|
on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Alessandro Ferrari (Bank of Italy); Valerio Nispi Landi (Bank of Italy) |
| Abstract: | We study the effects of a temporary Green QE, defined as a policy that temporarily tilts the central bank's balance sheet toward green bonds, i.e. bonds issued by firms in non-polluting sectors. To this purpose, we merge a standard DSGE framework with an environmental model, in which detrimental emissions increase the stock of pollution. Imperfect substitutability between green and brown bonds is a necessary condition for the effectiveness of Green QE. While a temporary Green QE is an effective tool in mitigating detrimental emissions, it has limited effects in reducing the stock of pollution, if pollutants, such as CO2, stay in the atmosphere for a long time. The welfare gains of Green QE are positive but small. Welfare gains are larger if the flow of emissions negatively affects the utility of households. |
| Keywords: | central bank, monetary policy, quantitative easing, climate change |
| JEL: | E52 E58 Q54 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdi:wptemi:td_1320_21&r=all |
| By: | Abbruzzese, Matteo; Infante, Davide; Smirnova, Janna |
| Abstract: | The paper investigates the environment-energy-growth relationship by exploring a panel data on 30 European economies for the period 1995-2015. We start by exploring traditional relation between environmental pollution expressed in green houses gases emissions as a whole (Kyoto Basket) as well as their three main components, carbon dioxide (CO2), dioxide of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and per capita income extending the model by considering the role of renewable energy sources (RES). Our results, based on both fixed effects and instrumental variable methodology, demonstrate that traditional U-shape environment-growth relationship that holds for European countries is strongly influenced by the presence of RES through the shift of the turning point to higher per capita income levels. Moreover, the estimates show that with the increase of per capita consumption based on RES, environmental pollution tends to decrease in different measures, in according to the specific pollutant. As argued in the economic literature, the increase in consumption from renewable sources may generate a substitution effect, which mostly influences nuclear energy rather than fossil fuels, leading to increasing the income level of the turning point. Our results show that this increase could be due to the endogenous nature of income and to omitted variables distortion, thus revealing the true turning point. This would suggest that the process of energy transition, through the diffusion of low-emission energy sources, should accelerate to produce significant impact on pollution reduction. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Kuznets Curve; economic growth; Kyoto basket; energy renewable sources; European Countries |
| JEL: | O33 Q42 Q55 Q56 |
| Date: | 2020–05–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:106247&r=all |
| By: | Babtunde Abidoye (United Nations Development Programme); Sahan Dissanayake (Portland State University); Sarah Jacobson (Williams College) |
| Abstract: | We introduce an interactive game exploring ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, with a focus on technology adoption and uncertainty. The game is useful in academic classes and trainings for policymakers and stakeholders. Participants play the role of small-scale farmers in a developing country where their farming practices cause erosion that pollutes waterways, while at the same time climate change is making farmers more vulnerable to natural threats like flooding. The game gives participants a series of opportunities to adopt ecosystem-based adaptation practices: for example, a riparian buffer strip, low-till farming, and agroforestry. The practices differ in the uncertainty surrounding their effects on yields. The game deploys three policies to encourage adoption: a flat payment, a conservation auction, and a flat payment with a pilot bonus for early adoption. Players observe each other’s choices and outcomes, which allows for social learning. Participants get a hands-on understanding of climate change’s impacts, adaptation, ecosystem services, payment for ecosystem service programs, choice under uncertainty, social learning, adoption of new technology, learning spillovers, cost-effective conservation, and conservation auctions. We provide all materials necessary to run the game, a list of suggested readings, and ideas for discussions and assignments. |
| Keywords: | classroom game, climate change adaptation, ecosystem-based adaptation, payments for ecosystem services, technology adoption, uncertainty |
| JEL: | A20 D80 Q16 Q54 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021–01–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wil:wileco:2021-03&r=all |
| By: | Paulo de Sa; Jane Korinek |
