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on Environmental Economics |
|
Issue of 2016‒03‒23
fifty-four papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Santiago J. Rubio (Department of Economic Analysis and ERI-CES, University of Valencia) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines international cooperation on technological development as an alternative to international cooperation on GHG emission reductions. In order to analyze the scope of cooperation, a three-stage technology agreement formation game is solved. First, countries decide whether or not to sign up to the agreement. Then, in the second stage, the signatories (playing together) and the non-signatories (playing individually) select their investment in R&D. In this stage, it is assumed that the signatories not only coordinate their levels of R&D investment but also pool their R&D efforts to fully internalize the spillovers of their investment in innovation. Finally, in the third stage, each country decides non-cooperatively upon its level of energy production. Emissions depend on the decisions made regarding investment and production. If a country decides to develop a breakthrough technology in the second stage, its emissions will be zero in the third stage. For linear environmental damages and quadratic investment costs, the grand coalition is stable if marginal damages are large enough to justify the development of a breakthrough technology that eliminates emissions completely, and if technology spillovers are not very important. |
| Keywords: | International Environmental Agreements, R&D Investment, Technology Spillovers, Breakthrough Technologies |
| JEL: | D74 F53 H41 Q54 Q55 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.02&r=env |
| By: | Valentina Bosetti (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and CMCC); Giacomo Marangoni (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, CMCC and Politecnico di Milano); Emanuele Borgonovo (Bocconi University); Laura Diaz Anadon (Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University); Robert Barron (University of Massachusetts Amherst); Haewon C. McJeon (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, JGCRI); Savvas Politis (Brookhaven National Laboratory); Paul Friley (Brookhaven National Laboratory) |
| Abstract: | In the present paper we use the output of multiple expert elicitation surveys on the future cost of key low-carbon technologies and use it as input of three Integrated Assessment models, GCAM, MARKAL_US and WITCH. By means of a large set of simulations we aim to assess the implications of these subjective distributions of technological costs over key model outputs. We are able to detect what sources of technology uncertainty are more influential, how this differs across models, and whether and how results are affected by the time horizon, the metric considered or the stringency of the climate policy. In unconstrained emission scenarios, within the range of future technology performances considered in the present analysis, the cost of nuclear energy is shown to dominate all others in affecting future emissions. Climate-constrained scenarios, stress the relevance, in addition to that of nuclear energy, of biofuels, as they represent the main source of decarbonization of the transportation sector and bioenergy, since the latter can be coupled with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to produce negative emissions. |
| Keywords: | Sensitivity Analysis, Integrated Assessment models, Expert elicitation, Technology Cost |
| JEL: | O30 O33 Q41 Q50 Q55 |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.98&r=env |
| By: | Gillingham, Kenneth; Nordhaus, William; Anthoff, David; Bosetti, Valentina; McJeon, Haewon; Blanford, Geoffrey; Christensen, Peter; Reilly, John; Sztorc, Paul |
| Abstract: | The economics of climate change involves a vast array of uncertainties, complicating both the analysis and development of climate policy. This study presents the results of the first comprehensive study of uncertainty in climate change using multiple integrated assessment models. The study looks at model and parametric uncertainties for population, total factor productivity, and climate sensitivity. It estimates the pdfs of key output variables, including CO2 concentrations, temperature, damages, and the social cost of carbon (SCC). One key finding is that parametric uncertainty is more important than uncertainty in model structure. Our resulting pdfs also provide insights on tail events. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Integrated Assessment Models, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q540, |
| Date: | 2016–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:232219&r=env |
| By: | David García-León (University of Alicante) |
| Abstract: | Climate change is a phenomenon beset with major uncertainties and researchers should include them in Integrated Assessment Models. However, including further dimensions in IAM models comes at a cost. In particular, it makes most of these models suffer from the curse of dimensionality. In this study we benefit from a state-reduced framework to overcome those problems. In an attempt to advance in the modelling of adaptation within IAM models, we apply this methodology to shed some light on how the optimal balance between mitigation and adaptation changes under different stochastic scenarios. We find that stochastic technology growth hardly affects the optimal bundle of mitigation and adaptation whereas uncertainty about the value of climate sensitivity and the possibility of tipping points hitting the system change substantially the composition of the optimal mix as both persuade the risk-averse social planner to invest more in mitigation. Overall, we identify that including uncertainty into the model tends to favour (long-lasting) mitigation with respect to (instantaneous) adaptation. Further research should address the properties of the optimal mix when a stock of adaptation can be built. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Adaptation, Mitigation, Dynamic Programming, Uncertainty, Integrated Assessment, DICE |
| JEL: | C61 D58 D90 O44 Q01 Q54 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.10&r=env |
| By: | Tomasz Koźluk; Christina Timiliotis |
| Abstract: | Increasing international fragmentation of production has reinforced fears that industrial activity may flee to countries with laxer environmental policies – in line with the so-called Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH). If PHH effects are strong, domestic responses to environmental challenges may prove ineffective or meet strong resistance. Using a gravity model of bilateral trade in manufacturing industries for selected OECD and BRIICS countries over 1990s-2000s, this paper studies how exports are related to national environmental policies. Environmental policies are not found to be a major driver of international trade patterns, but have some significant effects on specialisation. More stringent domestic policies have no significant effect on overall trade in manufactured goods, but are linked to a comparative disadvantage in “dirty” industries, and a corresponding advantage in “cleaner” industries. The effects are stronger for the domestic component of exports than for gross exports, yet notably smaller than the effects of e.g. trade liberalisation. Les politiques environnementales ont-elles une incidence sur les chaînes de valeur mondiales ? : Un nouveau point de vue sur l'hypothèse du havre de pollution La fragmentation internationale croissante de la production a renforcé les craintes de voir l’activité industrielle migrer vers des pays dotés de politiques environnementales plus laxistes – selon ce qu’il est convenu d’appeler « l’hypothèse du havre de pollution » (HHP). Si cette hypothèse se vérifie effectivement, les efforts déployés au niveau national pour faire face aux défis environnementaux pourraient se révéler inopérants ou se heurter à une forte résistance. À l’aide d’un modèle gravitationnel des échanges commerciaux bilatéraux appliqué aux industries manufacturières de certains pays de l'OCDE et des BRIICS sur la période 1990-2009, ce rapport étudie le lien entre les exportations et les politiques environnementales nationales. Il en ressort que les politiques environnementales n’ont pas d’incidence déterminante sur les exportations globales, mais ont un effet significatif sur le spécialisation. Cependant, en modifiant les prix relatifs des intrants, les politiques nationales plus rigoureuses vont de pair avec un désavantage comparatif dans les industries « polluantes », et un avantage correspondant dans les industries « plus propres ». Ces effets sont particulièrement perceptibles pour la composante de valeur ajoutée nationale des exportations, mais sensiblement moins que ceux de la libéralisation des échanges, par exemple. |
| Keywords: | trade, competitiveness, global value chains, comparative advantage, Pollution Haven Hypothesis, environmental policy stringency, chaînes de valeur mondiales, compétitivité, hypothèse du havre de pollution, échanges commerciaux, politique environnementale |
| JEL: | F14 F18 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–03–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:ecoaaa:1282-en&r=env |
| By: | Heleen van Soest (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Netherlands); Lara Aleluia Reis (Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Italy and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei); Detlef van Vuuren (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Netherlands); Christoph Bertram (Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK), Germany); Laurent Drouet (Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Italy and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei); Jessica Jewell (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria); Elmar Kriegler (Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK), Germany); Gunnar Luderer (Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK), Germany); Keywan Riahi (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria); Joeri Rogelj (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria); Massimo Tavoni (Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Italy, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and Politecnico di Milano, Italy); Michel den Elzen (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Netherlands); Aayushi Awasthy (The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India); Katherine Calvin (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), United States); Pantelis Capros (Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), Greece); Leon Clarke (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), United States); Michel Colombier (Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI), France); Teng Fei (Tsinghua University (TU), China); Amit Garg (Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), India); Fernanda Guedes (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Mariana Imperio (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Mikiko Kainuma (National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan); Jiang Kejun (Energy Research Institute of NDRC (ERI), China); Alexandre C. Köberle (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Peter Kolp (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria); Volker Krey (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria); Alban Kitous (European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC), Spain); Paroussos Leonidas (Energy - Economy - Environment Modelling Laboratory (E3M Lab), Greece); Andre Lucena (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Toshihiko Masui (National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan); Larissa Nogueira (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Roberta Pierfederici (Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI), France); Bert Saveyn (European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC), Spain); Roberto Schaeffer (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Fu Sha (Renmin University and National Centre for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, China); Bianka Shoai (Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), Japan); P.R. Shukla (Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), India); Thomas Spencer (Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI), France); Alexandre Szklo (The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ), Brazil); Henri Waisman (Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI), France) |
