menée par Internet du 16 au 20 avril 2015, auprès d’unéchantillon de 1010 répondants, représentatifs de la population du Québec. Le questionnaire de cette enquête,élaboré conjointement par le CIRANO et l’IET, cherche à évaluer les connaissances des Québécois2 des enjeuxénergétiques et à sonder leurs perceptions sur différents thèmes en lien avec ces enjeux :• La connaissance des Québécois de la situation énergétique du Québec;• La perception des Québécois concernant les changements climatiques;• Les préférences des Québécois à l’échelle sociétale et leur disposition à payer;• Les comportements et habitudes des Québécois à l’échelle individuelle.Les premiers résultats tirés de l’enquête montrent que seulement 11% des Québécois pensent avoir un « grand »ou « très grand » niveau de connaissance de la situation énergétique du Québec. Les justificatifs invoqués sontle manque de temps ou d’intérêt, ne se sentant pas concerné par ces questions, mais surtout la complexité del’information sur le sujet et sa difficulté d’accès. Celle consultée est souvent qualifiée de floue, incomplète, voirebiaisée par intérêt des sources (lobbys, gouvernements, corporations, etc.) Il apparait que l’accès à l’informationinfluence le niveau de connaissance : les Québécois affichant les plus hauts niveaux de connaissance sur lepétrole – ressource la mieux connue selon le sondage – sont aussi plus nombreux à consulter la presse (payanteou gratuite) ou les publications du gouvernement provincial.Certaines réponses confirment le niveau de connaissance limité. Par exemple, seulement 20 % des Québécoissavent que près de la moitié de l’énergie consommée au Québec provient de sources renouvelables. Il sembled’ailleurs que la définition « d’énergie renouvelable » ne soit pas commune à tous puisque 25 % desQuébécois ont identifié le nucléaire comme une source renouvelable, de même que 17 % pour le pétrole, 13 %pour le charbon et 27 % pour le gaz naturel. L’écart entre ce dernier résultat et le 12 % pour le gaz de schiste– une source de gaz naturel – soulève une question : le niveau de connaissance d’une source d’énergie est-ilcorrélé à sa couverture médiatique?Sur les questions climatiques, les perceptions des Québécois sont en phase avec les conclusions du plus récentrapport du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC)3. Les Québécois sont eneffet 84 % à constater une augmentation des catastrophes naturelle à l’échelle planétaire et 75 % à attribuercette augmentation au réchauffement climatique. Questionnés sur les origines de ce phénomène, 69 % desQuébécois n’ont aucun doute que le réchauffement climatique est lié à l’activité humaine. Cette opinion estpartagée par 77 % de ceux qui s’informent auprès d’associations spécialisées et 66% de ceux ne s’y informantpas; il s’agit d’une majorité ferme de la population qui estime que le réchauffement climatique est lié à l’activitéhumaine, même considérant de potentiels biais idéologiques. Reste à savoir maintenant comment ce constatse transpose en volonté de changement et à quel coût.La plus grande source d’énergie non renouvelable consommée au Québec, le pétrole, répond à 37 % de lademande en énergie et est entièrement importé4. Bien qu’irremplaçable à court terme, les résultats de l’enquêteindiquent un souhait de réduire notre dépendance à l’importation. L’option choisie à 42 % est l’exploitationéventuelle de notre propre sous-sol, devançant l’approvisionnement de l’Ouest (19 %) et de l’Est (14 %) duCanada. Cette opinion doit être mise en perspective avec un résultat d’un précédent sondage5 montrant que38 % des Québécois privilégient le recours aux énergies renouvelables à l’exploitation d’éventuelles sourcesquébécoises de pétrole.Cette préférence se confirme dans la présente étude puisque parmi quatre mesures visant à limiter leur impactsur l’environnement, l’investissement dans le développement des filières énergétiques renouvelables est lamesure qui trouve la faveur des répondants. Elle est suivie par l’investissement dans la recherche sur l’efficacitéénergétique. Viennent ensuite les efforts de sensibilisation et promotion d’énergies alternatives, et finalementl’amélioration de l’offre en transport en commun. Le fait de privilégier l’investissement dans les énergiesrenouvelables et l’efficacité énergétique porte à croire que la population est consciente de l’importancedes changements à apporter et de l’ampleur des efforts à déployer. Mais est-elle prête à les accepter? A lalumière des résultats, il semble que oui. Les Québécois se sont majoritairement dits en faveur des projetsliés aux énergies renouvelables, de même qu’ils se sont dits majoritairement contre la plupart des projetsliés aux énergies non-renouvelables. Les résultats montrent que le paramètre de proximité géographiquen’affecte pas l’ordre de préférence des projets, mais que tous les projets subissent une baisse significative deleur pourcentage d’appui s’ils devaient être réalisés dans le voisinage des répondants. Ce constat vient illustrerempiriquement le phénomène du «Pas dans ma cour » ou NIMBY (Not In My Backyard).Les Québécois sont en faveur des énergies renouvelables, certes, mais leur disposition à en assumer les coûtsde développement semble faible, selon les résultats observés. En effet, seulement 12 % des Québécoisaccepteraient de payer 50 $ de plus par mois sur leur facture d’électricité afin de soutenir le développementdes filières renouvelables. Cependant, le sondage montre que les Québécois présentent une sensibilité au prix.Si le prix du litre d’essence atteignait 2 $ de façon durable, ils adapteraient leurs habitudes afin de moins enconsommer : changer de voiture pour une qui consomme moins (38 %) ou une électrique (24 %), covoiturer(18 %), réduire les sorties (30 %) ou magasiner à proximité (27 %). De la même manière, une hausse du prixde l’électricité de 50 % pousserait 76 % des gens à en limiter leur consommation.Bien que la population reconnaisse la nécessité d’un changement d’habitudes de consommation d’énergie,elle ne se perçoit pas comme actrice du changement. Les Québécois estiment avoir peu (45 %) ou pas(15 %) d’influence sur la situation énergétique du Québec. Faut-il établir un lien avec leur faible volontéà assumer des coûts additionnels? Ou est-ce qu’ils évaluent mal leur influence parce qu’ils ne se voient pasliés aux secteurs grands consommateurs d’énergie (le transport et l’industrie)? Ils reconnaissent pourtantque leur comportement influence moyennement (39 %) ou grandement (20 %) la consommationtotale d’énergie au Québec. Qu’est-ce qui les empêche de transposer ce sentiment d’influence à la situationénergétique du Québec?Un début de réponse à cette interrogation – et à plusieurs la précédant – est très certainement de donneraccès à plus d’information sur les enjeux énergétiques. C’est une condition essentielle à la qualité de laparticipation citoyenne aux débats sociaux sur les questions d’énergie. Dans la foulée de cette enquête ainsi quede la publication en février 2015 du livre blanc L’énergie au Québec et au Canada : un document pour engagerla conversation6, diverses initiatives seront entamées au CIRANO et à l’IET afin de promouvoir la sensibilisationet la participation de la population en ce qui concerne les choix énergétiques du Québec. |
| Date: | 2015–05–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirpro:2015rp-08&r=env |