| Abstract: | A more resource efficient and circular economy will help to decouple global economic growth from natural resource use, decrease environmental degradation and improve energy efficiency. Existing circular economy policies have been largely focused at the national level. However, trade policies can promote greater resource efficiency and circularity by enabling economies of scale in recycling; by ensuring regulatory coherence between different frameworks for recyclable material; and by helping to address the problem of exports to countries without adequate recycling facilities.The vast majority of trade in end-of-life material ‒ waste and scrap ‒ is in metallic material. Recycling metallic waste and scrap means less mining of non-renewable resources, and producing the most commonly used metals from recycled material uses 60-97% less energy than producing them from mined material. Moreover, demand for some minor metals and minerals, such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements (REE) used in energy storage, wind turbines and other environmental goods is projected to increase sharply as the global economy strives to become more carbon-neutral. Recycling these low-volume minerals will become urgent. Trade in these recovered materials will be particularly important in order to allow economies of scale for recycling operations as technologies evolve. |
| Keywords: | Energy storage, Export restrictions, Rare earth elements, Raw materials, Recycling, Waste and scrap |
| JEL: | Q1 Q2 Q37 Q38 Q56 |
| Date: | 2021–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaab:245-en&r=all |
| By: | Ichsan Anwary (Lambung Mangkurat University); Yahya Ahmad Zein (Borneo Tarakan University) |
| Abstract: | Regulations and policies regarding environment and green and environment friendly innovations play an important role in the reduction in pollution and to make the environment clean to live a better life. In this regard, people play a critical part by following these policies and regulations and by promoting the green innovations. The current study has been designed with the aim to find out and investigate the impact of environmental regulations, green innovation, and social distribution on the environmental sustainability of ASEAN countries. Therefore, the data for the study has been gathered from ASEAN countries covering the period of 29 years. The accuracy of the results obtained by the analysis of data collection has been ensured by the collection of data from World Bank Development Indicators and Global Economy. Various tests and techniques have been applied on the collected data such as panel unit root test, panel cointegration test, FMOLS coefficient estimation and Granger Casualty test. The result obtained by the analysis indicated that all the independent (environmental regulations, green innovation, and social distribution) and control variables (per capita income and human development) have significant impact on environmental sustainability. Moreover, the researcher also found the casual relationships between various variables of the study. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Regulations,Green Innovation,Social Distribution,Environmental Sustainability,ASEAN Countries |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03121036&r=all |
| By: | Kumagai, Junya; Wakamatsu, Mihoko; Hashimoto, Shizuka; Saito, Osamu; Yoshida, Takehito; Yamakita, Takehisa; Hori, Keiko; Matsui, Takanori; Oguro, Michio; Aiba, Masahiro; Shibata, Rei; Nakashizuka, Tohru; Managi, Shunsuke |
| Abstract: | Recently, natural capital has gained the attention of researchers and policymakers to promote sustainability. Previous studies have investigated the value of ecosystem services with respect to specific areas or species. Other studies have investigated the value of various types of ecosystem services and natural capital by integrating a number of findings using meta-analyses at the global level. Although these studies have provided information on either the global value of natural capital or the local value of specific subjects, there is little evidence on the country-specific values of natural capital in Japan, which will provide useful information for national environmental policies. We investigated the perceived values of terrestrial and marine natural capital in Japan using internet surveys and payment card methods. Data on various natural forms of capital were collected in a unified format and comparable manner. We found that some explanatory variables, such as perceived importance and visit frequency, as well as sociodemographic characteristics, are significant drivers of the willingness to pay (WTP), which maintains each aspect of natural capital. In addition, we conducted future predictions of terrestrial and marine natural capital using a scenario developed in a previous study. Our results indicate that Japan should follow a population dispersed scenario for the sustainable management of natural capital up to 2050. |
| Keywords: | terrestrial natural capital; marine natural capital; willingness to pay; future prediction; sustainable development goals |
| JEL: | Q5 |
| Date: | 2021–01–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:106239&r=all |
| By: | Hynes, Stephen; Chen, Wenting; Vondolia, Kofi; Armstrong, Claire; O’Connor, Eamonn |