| Abstract: | Governments worldwide have agreed that international climate policy should aim to limit the increase of global mean temperature to less than 2oC with respect to pre-industrial levels. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the emission reductions and related energy system changes in various countries in pathways consistent with the 2oC target. We synthesize and provide an overview of the national and regional information contained in different scenarios from various global models published over the last few years, as well as yet unpublished scenarios submitted by modelling teams participating in the MILES project (Modelling and Informing Low-Emission Strategies). We find that emissions in the mitigation scenarios are significantly reduced in all regions compared to the baseline without climate policies. The regional cumulative CO2 emissions show on average a 76% reduction between the baseline and 450 scenario. The 450 scenarios show a reduction of primary energy demand in all countries of roughly 30-40% compared to the baseline. In the baseline scenario, the contribution of low-carbon energy technology remains around 15%, i.e. similar as today. In the mitigation scenario, these numbers are scaled up rapidly towards 2050. Looking at air quality, sulphur dioxide and black carbon emissions are strongly reduced as a co-benefit of greenhouse gas emission reductions, in both developing and developed countries. However, black carbon emissions increase in countries that strongly rely on bioenergy to reach mitigation targets. Concerning energy security, energy importing countries generally experience a decrease in net-energy imports in mitigation scenarios compared to the baseline development, while energy exporters experience a loss of energy export revenues. |
| Keywords: | Climate policy, Mitigation, Global and national policy comparison |
| JEL: | Q54 |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.110&r=env |
| By: | Anil Markandya |
| Abstract: | There are now a large number of valuation studies on the benefits of biodiversity and on ecosystem services, the services provided by different ecosystems (ESS). Both ideas have been used to elicit values from nature but in recent years the research community has focussed on ESS as the main organising framework, with some additional use of the biodiversity concept to value entities that have intrinsic value and are of an extraordinary nature. Estimates are available for the services from most habitats, by type of ecosystem service, usually expressed in USD per hectare per year. Coverage varies by habitat and region, as does the quality of the assessment, but it is possible now to carry out an estimation of changes in values for a number of ecosystem services a result of the introduction of a new policy or of a physical investment that modifies the ecosystem. While this is a positive development, there remain some issues to be resolved. One is the possibility of double-counting of services when using the standard categories of provisioning, regulating/supporting and cultural ESS. Regulating and supporting services are the basis of the provisioning services and so value estimates for the two cannot always be added up. For example, air pollution absorption is often valued using the cost of alternative ways of reducing the pollutants from the atmosphere while recreation is often valued in terms of willingness-to-pay (WTP) through stated preference methods. |
| Keywords: | environmental policy, biodiversity, cost-benefit analysis, ecosystem services |
| JEL: | H43 Q51 Q54 Q57 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–03–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:101-en&r=env |
| By: | Favero, Alice; Mendelsohn, Robert; Sohngen, Brent |
| Abstract: | The carbon mitigation literature has separately considered using forests to store carbon and as a source of bioenergy. In this paper, we look at both options to reach a 2°C mitigation target. This paper combines the global forest model, GTM, with the IAM WITCH model to study the optimal use of forestland to reach an aggressive global mitigation target. The analysis confirms that using both options is preferable to using either one alone. At first, while carbon prices are low, forest carbon storage dominates. However, when carbon prices pass $235/tCO2, wood bioenergy with CCS becomes increasingly important as a mechanism to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The use of both mechanisms increases global forestland at the expense of marginal cropland. While the storage program dominates, natural forestland expands. But when the wood bioenergy program starts, natural forestland shrinks as more forests become managed for higher yields. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Woody Biomass, Carbon Sequestration, BECCS, Forestry, Carbon Mitigation, Integrated Assessment Model, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q23, Q42, Q54, |
| Date: | 2016–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:232215&r=env |
| By: | Edward Balistreri (Colorado School of Mines); Daniel Kaffine (University of Colorado Boulder); Hidemichi Yonezawa (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) |
| Abstract: | A country's optimal environmental border policy includes a strategic component that is inconsistent with commitments under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). We extend the theory to include GATT compliance. Theory supports optimal border adjustments on carbon content that are below the domestic carbon price, because price signals sent through border adjustments encourage consumption of emissions intensive goods in unregulated regions. The theory is supported in our applied numeric simulations. Countries imposing border adjustments at the domestic carbon price will be extracting rents from unregulated regions at the expense of ecient environmental policy and consistency with international trade law. |
| Keywords: | climate policy, border tax adjustments, carbon leakage, trade and carbon taxes |
| JEL: | F13 F18 Q54 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eth:wpswif:16-235&r=env |
| By: | Jackson Otieno and Edwin Muchapondwa |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we explored the role of wildlife in adaptation to climate change in areas predominantly used for livestock production in South Africa. Using a sample of 1071 wildlife and livestock farms we estimated a multinomial choice model of various adaptation options including livestock and wildlife farming choices. The results indicate that mixed livestock-wildlife farms are less vulnerable to climate change when compared to specialized livestock or wildlife farms. However, net farm revenues per hactare are higher for specialized wildlife ranches when compared to mixed wildlife-livestock ranches or livestock ranches. The results further show that temperature increase will influence most livestock farmers to change land use to wildlife ranching. At farm level, land size and social networks are also likely to play a bigger role in land use change as climate changes. Using climate models, we establish that livestock farmers in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa will be most affected by climate change and will subsequently change land use. |
| Keywords: | climate change, Wildlife Ranching, Adaptation, Agriculture, South Africa |
| JEL: | Q12 Q15 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rza:wpaper:579&r=env |
| By: | Bukvić, Rajko |
| Abstract: | Serbian Abstract. У раду се разматрају проблеми загађења и деструкције природне средине, посебно атмосфере. У оквиру тога, проблеми концентрације угљеника, односно гасова стаклене баште разматрају се као једна од главних последица антропогених активности, и као један од главних узрока глобалних климатских промена. У другој половини 20. века била је предложена примена многих шема за стварање тржишног механизма за решавање тих проблема. Такви напори посебно су се повећали у последњој деценији 20 века, да би најзад Кјотски протокол подржао неколико флексибилних механизама, као решење тих проблема. Без обзира на све те напоре, током првог периода њихове примене (2008–2012), емисије угљеника су порасле. Досадашња искуства, не само у овој области, остављају отвореним питање да ли је тржиште универзално решење. English Abstract. The article considers the problem of pollution and destruction of environment, especially the pollution of atmosphere. Within these, problems of the carbon concentration, i.e. greenhouse gases, are considered as one of the main results of the anthropogenic activities, and consequently one of the main causes of the global climate change. In the second half of the XX century many schemes for involving market mechanism in solving these problems were proposed. These efforts especially increased in the last decade of XX century and finally the Kyoto Protocol supported many flexible mechanisms, as a solution for these problems. In spite of all these efforts, during the first period of its implementation (2008–2012) the emissions of carbon were increased. Experiences with market, not only in this sector, leave the problem unresolved: is the market universal solution. |
| Keywords: | гасови стаклене баште, Кјотски протокол, тржишта угљеника, флексибилни механизми greenhouse gases (GHG), the Kyoto Protocol, carbon markets, flexible mechanisms |
| JEL: | H23 K32 L51 Q53 Q56 |
| Date: | 2015–05–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69986&r=env |
| By: | Brock, W.; Xepapadeas, A. |
| Abstract: | This paper is, to our knowledge, the first paper in climate economics to consider the combination of spatial heat transport and polar amplification. We simplified the problem by stratifying the Earth into latitude belts and assuming, as in North et al. (1981), that the two hemispheres were symmetric. Our results suggest that it is possible to build climate economic models that include the very real climatic phenomena of heat transport and polar amplification and still maintain analytical tractability. We derive optimal fossil fuel paths under heat transport with and without polar amplification. We show that the optimal tax function depends not only on the distribution of welfare weights but also on the distribution of population across latitudes, the distribution of marginal damages across latitudes and cross latitude in- teractions of marginal damages, and climate dynamics. We also determine optimal taxes per unit of emission and show that, in contrast to the standard results suggesting spatially uniform emission taxes, poorer latitudes should be taxed less per unit emissions than richer latitudes. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Heat Transport, Polar Amplification, Welfare Maximization, Fossil Fuels, Optimal Taxation, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q54, Q58, C61, |