| Abstract: | Habitat loss and degradation are recognised as the most important causes of species decline and extinction in marine ecosystems. It is also widely recognised that a range of restoration actions are now essential to halt further decline. From a policy perspective, demonstration that restoration activity is in the interest of society is an important goal. In this paper, the welfare impacts of restoring Norwegian kelp forests to areas where they once were dominant but which now lie barren are estimated using the discrete choice modelling approach. The paper also examines if more direct contact with the environmental good under investigation influences respondents’ willingness to pay to restore ecosystem features. The results indicate a positive and significant marginal societal willingness to pay for the ecosystem services associated with kelp forest restoration. The enhanced biodiversity levels as a result of the restoration activity are the most highly valued by the Norwegian public although the size of the area restored is more highly valued by respondents who are active marine environment users. It is argued that without incorporating these non-market values into the decision making process marine policy decisions may be made that are not in fact in the best interest of society. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309505&r=all |
| By: | Tsakiridis, Andreas; O’Donoghue, Cathal; Hynes, Stephen; Kilcline, Kevin |
| Abstract: | This paper uses an environmentally extended input-output model of the Irish economy to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and economic output multipliers in 2010 for two aquatic (aquaculture products and sea fisheries) and five land-based livestock products (beef and veal, sheep meat, pig meat, poultry meat, and dairy products). Moreover, the Global Value Chain (GVC) framework is adopted to qualitatively understand the structure of Irish food sectors and identify segments of the food value chains with the greatest emissions efficiency and economic potential. Aquaculture is found to have the highest output multiplier and a low to medium carbon footprint compared to pastoral livestock products (beef and veal, sheep meat, dairy). The direct and indirect economic benefits of the aquaculture sector along with the relatively low carbon footprint suggest that additional benefits from an expansion of Ireland’s aquaculture sector can be gained. However, aquaculture is energy intensive, and therefore production requires the efficient use of energy and resources and the employment of low carbon technologies that strengthen aquaculture’s sustainability. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309507&r=all |
| By: | Norton, Daniel; Hynes, Stephen; Buckley, Cathal; Ryan, Mary; Doherty, Edel |
| Abstract: | Agricultural ecosystems provide a number of services that add greatly to the wellbeing of society. The most obvious services provided are the many forms of farm produce that are purchased and consumed. These ‘provisioning services’ are traded in established markets and their price often provides an indication of their value to society. Agroecosystems also generate many ecosystem services and disservices which are not valued by any established market. These non-market beneficial ecosystem services from agricultural landscapes include carbon sequestration, regulation of soil fertility and landscape and cultural services such as recreational opportunities on farmland. Disservices include nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. This paper provides an initial assessment of the value of Ireland’s agroecosystem services and disservices. Hydrological catchment units provide the spatial boundaries for case studies and an ecosystem service framework known as the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) is used to identify the relevant ecosystem services and disservices. A variety of indicators are employed to measure the level of ecosystem service or disservice generated. The values (or costs) of a number of ecosystem services are estimated and the contribution of Irish Agricultural in terms of ecosystem service benefits to society is found to be substantial. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309504&r=all |
| By: | Jorge Martinez-Vazquez (International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University, USA) |
| Abstract: | There are still many countries around the world that have not effectively engaged their subnational governments in their climate change strategies and policy frameworks. Where subnational levels are involved, generally they still play a relatively small role. This paper examines how the principles of fiscal decentralization design (in expenditure and revenue assignments, transfers, and borrowing) can be adapted for successfully engaging subnational governments in fighting climate change. In addition, the paper critically reviews already ongoing promising and unhelpful international practices engaging those subnational governments in climate-change mitigation. Shared responsibility for policy and program design and implementation, fee- or charge-funded adaptation activities, objective-targeted intergovernmental transfers, and the use of green bonds are some of the most promising approaches analyzed. Clearly, there is ample space ahead for the further involvement of subnational governments across the world in combating climate change. |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ays:ispwps:paper2105&r=all |
| By: | Immaculate Maumoh; Emmanuel H. Yindi |
| Abstract: | Knowledge is known to be a pre-condition for an individuals behavior. For the most efficient informational strategies for education, it is essential that we identify the types of knowledge that promote behavior effectively and investigate their structure. The purpose of this paper is therefore to examine the factors that affect Kenyan farmers, environmental citizenship behavior (ECB) in the context of Adaptation and mitigation (Climate smart agriculture). To achieve this objective, a theoretical framework has been developed based on value belief norm (VBN) theory. Design/methodology/approach, Data were obtained from 350 farmers using a survey method. Partial lease square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the hypothetical model. The results of PLS analysis confirm the direct and mediating effect of the causal sequences of the variables in the VBN model. The moderating role of Environmental knowledge has been seen to be impactful in Climate Smart Agriculture. |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2102.12378&r=all |
| By: | Richard S.J. Tol (Department of Economics, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom) |
| Abstract: | Video discussion of stochastic frontier analysis of the impact of climate and weather on economic output. |
| Keywords: | climate change, stochastic frontier analysis, weather, video |
| JEL: | Q54 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sus:susvid:2108&r=all |
| By: | Damien Bazin (Université Côte d'Azur; GREDEG CNRS); Sylvie Ferrari (Université de Bordeaux; GREThA, CNRS); Richard B. Howarth (Dartmouth College; GREThA, CNRS) |
| Abstract: | This paper addresses how environmental ethics might be incorporated into economic analysis and in particular how Hans Jonas’ Imperative of Responsibility may provide useful insights into the analysis of sustainability issues. The challenges of environmental and social sustainability in terms of inter-generational fairness are analysed and involve a moral duty that is applicable to economic governance. The paper also explores to what extent responsibility, as an alternative to utilitarianism and as a principle facilitating the coordination of the agents involved, may be a first step towards the long-term and sustainable conservation of Nature. |
| Keywords: | Environmental ethics, intergenerational fairness, responsibility principle, self-binding behaviour, sustainability |
| JEL: | Q01 Q20 Q32 Q57 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gre:wpaper:2021-05&r=all |
| By: | Tarufelli, Brittany L. |
| Abstract: | U.S. electricity markets vary by region and imperfectly overlap with regional climate policies. Although emissions leakage across emissions-regulated and -unregulated areas may depend on regional market design, and the extent of trading between market designs, previous studies of leakage from regional climate policies have focused on market power and market efficiency within only a centralized region following market rules. I develop a theoretical model which considers a second-best problem where a climate policy to correct for a negative externality from carbon emissions can be distorted by another market failure from the market design itself. My model allows for several types of non-overlapping climate policies and electricity market designs, and generates leakage predictions for these combinations. |
| Date: | 2021–02–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:x96ge&r=all |
| By: | McGrath, Luke; Hynes , Stephen |
| Abstract: | Natural capital accounting allows for the integration of our natural assets within economic and political decision making, can improve natural resource governance and permits the development of environmentally adjusted macroeconomic indicators to serve as complements to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (UN SEEA) is the accepted international standard for natural capital accounting, providing a framework for organizing and presenting statistics on the environment and its relationship with the economy. This paper details different approaches to natural capital accounting, all related to the SEEA framework, currently being undertaken across Ireland. We discuss the relationship between natural capital accounts and sustainable development measurement and provide recommendations for future work in these areas. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Financial Economics |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309501&r=all |
| By: | Yuris Danilwan (Politeknik Adiguna Maritim Indonesia); Dewi Budhiartini Yuli Isnaini (Amir Hamzah University); Ikbar Pratama (Universitas Medan Area); Dirhamsyah Dirhamsyah (Politeknik Adiguna Maritim Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | Organizations have faced pressure from their stakeholders to adopt environmentally friendly business practices since the last few decades, which creates a major problem in front of their management to sustain their position in the highly competitive market. In order to retain its strategic image among the stakeholders' minds, there is a need to develop some green practices in its human resources department that boost its sustainability. In this paper, there is a brief description regarding how these green HRM bundles caused a major impact on environmental sustainable performance. Its independent variables are; green hiring, green training & involvement, and green performance management & compensation. While organizational citizenship behavior acts as a mediator between independent and dependent variables. An online survey-based quantitative data collection method is used where 402 participants' data is considered to apply the SPSS test i.e. structural equation modelling. The majority of the participants' results show that