| Date: | 2016–02–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:232182&r=env |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Office of the General Counsel, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Office of the General Counsel, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | This publication documents the proceedings of the Third South Asia Judicial Roundtable on Environmental Justice for Sustainable Green Development, held on the 8th and 9th of August 2014 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Building on work and the discussions of the previous roundtables, key themes discussed in Colombo include judicial training and capacity enhancement, regional integration and cooperation, enhancing the efficacy of the judicial system for environmental justice, and the application of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods. In addition, the event tackled specific issues relating to urban development, natural capital, gender, community forest management, and tourism. The roundtable culminated in the adoption of the Colombo Action Plan consisting of concrete steps and measures towards the development of environmental rule of law. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Law; Environmental Justice; Environmental Rule of Law; South Asia; Asian Judges Network on Environment |
| Date: | 2015–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt157563-2&r=env |
| By: | Islam, Moinul; Kanemoto, Keiichiro; Managi, Shunsuke |
| Abstract: | The production of goods and services generates greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollution both directly and through the activities of the supply chains on which they depend. The analysis of the latter—called embodied emissions—in the cause of internationally traded goods and services is the subject of this paper. We find that trade openness increases embodied emissions in international trade (EET). We also examine the impact of sector trade on EET. By applying a fixed-effect model using large balanced panel data from 187 countries between 1990 and 2011, we determine that each unit of increase in trade openness results in a 10% to 23% increase in GHG embodied emissions (EE). The sector trade effect is also significant for the EE of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), particulates (PM10 ) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Our findings also clearly indicate that the impact of the GDP on the EE of exports is positive, increasing emissions, but that it is negative on the EE of imports. We suggest that countries monitor trade sector emissions and trade openness to mitigate global embodied GHG emissions and air pollutants. |
| Keywords: | environmental economics; greenhouse gases (GHGs); industrial ecology; input-output analysis; international trade; trade and environment |
| JEL: | F1 F18 L52 |
| Date: | 2016–03–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69898&r=env |
| By: | Willenbockel, Dirk |
| Abstract: | Eradicating extreme poverty from the face of the earth once and for all is a central goal of the post-2015 development agenda. Without a rapid transition of the world economy to a low-carbon growth path over the next few decades, this ambitious goal will remain elusive. Under current greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction pledges, the world is not on track to limit the average global temperature rise to +2o C above pre-industrial levels. Failure to meet this agreed target threatens to impede future progress and roll back past achievements in poverty alleviation. Irrespective of the responsibility of the “Global North” for the bulk of atmospheric GHG concentration levels accumulated in the past, most of the growth in energy demand and global GHG emissions over coming decades will arise from today’s developing countries. To avoid catastrophic climate change, a transition to a low-carbon growth path in today’s large fast-growing middle-income countries is imperative and mitigation efforts in other developing countries are also required. Yet developing countries are unlikely to adopt a low-carbon development strategy if such a strategy is perceived to be in conflict with domestic near-term poverty reduction aspirations. Thus, a better understanding of the potential distributional implications of different conceivable pathways to low carbon development is required to ensure the social acceptability and political viability of low carbon policy reforms. The growing recognition that the aims of equitable or pro-poor growth and low-carbon growth need to be addressed together has led to efforts in the literature to identify potential synergies and trade-offs between pro-poor and low-carbon growth. This chapter provides a selective review and some reflections on this literature. |
| Keywords: | Climate change mitigation; pro-poor growth; inclusive growth; green growth; |
| JEL: | O44 Q54 Q56 |
| Date: | 2014–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69863&r=env |
| By: | Cati Torres (Universitat de les Illes Balears); Nick Hanley (University of St. Andrews) |
| Abstract: | This report aims to provide, through an extensive review of the literature, a comprehensive overview of the knowledge base regarding the valuation of coastal and marine ecosystem services (ES), placing emphasis on the analysis of both the policy implications of current studies as well as existing challenges. We aim to contribute not only to the role that economic valuation can play in the management of these ecosystems, but also to promote discussion among social and ecological researchers about further research needs. The report aims to serve as a basis to build a common language which is crucial to improve the sustainability of natural resources. |
| Keywords: | Economic valuation, coastal and marine ecosystem, cost-benefit analysis, policy implications, research needs, challenges |
| JEL: | C83 D61 D62 Q51 Q53 Q57 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ubi:deawps:75&r=env |
| By: | Michael Hübler (Institute for Environmental Economics and World Trade, Leibniz Universität Hannover); Oliver Schenker (Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW)); Carolyn Fischer (Resources for the Future (RFF)) |
| Abstract: | This paper studies policy instruments that correct insufficient learning-by-doing (LbD) and research and development (R&D) of renewable electricity technologies and insufficient investments in energy efficiency (EE) in the presence of carbon pricing. The theoretical model analysis shows how to re-adjust the first-best in second-best situations, in which one of the policy instruments is restricted. Calibrated to the European power sector, the first-best choice of all instruments reduces the climate policy cost by one third. Feed-in tariffs turn out to be good substitutes for LbD, but not for R&D or EE subsidies. |
| Keywords: | Second-best, Climate Policy, Energy Policy, Feed-in tariff, Power Sector, EU |
| JEL: | C61 O33 Q48 Q54 Q55 |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.106&r=env |
| By: | Jikun Huang (Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy at Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research); Kaixing Huang (School of Economics, University of Adelaide); Jinxia Wang (School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University) |
| Abstract: | Understanding to what extent agriculture can adapt to climate change and the determinants of farmers' adaptation capability are of paramount importance from a policy perspective, especially for developing countries where agricultural production is potentially most vulnerable to climate change. Based on a panel of household survey data from a large sample in rural China, the present article adopts a panel approach to estimate the potential benefits of adaptation and to identify the determinants of farmers' adaptation capability. Empirical modeling results suggest that, under the most likely climate change scenario, the potential impacts of warming on agricultural profits will be rather mild (8.4 percent) by the end of this century if adaptations are taken into account. In addition, for all potential warming scenarios, adaptations are expected to consistently offset about 50 percent of the potential damages caused by global warming. Finally, households with higher labor and capital intensities are better placed to adapt to global warming. |
| Keywords: | climate change impact, agriculture, adaptation capability |
| JEL: | Q15 Q51 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:adl:wpaper:2016-06&r=env |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Climate change represents an increasing threat to the continued development of the people, preservation of ecosystems, and economic growth of Asia and the Pacific. Mainstreaming climate risk management in all aspects of development is thus key to an effective transition to climate-resilient development pathways. ADB’s climate risk management framework aims to reduce risks resulting from climate change to investment projects in Asia and the Pacific. A key step in this framework is the technical and economic valuation of climate-proofing measures. This report describes the conduct of the cost-benefit analysis of climate proofing investment projects. An important message is that the presence of uncertainty about climate change does not invalidate the conduct of the economic analysis of investment projects, nor does it require a new type of economic analysis. However, the presence of uncertainty does require a different type of decision-making process in which technical and economic expertise combine to present decision makers with the best possible information on the economic efficiency of alternative designs of investment projects. |
| Keywords: | adb projects, asia, pacific, climate change, climate-proofing, risk analysis, climate risks, economic analysis, project design, project implementation, climate risk resilience, infrastructure development, adaptation costs, cost–benefit analysis, risk management, adaptation, economic analysis |
| Date: | 2015–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt157588-2&r=env |
| By: | García-León, David |
| Abstract: | Climate change is a phenomenon beset with major uncertainties and researchers should include them in Integrated Assessment Models. However, including further dimensions in IAM models comes at a cost. In particular, it makes most of these models suffer from the curse of dimensionality. In this study we benefit from a state-reduced framework to overcome those problems. In an attempt to advance in the modelling of adaptation within IAM models, we apply this methodology to shed some light on how the optimal balance between mitigation and adaptation changes under different stochastic scenarios. We find that stochastic technology growth hardly affects the optimal bundle of mitigation and adaptation whereas uncertainty about the value of climate sensitivity and the possibility of tipping points hitting the system change substantially the composition of the optimal mix as both persuade the risk-averse social planner to invest more in mitigation. Overall, we identify that including uncertainty into the model tends to favour (long-lasting) mitigation with respect to (instantaneous) adaptation. Further research should address the properties of the optimal mix when a stock of adaptation can be built. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Adaptation, Mitigation, Dynamic Programming, Uncertainty, Integrated Assessment, DICE, Risk and Uncertainty, C61, D58, D90, O44, Q01, Q54, Q56, |
| Date: | 2016–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemei:232216&r=env |
| By: | Sudo, Tomonori |
| Abstract: | This article aims to identify the current discussion on green growth, and focuses on the role of public finance in promoting a transition towards green growth. Terms such as “green economy” and “green growth” have become popular in international policy discourse as ways of describing recent efforts to improve the environmental performance of the economy. In this article, the definitions offered by several international institutions are compared and some commonalities are identified. The rationale behind green growth can be explained within the framework of the growth theory. Investment is indispensable to the practical promotion of green growth activities. Using Vietnam as a case study, we identify the critical factors for encouraging and enabling green investment. However, further theoretical background should be developed. In particular, pricing on environmental goods and services is a critical challenge for both the theoretical and the practical development of green growth. Further theoretical and practical study on green growth may improve the discussion on the growth theory as well as the development of policies that promote investment in green growth. To deepen the discussion, further case studies need to be collected and analyzed. |
| Keywords: | Green Growth , Growth Theory , Finance , Sustainable Development , Program Loan |
| Date: | 2016–03–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jic:wpaper:118&r=env |
| By: | Ertürk, Mevlüde |
| Abstract: | The aim of the study is to investigate relationship between environmental pollution and economic growth. For this aim, two groups of countries are compared which are developed countries and developing countries. Germany, France, UK and Netherland which are the member of EU are chosen as a developed countries and Brazil, Russia, India and China which are known as BRIC countries are chosen as a developing countries. In this study descriptive statistics are analyzed by data visualization techniques using 2000-2010 period annual data. The results show that the relationship between environmental pollution and economic growth is differentiating based on development level of the countries. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Pollution, Economic Growth, CO2 Emission, Data Visualization |
| JEL: | C1 O4 Q5 |
| Date: | 2016–03–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:69879&r=env |
| By: | Mainul Hoque; Catherine L. Kling (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD)) |
| Abstract: | With the aim of improving water quality, the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy 2014 sets a goal of reducing agricultural non-point-source generated nitrogen load by 41 percent and phosphorus load by 29 percent in Iowa's waterways. The "strategy" describes several land use that could achieve those reductions, such as widespread adoption of conservation practices in farming, land retirement, and wetland restoration that can meet the specified target reduction. The goal of the current study is to identify the range of ecosystem benefits resulting from the conservation practices associated with each of these scenarios and apply a nonmarket valuation method to monetize as many of these co-benefits as possible. The results will inform policymakers and stakeholders regarding the efficiency of the program. |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ias:cpaper:16-wp561&r=env |
| By: | Shafat Hosen (University of Chittagong); Ohidul Alam (University of Chittagong and Tongji University); S. M. Sirajul Haque (University of Chittagong) |
| Abstract: | Deforestation is a major environmental problem in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh, triggered mostly by shifting cultivation. This study was conducted at Barkal Upazila in Rangamati District within the CHTs to explore the effect of shifting cultivation on biological soil properties. It revealed that both fungal and bacterial population were lower in the soil of shifting cultivation land (SCL) than in the soil of natural forest land (NFL). The highest fungal population was found in the subsurface soil at the hill bottoms in NFL, while the lowest fungal population was found in subsurface soil at the hill bottoms in SCL. While there were a variety of fungal genera present in both SCL and NFL soils (including Rhizophus, Asperzillus, Trichoderna, Peniciliium, Colletrotrichum, and Fusarium), the microbial genus of Mucor (which constitutes about 6 species of molds) was found only in NFL soil. It any case, the soil analysis shows that shifting cultivation has resulted in a great biological change in the soil. |
| Keywords: | shifting cultivation, soil property, microbial organisms, development, Bangladesh |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bnr:wpaper:30&r=env |
| By: | Brock, W.; Xepapadeas, A. |
| Abstract: | Polar amplification is an established scientific fact which has been associated with the surface albedo feedback and to heat and moisture transport from the Equator to the Poles. In this paper we unify a two-box climate model, which allows for heat and moisture transport from the southern region to the northern region, with an economic model of welfare optimization. Our main contribution is to show that by ignoring spatial heat and moisture transport and the resulting polar amplification, the regulator may overestimate or underestimate the tax on GHG emissions. The direction of bias depends on the relations between marginal damages from temperature increase in each region. We also determine the welfare cost when a regulator mistakenly ignores polar amplification. Finally we show the adjustments necessary to the market discount rate due to transport phenomena as well as how our two-box model can be extended to Ramsey-type optimal growth models. Numerical simulations confirm our theoretical results. |
| Keywords: | Polar Amplification, Spatial Heat and Moisture Transport, Optimal Policy, Emission Taxes, Market Discount Rate, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q54, Q58, |
| Date: | 2016–03–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:232717&r=env |
| By: | David I. Stern (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University); Jeremy van Dijk (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, Australia) |
| Abstract: | Though the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) was originally developed to model the ambient concentrations of pollutants, most subsequent applications focused on pollution emissions. Yet, previous research suggests that it is more likely that economic growth could eventually reduce the concentrations of local pollutants than emissions. We examine the role of income, convergence, and time related factors in explaining changes in PM2.5 pollution in a global panel of 158 countries between 1990 and 2010. We find that economic growth has positive but relatively small effects, time effects are also small but larger in wealthier and formerly centrally planned economies, and, for our main dataset, convergence effects are small and not statistically significant. There is no in-sample income turning point for regressions that include both the convergence variables and a set of control variables. |
| Keywords: | air pollution; economic growth; environmental Kuznets curve |
| JEL: | O44 Q53 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:ccepwp:1604&r=env |
| By: | Tagliapietra, Simone |
| Abstract: | Energy efficiency is one of the key crossroads between energy, climate and economic issues. In fact, it represents one of the most cost effective ways to enhance security of energy supply, to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to enhance economic competitiveness at one fell swoop. This paper explores the potential for energy efficiency gains in Turkey, a country characterized by a strong growth in energy demand and by a strong need of better security of supply, emissions reduction and economic competitiveness. |
| Keywords: | Energy Efficiency, Turkey, Sustainability, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q41, Q43, Q48, |
| Date: | 2016–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemes:232217&r=env |
| By: | Feser, Daniel; Bizer, Kilian; Rudolph-Cleff, Annette; Schulze, Joachim |
| Abstract: | During recent international climate negotiations like in Paris 2015, the European Union agreed to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Policy-makers target the residential sector as a major user of fossil energy because potential to improve the energy efficiency in existing houses is observable. Energy audits have been implemented to offer information to homeowners within the aim of reducing the uncertainty concerning energetic refurbishment. Nevertheless, the impact of energy efficiency consultants (EECs) on retrofit measures is described as low in the literature. We conducted an online survey on German EECs, emphasizing their personal attitudes and contextual conditions, analyzing the implementation of an exploratory energy audit and providing recommendations for improving energy audits. The EECs answered the questions regarding the personal factors in a highly confident way. We explain this using the market framework in Germany, which requires a high-level performance due to the competition on the EEC market. The contextual conditions are evaluated critically, with about 49% expressing concerns about acquiring and managing financial resources for energy audits. The case study showed that EECs recommend innovative technologies to a limited degree, while the upfront costs are estimated very low. Finally, in the survey, the respondents prioritized an information policy improvement. |
| Keywords: | energy audits,change agents,energy policy,diffusion of innovation |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:cegedp:275&r=env |
| By: | Nicholas Z. Muller; Paul Ruud |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) maintains networks of pollution monitors for two basic purposes: to check and enforce the attainment of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and to provide useful data for studying pollution and its effects. These purposes imply conflicting criteria for the locations of a limited number of monitors. To check the attainment of standards, monitors are placed where pollution levels are highest. Monitors are not required where standards have always been met and there are no new pollution sources. To provide useful data for studying pollution and its effects, monitors are placed to observe outcomes under a variety of pollution levels. This study asks the following questions. What factors affect when a monitor is retired from the network? What drives the decision to add a new site? What causes year-to-year changes in the number of monitors? We tackle these questions with a particular focus on the role of regulatory compliance and pollution levels in the context of monitors for tropospheric ozone (O3). Using a panel dataset of monitors in the contiguous US spanning the years 1993 to 2011, we find that peak O3 readings in the prior period are significantly associated with the regulator’s decision of whether to add or to drop a monitor in the following period. While compliance with the NAAQS for O3 is not consistently associated with network composition, compliance with the PM2.5 NAAQS does appear to affect changes to the network. |
| JEL: | C23 C25 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:21966&r=env |
| By: | Roberto Roson (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari); Richard Damania (The World Bank, Washington DC) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we consider some of the economic implications of climate change scenarios as described in the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). By comparing potential water demand with estimates of (sustainable) water availability in different regions, we identify regions that are likely to be constrained in their future economic growth potential by the scarcity of water resources. We assess the macroeconomic impact of water scarcity under alternative allocation rules finding that, by assigning more water to sectors in which it has a higher value, shifting production to less water intensive sectors, and importing more water intensive goods, constrained regions can effectively neutralize these water related climate risks and adapt to a changing water environment. However, this adaptation effort is likely to imply some radical changes in water management policies. |
| Keywords: | Water, Economic Growth, Shared Socio-economic Pathways, Computable General Equilibrium, Virtual Water Trade |
| JEL: | C68 F18 F43 O11 Q01 Q25 Q32 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2016:07&r=env |
| By: | Jabbar, Mohammad A.; Mal, Bhag; Ghodake, Raghunath |
| Abstract: | In order to provide background information about the current policies, strategies, priorities as well as current capacities and trends of investment in agricultural research and innovation to support sustainable development in countries of Asia and the Pacific, a structured questionnaire was sent to 25 countries seeking a brief status report. Twenty-two countries responded of which, based on GDP per capita at current prices in 2014, 5 countries were classified as high income, 7 as medium income and 10 as low income. Responses revealed that major policies that have implications for agricultural research in these countries include food security/food supply, productivity improvement, sustainable natural resources management, sustainable development or sustainability, competiveness and market development, rural development, rural income generation and livelihood. Specific meaning and implication of each of the above policies vary across income groups and countries. Among the strategies adopted to implement the policies include two broad categories: one is related to research and technology transfer and the other is related to building organization, market development, and regulations. There are differences between countries and income groups in terms of specific strategies adopted. Among the main focus and priority areas for research and development, top on the list is a broad area encompassing global warming/ climate change/ natural resources management/environment, which is common across income groups. Other areas include frontline research and innovation, strengthening market/value chain/competiveness, stability of food supply/commodity supply, establishment of advanced facilities/services/infrastructure, problems of producers/industry. There are differences between income groups in terms of importance of focus areas. Agricultural research and innovation is primarily a public sector activity in nearly all the countries; in high income countries private sector, NGOs and farmer associations also play some role. Precise information on levels of investment and their sources were not available. However, available cursory information suggests that agricultural research is under-funded and under-invested. Climate change, environmental problems and their consequences are perceived as the most important challenges facing the countries across all income groups. Other perceived challenges fall into two broad categories - technology for productivity improvement and market development, and research staff, facilities and laboratories. All the countries have ongoing plans built on past achievements to address future challenges. It is recommended that in discussion on future agenda and priorities, in addition to the above issues, consideration should be given to alignment with sustainable development goals agenda, the increasing importance of livestock sub-sector in the region, the need for strengthening research-policy-end user partnerships and interactions, and the need for stronger collaboration within regional bodies like the ASEAN and SAARC. |
| Keywords: | agricultural research, objectives and strategies, investment, sustainable development, Asia-Pacific, APAARI, Agricultural and Food Policy, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Q1, Q16, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ilrirr:232475&r=env |
| By: | Pench, Alberto |
| Abstract: | The paper addresses the problem of information asymmetry between a regulator and the polluting firms and proposes a very simple mechanism where the regulator is free to choose, without communicating in advance to the firms, between two instruments: an effluent fee or a standard: as a result in a real world setting this uncertainty might induce firms to a truthful revelation. Moreover, under the assumption of linear marginal abatement or marginal social damage functions, in many cases the resulting optimal behaviour might be an under reporting for some firms and an over reporting for others so that the resulting marginal aggregate benefit function might be not so far from the true one and the aggregate pollution level attained by the mechanism not so far from optimal. |
| Keywords: | Effluent Fee, Standards, Asymmetric Information, Truthful Revelation, Public Economics, H23, Q5, |
| Date: | 2016–03–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemet:232718&r=env |
| By: | Gaël Plumecocq (LEREPS - Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche sur l'Economie, les Politiques et les Systèmes Sociaux - Institut d'Études Politiques [IEP] - Toulouse - UT1 - Université Toulouse 1 Capitole - UT2 - Université Toulouse 2 - École Nationale de Formation Agronomique - ENFA, AGIR - AGrosystèmes et développement terrItoRial - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA)); Jean-Pierre Del Corso (LEREPS - Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche sur l'Economie, les Politiques et les Systèmes Sociaux - Institut d'Études Politiques [IEP] - Toulouse - UT1 - Université Toulouse 1 Capitole - UT2 - Université Toulouse 2 - École Nationale de Formation Agronomique - ENFA); Charilaos Kephaliacos (LEREPS - Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche sur l'Economie, les Politiques et les Systèmes Sociaux - Institut d'Études Politiques [IEP] - Toulouse - UT1 - Université Toulouse 1 Capitole - UT2 - Université Toulouse 2 - École Nationale de Formation Agronomique - ENFA) |
| Abstract: | Pour préserver les ressources environnementales, la puissance publique dispose traditionnellement de deux instruments permettant d’infléchir les comportements économiques : l’incitation financière, qui consiste à indemniser les coûts liés à la préservation de l’environnement ; la réglementation, qui passe par la mise en œuvre de règles ou de normes juridiques coercitives (Bürgenmeier, 2008). Cependant, la capacité de ces deux instruments à influencer durablement les comportements des acteurs dépend de leur durée et de leurs modalités d’application. Le risque est, en effet, que lorsque la puissance publique abandonne l’incitation ou lorsque les contrôles réglementaires se relâchent, les comportements reprennent leurs cours habituel (Dobson, 2007). Les dispositifs de politique publique que nous étudions, ici des Mesures Agro-Environnementales (MAE), ont un caractère incitatif. La nature de leur mise en œuvre rend ces dispositifs particulièrement intéressants en ce qui concerne l’évaluation de leur efficacité environnementale. Les MAE sont des contrats volontaires entre agriculteurs et pouvoirs publics aux termes desquels les agriculteurs sont financièrement incités à adopter des pratiques davantage respectueuses des ressources naturelles. Elles reposent sur des modalités de mise en œuvre leur permettant de s’adapter aux contextes locaux d’application (zones fragiles). Leur pilotage et leur animation sont confiés aux relais habituels des politiques publiques agricoles en région (collectivités locales, chambres d’agriculture, syndicats, etc.) ou plus exceptionnellement, comme c’est le cas dans notre étude, à des coopératives agricoles. Cette délégation de services traduit le rôle accru que peuvent jouer des acteurs privés dans la mise en œuvre de programmes publics liés à des enjeux environnementaux. Dans notre étude, les coopératives et les agriculteurs qui ont contractualisé sont partie prenante d’une démarche visant à limiter les impacts négatifs des pratiques agricoles sur la qualité de l’eau. Pour leur participation à l’animation générale des MAE, les coopératives perçoivent une aide financière de la puissance publique (État français et Union européenne). Ainsi, l’efficacité des MAE dépend ici pour une part essentielle, de l’action de ces coopératives auprès des agriculteurs et notamment de leur capacité à les convaincre d’adopter des pratiques alternatives aux traitements chimiques (recours à des moyens de désherbage mécanique par herse étrille, révision des plans d’assolement et introduction de légumineuses dans les rotations, lutte raisonnée contre les ennemis des cultures, etc.). Évaluer l’efficacité de l’action de ces coopératives dans le processus de changement de pratiques agricoles, comme nous avons l’objectif de le faire dans le cadre de ce chapitre, n’est cependant pas simple. D’abord, le conseil agricole est une activité dont il est difficile de mesurer l’efficacité. La nature immatérielle des échanges donne en effet peu de prise aux évaluations quantitatives (Gadrey, 1996), ou à la formalisation d’un lien causal entre conseil et changement des pratiques. De plus, les stratégies des coopératives peuvent être guidées par des logiques d’accompagnement des agriculteurs et de marchandisation (Goulet, 2011) plus ou moins conciliables entre elles. Les objectifs de préservation de l’environnement peuvent être contradictoires avec les conditions de rentabilité de l’activité économique des coopératives. En conseillant les agriculteurs de limiter leur consommation d’intrants, elles se privent en effet de rentrées financières qui peuvent être nécessaires à leur équilibre économique. L’indemnisation reçue par les coopératives pour la réalisation du suivi technique des agriculteurs contractants peut néanmoins contribuer à désamorcer cette tension potentielle et favoriser l’expérimentation d’autres stratégies, comme par exemple la mise en place de prestations de conseil payant. Ces prestations peuvent alors compenser la diminution du chiffre d’affaires résultant d’une baisse des ventes d’intrants agricoles . Partant des éléments de ce contexte, nous proposons d’analyser et de comparer les stratégies de conseil déployées par deux coopératives agricoles de la région Midi-Pyrénées spécialisées en grandes cultures pour accompagner des agriculteurs dans des démarches MAE. L’une de ces coopératives a fait le choix de confier l’accompagnement de ces dispositifs à des conseillers exclusivement dédiés à cette tâche. L’autre a décidé de le déléguer aux conseillers de secteur habituellement chargés du suivi technico-commercial des agriculteurs. Nous comparerons les deux stratégies de conseil sous l’angle des apprentissages individuels et collectifs générés chez les agriculteurs dans chacune des deux coopératives à l’occasion de cette démarche MAE. Dans les deux cas, nous focaliserons notre attention sur les relations entre conseillers et agriculteurs et plus spécifiquement sur la nature des savoirs et des connaissances échangés. Notre intention est d’examiner en quoi et comment chacune des deux stratégies contribue à transformer les raisons d’agir (i.e. la rationalité) des acteurs impliqués et, par ce biais, à favoriser l’adoption de pratiques davantage économes en intrants chimiques. Une telle entreprise suppose de se doter d’une grille théorique permettant de décomposer les éléments constitutifs de la relation de conseil mise en œuvre dans le cadre des MAE et saisir les transformations de pratiques qui en résultent. Dans une première section nous présentons notre cadre théorique. Celui-ci s’appuie sur les approches de l’économie des services (Gadrey, 1992) et sur le modèle habermassien de l’agir communicationnel (Habermas, 1976, 1981, 1983). Ce deuxième cadre théorique nous sert à rendre en compte de l’influence des échanges discursifs entre conseillers et agriculteurs sur la production et la transformation des savoirs sous-jacents à la rationalité des acteurs. Dans une seconde section, nous appliquons ce cadre théorique aux expériences des deux coopératives de la région Midi-Pyrénées. Nous appréhendons les relations discursives entre les conseillers des coopératives et les agriculteurs adhérents ayant contractualisé une MAE au travers d’entretiens réalisés auprès de ces deux catégories d’acteurs. Ces entretiens ont fait l’objet d’un traitement au moyen de méthodes lexicométriques (Benzécri, 1973 ; Reinert, 1993 ; Lebart et Salem, 1994). Dans une troisième section, nous comparons l’efficacité de chacune des deux stratégies de conseil mises en œuvre par les coopératives. Cette efficacité est appréciée au regard de leur capacité à générer de nouvelles références agronomiques, à renouveler les modalités d’exercice du métier d’agriculteur et plus largement à restructurer les normes de l’action agricole. |
| Keywords: | Conseil agricole, Politiques publiques, Coopératives, Délibération collective, Agir communicationnel, Confiance, Apprentissages |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01286905&r=env |
| By: | Margaretha Breil (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and CMCC); Cristina Cattaneo (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and CMCC); Katie Johnson (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and CMCC) |
| Abstract: | In defining the transition towards a post-carbon future, understanding the needs and determinants for policy priorities in different types of cities will help tailor a common roadmap that can be adopted under various socio-economic contexts. This paper provides an analysis of results collected in a participatory scenario building exercise undertaken within a research project on post-carbon urban futures (Post-Carbon Cities of Tomorrow, POCACITO). It is based on local workshops organised in nine European case study cities, which employed a three-step methodology consisting of an initial assessment, vision building and backcasting exercises. All exercises had a strong focus on the inclusion of stakeholders. Comparison of outcomes from the visions and scenarios resulting from these workshops provides insights on the drivers that determine different priorities in policy action for cities working to transition toward post-carbon futures. Results from the case study cities show similar elements in the strategies proposed by stakeholders, focusing primarily on urban projects for energy efficiency and the transition to non-fossil energy resources. However, the specific mix of strategies envisaged for each city has been influenced by local issues, such as the geographical location or the size, as well as different points of departure with regards to emission reductions and sustainability strategies already achieved. |
| Keywords: | Post-carbon, Visions, Scenarios, Transition, Sustainability |
| JEL: | Q50 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2015.102&r=env |
| By: | Achyuta Adhvaryu; Prashant Bharadwaj; James Fenske; Anant Nyshadham; Richard Stanley |
| Abstract: | Dust pollution in West Africa increases infant and child mortality. Employing differences in differences, we make three contributions. First, using data from 12 poor countries, we highlight the vulnerability of people with few resources, fragile health, and limited capacity to adopt avoidance behavior. Second, we examine prenatal and post-natal parental investment responses, and show evidence consistent with compensating behaviors. However, despite these efforts, the health of surviving children is still adversely affected. Third, we investigate differential impacts over time and across countries. We find declining effects over time, implying in the absence of reductions in dust itself that societies are adapting in some way. Using national-level measures of macroeconomic conditions and public health resources, we find suggestive evidence that both economic development and public health improvements have contributed to this adaptation, with health improvements seemingly playing a stronger role. |
| Keywords: | Dust; Infant Mortality; West Africa; Adaptation |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:csa:wpaper:2016-03&r=env |
| By: | Cecere, Grazia; Rexhäuser, Sascha; Schulte, Patrick |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to shed light on the role of technological opportunities for green innovation by studying the case of Green ICT innovation. We test two hypotheses: (1) Firms active in low-opportunity technological areas are less innovative; (2) Firms active in low-opportunity technological areas are more likely to change their direction of technical change. To do so, we construct a firm-level panel data set for the years 1992-2009 combining patent data from the European Patent Office with firm-level data from the German Innovation Panel (Mannheim Innovation Panel). The results are based on dynamic count data estimation models applying General Methods of Moments estimators. Our results support our hypotheses: firms active in low-opportunity technological areas are less innovative but are more likely to switch from pure ICT innovation to Green ICT innovation. |
| Keywords: | technological opportunities,innovation,information and communication technology (ICT),green ICT,firm-level patent data,dynamic count data model |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:zewdip:15091&r=env |
| By: | Acemoglu, Daron; Akcigit, Ufuk; Hanley, Douglas; Kerr, William R. |
| Abstract: | We develop a microeconomic model of endogenous growth where clean and dirty technologies compete in production and innovation–in the sense that research can be directed to either clean or dirty technologies. If dirty technologies are more advanced to start with, the potential transition to clean technology can be difficult both because clean research must climb several rungs to catch up with dirty technology and because this gap discourages research effort directed towards clean technologies. Carbon taxes and research subsidies may nonetheless encourage production and innovation in clean technologies, though the transition will typically be slow. We characterize certain general properties of the transition path from dirty to clean technology. We then estimate the model using a combination of regression analysis on the relationship between R&D and patents, and simulated method of moments using microdata on employment, production, R&D, firm growth, entry and exit from the US energy sector. The model’s quantitative implications match a range of moments not targeted in the estimation quite well. We then characterize the optimal policy path implied by the model and our estimates. Optimal policy makes heavy use of research subsidies as well as carbon taxes. We use the model to evaluate the welfare consequences of a range of alternative policies. |
| Keywords: | carbon cycle, directed technological change, environment, innovation, optimal policy |
| JEL: | O30 O31 O33 C65 |
| Date: | 2015–12–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bof:bofrdp:urn:nbn:fi:bof-201512101465&r=env |
| By: | Gaël Plumecocq (LEREPS - Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche sur l'Economie, les Politiques et les Systèmes Sociaux - Institut d'Études Politiques [IEP] - Toulouse - UT1 - Université Toulouse 1 Capitole - UT2 - Université Toulouse 2 - École Nationale de Formation Agronomique - ENFA, AGIR - AGrosystèmes et développement terrItoRial - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA)) |
| Abstract: | En 1989, la Revue Economique publiait un numéro spécial consacré à l'Economie des conventions. La même année paraît le premier numéro de la revue Ecological Economics. Ces deux évènements sont évidemment indépendants. Economie des conventions et Economie écologique se construisent pourtant sur un constat identique : la science économique standard s'avère incapable de répondre aux défis sociaux posés dans le domaine économique. Pour les uns, elle s'avère « cohérente, à défaut d'être pertinente » (Favereau, 1989, p. 274), notamment en raison de son incapacité à penser les règles qui encadrent les multiples formes d'accord interindividuel ; pour les autres, « les paradigmes économiques actuels ont de sérieuses difficultés dans leur manière d'appréhender les ressources naturelles » (Costanza et Daly, 1987, p. 1-2, notre traduction). Cette contribution a pour ambition de mettre en évidence des points de convergence entre Economie écologique et Economie des conventions. J'examinerai plus particulièrement deux niveaux d'interaction conceptuelle pour lesquels l'Economie des conventions apporte des éclairages sur les problèmes écologiques, après avoir présenté le contexte intellectuel dans lequel se positionne le courant de l'Economie écologique. D'abord, à un niveau à la fois épistémologique et ontologique, la connaissance des systèmes socio-écologiques, par nature complexes, donne lieu à de multiples perspectives (y compris scientifiques) légitimes. Ensuite, le fonctionnement de ces systèmes complexes génère des incertitudes radicales qui rendent les décisions collectives problématiques. Dans ces deux cas, l'Economie des conventions fournit des pistes de travail intéressantes, en permettant (i) d'éclairer la formation d'équivalences dans les représentations comme base informationnelle de l'action collective, et (ii) de comprendre les manières dont les individus agissent (rationnellement) dans des univers dominés par des formes radicales d'incertitude. Ces deux pistes seront esquissées tour à tour dans les sections suivantes. |
| Keywords: | Economie des conventions, Olivier Favereau, Economie écologique |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01286914&r=env |
| By: | Robert Costanza (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University - Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University); Richard B. Howarth (Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College - Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College); Ida Kubiszewski (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University - Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University); Shuang Liu (CSIRO - Land & Water National Research Flagship); Chunbo Ma (School of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Western Australia - School of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Western Australia); Gaël Plumecocq (LEREPS - Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche sur l'Economie, les Politiques et les Systèmes Sociaux - Institut d'Études Politiques [IEP] - Toulouse - UT1 - Université Toulouse 1 Capitole - UT2 - Université Toulouse 2 - École Nationale de Formation Agronomique - ENFA, AGIR - AGrosystèmes et développement terrItoRial - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA)); David I. Stern (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University - Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University) |
| Abstract: | We revisit the analysis of Costanza et al. (2004, Ecological Economics) of influential publications in ecological economics to discover what has changed a decade on. We examine which sources have been influential on the field of ecological economics in the past decade, which articles in the journal Ecological Economics have had the most influence on the field and on the rest of science, and on which areas of science the journal is having the most influence. We find that the field has matured over this period, with articles published in the journal having a greater influence than before, an increase in citation links to environmental studies journals, a reduction in citation links to mainstream economics journals, and possibly a shift in themes to a more applied and empirical direction. |
| Keywords: | Bibliometrics , Ecological economics |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01286862&r=env |
| By: | Teng Ma (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University); Kenji Takeuchi (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University) |
| Abstract: | We investigate the impact of policy measures to reduce SO2 emissions during 11th Five-Year Plan of China (2006-2010). By using a provincial-level panel data set, we find that installation of the flue-gas desulfurization equipment and closure of small coal- fired power plants contributed to a statistically significant reduction in SO2 emissions. While estimation results suggest that these two policy measures played an important role in reducing SO 2 emissions in China during this period, the size of the estimated coefficients shows that the effects might have been weaker than those predicted by ex-ante cost-benefit analysis. |
| Keywords: | SO2; Air pollution; Panel data; China; 11th Five-Year Plan. |
| JEL: | L94 P28 Q53 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:koe:wpaper:1609&r=env |
| By: | Markandya, Anil; De Cian, Enrica; Drouet, Laurent; Polanco-Martìnez, Josué M.; Bosello, Francesco |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes an operationally simple and easily generalizable methodology to incorporate climate change damage uncertainty into Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs). Uncertainty is transformed into a risk-premium, damage-correction, region-specific factor by extracting damage distribution means and variances from an ensemble of socio economic and climate change scenarios. This risk premium quantifies what society would be willing to pay to insure against the uncertainty of the damages, and it can be considered an add-up to the standard “average damage”. Our computations show the addition to be significant, but highly sensitive to the coefficient of relative risk aversion. Once the climate change damage function incorporates the risk premium into the model, results show a substantial increase in both mitigation and adaptation, reflecting a more conservative attitude by the social planner. Interestingly, adaptation is stimulated more than mitigation in the first half of the century, while the situation reverses afterwards. Over the century, the risk premium correction fosters more mitigation, which doubles, than adaptation, which rises by about 80%. |
| Keywords: | Risk, Uncertainty, Climate, Adaptation, Mitigation, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q2, Q3, D8, D9, D62, |
| Date: | 2016–03–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemei:232719&r=env |
| By: | Nerhagen, Lena (VTI) |
| Abstract: | The Swedish government, despite a possible value conflict with the ambitious Swedish climate mitigation objectives, has stated that tourism development is an important basis for economic growth, not least in rural areas. This paper explores how the Swedish policy making system, and ambitious environmental and traffic safety objectives, influence transport investment planning at the regional level. Our point of reference for evaluating the system is the work with good regulatory policy advocated by the OECD and used by the EU. The main finding is that the Swedish government and parliament lack a strategic “whole-of-government approach” to sustainable transport development. There are many principles and objectives with good intentions established at the national level that are incompatible in practice. The conflicts that follow are handed down to lower government levels to solve with best wishes. The problem with this type of management is the “tragedy of the commons.” Without clear guidance, individuals (and administrations) acting independently and rationally based on self-interests are likely to behave contrary to the best interests of the whole group (society). Making choices based on a more holistic assessment of impacts and benefits and costs could help to prevent this kind of outcome. However, from the data collected it appears that many investments are undertaken without being assessed due to the lack of government instructions on regulatory impact assessment. Other investments are undertaken despite having a negative net benefit. One reason for this is specific instructions given by the government that points to certain investments. Another reason seems to be the Vision Zero policy established by the parliament. In recent years this policy has been a strong driver of improvements of the road system. Seen from an environmental perspective, the unwanted consequence of the priorities made is that state roads become faster and safer and thereby a more attractive alternative to other travel modes. Seen from a regional development and tourism perspective, this may have diverted resources away from investments that would have yielded a greater benefit to the tourism industry in “rural” areas. |
| Keywords: | Sustainable transport; Tourism; Multi-level-governance; Regulatory impact assessment |
| JEL: | H77 R42 |
| Date: | 2016–03–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:ctswps:2016_004&r=env |
| By: | Strand,Jon |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the scope for market mechanisms, already established for greenhouse gas mitigation in Annex 1 countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol, for implementing"net mitigation,"defined here as mitigation beyond Annex 1 countries'formal mitigation requirements under the Kyoto Protocol. Such market mechanisms could be useful for establishing and extending greenhouse gas mitigation targets also under the Paris Agreement from December 2015. Net mitigation is considered in two possible forms: as a"net atmospheric benefit,"or as an ?own contribution? by offset host countries. A main conclusion is that a ?net atmospheric benefit? is possible at least in the short run, best implemented via stricter baselines against which offsets are credited; but it can also take the form of offset discounting whereby offset buyers are credited fewer credits. The latter, although generally inefficient, can be a second-best response to certain imperfections in the offset market, which are discussed in the paper. There is less merit for claiming that"own contributions"can lead to additional mitigation under existing mechanisms. |
| Keywords: | Carbon Policy and Trading,Climate Change Economics,Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases,Environmental Economics&Policies,Markets and Market Access |
| Date: | 2016–03–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7594&r=env |
| By: | Holden, Stein T. (Centre for Land Tenure Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences); Tilahun, Mesfin (Mekelle University) |
| Abstract: | Youth unemployment and migration is a growing challenge that needs more political attention in many countries in the world, particularly countries with rapid population growth and economic transformation. Proactively mobilizing the youth as a resource in the creation of sustainable livelihoods can potentially be a win-win-win solution that Ethiopia is currently attempting with its new youth employment strategy and high ambitions to transform the country’s economy into a Green Economy. If it succeeds, it can set an example for other countries in the world to follow. This paper gives and overview of the youth program and the basic ideas and challenges. |
| Keywords: | Youth; youth migration; unemployment; area exclosures; common property resource management; environmental custodians; collective action; business model. |
| JEL: | J08 J21 M13 Q15 Q23 |
| Date: | 2016–03–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:nlsclt:2016_006&r=env |
| By: | Schwarz, Jana; Schuster, Monica; Annaert, Bernd; Maertens, Miet; Mathijs, Erik |
| Abstract: | The sustainability of food value chains is an increasing concern for consumers, food companies and policy-makers. Global food chains are often perceived to be less sustainable than local food chains. Yet, thorough food chain analyses and comparisons of different food chains across sustainability dimensions are rare. In this article we analyze the local Belgian and global Peruvian asparagus value chains and explore their sustainability performance. A range of indicators linked to environmental, economic and social impacts is calculated to analyze the contribution of the supply chains to economic development, resource use, labour relations, distribution of added value and governance issues. Our findings suggest that none of the two supply chains performs invariably better and that there are trade-offs among and between sustainability dimensions. Whereas the global chain uses water and other inputs more intensively and generates more employment per unit of land and higher yields; the local chain generates more revenue per unit of land. |
| Keywords: | local food value chains, global food value chains, food trade, asparagus, sustainability, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Production Economics, Q01, Q17, |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:kucawp:232594&r=env |
| By: | Morag MacPherson (Division of Computing Sciences and Mathematics, University of Stirling); Nick Hanley (Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews) |
| Abstract: | Invasive pests and diseases are a growing threat to agricultural crops, livestock and forests worldwide. In this report, we look at the contribution that economics can make to developing policies to counter the risks of such pests and diseases. First, though, we review some of the evidence on the nature of this problem. |
| Keywords: | invasive species; pests and diseases; agriculture; forests; zoonotic; transferable externality. |
| JEL: | Q01 Q18 Q23 Q54 Q57 |
| Date: | 2015–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sss:wpaper:2016-02&r=env |
| By: | Magali Dauvin; David Guerreiro |
| Abstract: | Since Sachs and Warner’s seminal paper in 1995, a conventional wisdom has spread in the academic literature stating that a high endowment in natural resources may be detrimental for growth. The great heterogeneity of development paths followed among resource-rich countries has shown that the resource curse was not always inevitable, and that there existed ways to make the most of one’s natural wealth. We identified three sources of heterogeneity in the literature: the use of abundance and intensity measures, the account for appropriability aspects of resources and finally, the role of institutions. In this paper, we aim at providing quantitative results on the magnitude of the link between natural resources and growth found in the literature, as well as discussing, on quantitative bases, whether the sources of heterogeneity are significant. To this end, we implement a meta-analysis based on 67 empirical studies that investigate the link between natural resources and growth, totaling 1405 estimates. The results show a "soft" curse that may be reverted together with the importance of institutions in mitigating the curse. |
| Keywords: | Meta-analysis; Resource Curse; Natural Resources; Appropriability; Institutions. |
| JEL: | C82 O11 O13 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:drm:wpaper:2016-14&r=env |
| By: | Beblavý, Miroslav; Hájková, Alžbeta |
| Abstract: | This paper looks at the difference between the levels and nature of social policy expenditure in northern and northwest European countries and the countries of southern, central, and eastern Europe, and examines the relationship between social investment and state capacity in these country groupings. The authors show that southern and eastern countries have a much greater preference for ‘compensating’ rather than ‘capacitating’ social policy spending. Furthermore, the state capacity in these countries is lower, which generates less state revenue. Based on these observations they conclude that low state capacity and low state revenue go hand in hand with the preference for capacitating social policies, as these policies involve less delegation and discretion than social investment policies. This paper shows that high state capacity is probably a necessary precondition for effective social investment policies, although some limited alternative paths do exist. |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eps:cepswp:11350&r=env |
| By: | Victor Lavy; Analia Schlosser; Adi Shany |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the effects of environmental conditions during pregnancy on later life outcomes using quasi-experimental variation created by the immigration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel in May 24th 1991. Children in utero prior to immigration faced dramatic differences in medical care technologies, prenatal conditions, and prenatal care at the move from Ethiopia to Israel. One of the major differences was adequacy of micronutrient supplements, particularly iodine, iron and folic acid. We find that children exposed in an earlier stage of the pregnancy to better environmental conditions in utero have two decades later higher educational attainment (lower repetition and dropout rates and higher Baccalaureate rate) and higher education quality (achieve a higher proficiency level in their Baccalaureate diploma). The average treatment effect we estimate is driven mainly by a strong effect on girls. We find however, no effect on birth weight or mortality for girls. |
| JEL: | I1 I2 J13 O15 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:21894&r=env |
| By: | Michal Bernad Pietrzak (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland); Adam P. Balcerzak (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland) |
| Abstract: | Implementation of a concept of sustainable development is currently considered as a dominant paradigm for plans and programs of economic policy at regional, national and international levels. It can be seen in the case of most significant documents that are used as the guidelines for strategic planning in the European Union such as a Europe 2020 plan. This implies the need for constant monitoring of the progress achieved in this area by the European Union countries with application of quantitative tools. The main objective of the research is to assess the progress achieved by the new member states in the field of implementing the concept of sustainability. The analysis is focused on the socio-economic sphere at a macroeconomic level in the years 2004, 2008 and 2012. In the analysis Eurostat data is used. Sustainable development should be treated as a multi-dimensional phenomena. As a result, a concept of taxonomic measure of development was applied here. This method, proposed by Zdzis³aw Hellwig, is a useful tool for economic research. The main value of the Hellwig’s proposals relates to its cognitive values in explaining economic reality, methodological simplicity and flexibility in its application. The tool can be used to analyze most of economic complex phenomena. |
| Keywords: | Hellwig’s method, pattern of development, multivariate analysis, taxonomy, Socio-Economic Sustainable Development |
| JEL: | Q01 C38 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pes:wpaper:2016:no5&r=env |
| By: | Simone Borghesi (University of Siena, Department of International and Political Sciences, Italy); Andrea Flori (IMT Institute for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy) |
| Abstract: | In this work, we investigate which countries have been more central during Phases I and II of the European Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) with respect to the different types of accounts operating in the system. We borrow a set of centrality measures from Network Theory's tools to describe how the structure of the system has evolved over time and to identify which countries have been in the core or in the periphery of the network. In doing this, we investigate by means of extensive partitions on the different types of accounts and transactions characterizing the EU ETS whether the role of intermediaries (approximated by Person Holding Accounts - PHAs) has affected the overall structure of the system. Preliminary findings over the period 2005-2012 suggest that PHAs have played a prominent role in the transaction of permits, heavily influencing the configuration of the system. This motivates further research on the impact of non-regulated entities in the EU ETS design. |
| Keywords: | Emission Trading, EU ETS, European Union Transaction Log (EUTL) data, Account and Transaction Types, Network Analysis, Centrality Measures |
| JEL: | C45 D85 L14 Q48 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.08&r=env |
| By: | Ahlfeldt, Gabriel; Möller, Kristoffer; Waights, Sevrin; Wendland, Nicolai |
| Abstract: | We develop and test a simple theory of the conservation area designation process in which we postulate that the level of designation is chosen to comply with interests of local homeowners. Conservation areas provide benefits to local homeowners by reducing uncertainty regarding the future of their area. At the same time, the restrictions impose a cost by limiting the degree to which properties can be altered. In line with our model predictions we find that an increase in preferences for historic character by the local pop-ulation increases the likelihood of a designation, and that new designations at the margin are not associat-ed with significant house price capitalisation effects. |
| Keywords: | Designation; Difference-in-Differences; England; Gentrification; Heritage; Property Value |
| JEL: | H23 H31 R40 R58 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:11146&r=env |
| By: | Malischek, Raimund (Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitaet zu Koeln (EWI)); Tode, Christian (Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitaet zu Koeln (EWI)) |
| Abstract: | Despite the central role of the Hotelling model within the theory of nonrenewable resources, tests of the model are rarely found. If existent, these tests tend to ignore two key features, namely market power and exploration. We therefore suggest an extension of the basic Hotelling framework to incorporate exploration activity and market power and propose an implicit price behavior test of the model to indicate whether firms undergo inter-temporal optimization. When applied to a newly constructed data set for the uranium mining industry, the null hypothesis of the firm optimizing inter-temporally is rejected in all settings. However, parameter estimates of the model still yield valuable information on cost structure, resource scarcity and market power. Our results suggest that the shadow price of the resource in situ is comparably small and may be overshadowed by market power, which may serve as an explanation for the firm failing to optimize inter-temporally. |
| Keywords: | hotelling rule; resource economics; resource scarcity; dynamic optimization; exploration; market power; Hausman Test; |
| JEL: | D92 L13 L72 Q31 |
| Date: | 2015–05–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:ewikln:2015_001&r=env |
| By: | Noy, Ilan; duPont IV, William |
| Abstract: | The long-term economic impact of natural disasters is a subject that is highly debated among scholars. Several factors should be taken into consideration: These include the type and severity of natural disaster, the underlying wealth of the economy, and the total area of country impacted. Additionally, the way that researchers choose to define long-term impact, look at direct and indirect damage, and the availability of data also matters. Regardless of the method used there is still not a clear consensus concerning the long-term economic consequences of disasters. To discuss the long-term economic impact of natural disasters, one must first define impact. A common way to determine this impact is to compare the economy post disaster to the level it was at prior to the disaster. Some researchers argue that an economy has recovered when it returns to pre-disaster levels. This approach can be useful when comparing the impact in the short-term; however when analyzing the long-term impact it becomes problematic. Economies are constantly changing, and over long periods of time these changes will accumulate. Therefore one of the biggest challenges for researchers is to estimate what the level the economy would be at had the natural disaster not occurred. The way in which researchers go about doing this, can have a large impact on the results they find. Researchers have not reached consensus concerning the long-term consequences to natural disasters. Several authors have found very little to no impact, of natural disasters in the long-term, especially when using country level data. There have been some notable exceptions. Poor countries as well as small island nations have been found to be less resilient in the long-term. Studies using data collected at regional and local, have found a much more nuanced set of results regardless of wealth, income, or size. |
| Keywords: | Economic impact, Long-run, Long-term growth, Recovery, Socio-economic, Natural disasters, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vuw:vuwecf:4981&r=env |