green performance management & compensation cause a major influence on organizational citizenship behavior and environmental sustainable performance. While green hiring has, the least impact and green training & involvement show the moderate outcome on the dependent and mediating variable. This study is an informative approach for the Indonesian healthcare sector and its management to make some efficient changes in its HR policies, and also this data will add value in the decision making process of this state policymakers and other research fellows. Indeed, this is important research, but there are also some limitations like lack of mixed research, and Indonesia state-based restricted research can affect the acceptability of this analysis. This gap can fulfill by upcoming scholars in their research journals. |
| Keywords: | Green Hiring,Green Training & Involvement,Green Performance Management & Compensation,Organizational Citizenship Behavior,Environmental Sustainable Performance |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03121058&r=all |
| By: | Naef, Alain |
| Abstract: | This paper details the nature of the equity holdings of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and estimates its carbon footprint. By analysing SNB holdings in the 100 most polluting companies in the world, I find that the share of assets owned by the SNB is responsible for at least a quarter of Switzerland’s domestic CO2 emissions. This represents as much as the greenhouse gas emissions of all Swiss households combined or 0.05% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Using two different estimation methods, I find that the SNB’s portfolio generates between 12 and 20 million metric tons of CO2 per year. This could be reduced by 99.7% with an investment reallocation of just 2% of the equity portfolio of the SNB. |
| Date: | 2020–12–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:epb2m&r=all |
| By: | Duho, King Carl Tornam; Senan Charlie Carine, Bonou |
| Abstract: | Climate change continues to be a critical issue of concern across the globe. In Africa, the vulnerability and exposure to climate risk are very high although African countries do not contribute to emissions as compared with developing countries in other continents. We argued that to effectively achieve the low carbon and climate-resilient development, Africa must use appropriate diversified financial instruments, have a long-term plan, implement a systemic approach and provide support based on each country’s needs. We also explore some critical issues on climate finance, carbon pricing and other related issues within a lens of an Africa which is making strides towards a continent-wide free trade area. |
| Date: | 2021–02–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:h3jdq&r=all |
| By: | Lael Brainard |
| Date: | 2021–02–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedgsq:89927&r=all |
| By: | Philippe Le Coent (BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM)); Raphaële Préget (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - UMR 5211 - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Sophie Thoyer (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - UMR 5211 - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | This article analyses the role played by social norms in farmers' decisions to enroll into an agri-environmental scheme (AES). First, it develops a simple theoretical model highlighting the interplay of descriptive and injunctive norms in farmers' utility functions. Second, an empirical valuation of the effect of social norms is provided based on the results of a stated preference survey conducted with 98 wine-growers in the South of France. Proxies are proposed to capture and measure the weight of social norms in farmers' decision to sign an agri-environmental contract. Our empirical results indicate that the injunctive norm seems to play a stronger role than the descriptive norm. |
| Keywords: | Voluntary contribution to a public good,Social norms,Behaviour,Farmers,Payments for environmental services |
| Date: | 2020–12–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03124390&r=all |
| By: | Ren\'e A\"id; Sara Biagini |
| Abstract: | We consider the problem of reducing the carbon emissions of a set of firms over a finite horizon. A regulator dynamically allocates emission allowances to each firm. Firms face idiosyncratic as well as common economic shocks on emissions, and have linear quadratic abatement costs. Firms can trade allowances so to minimise total expected costs, from abatement and trading plus a quadratic terminal penalty. Using variational methods, we exhibit in closed-form the market equilibrium in function of regulator's dynamic allocation. We then solve the Stackelberg game between the regulator and the firms. Again, we obtain a closed-form expression of the dynamic allocation policies that allow a desired expected emission reduction. Optimal policies are not unique but share common properties. Surprisingly, all optimal policies induce a constant abatement effort and a constant price of allowances. Dynamic allocations outperform static ones because of adjustment costs and uncertainty, in particular given the presence of common shocks. Our results are robust to some extensions, like risk aversion of firms or different penalty functions. |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2102.12423&r=all |
| By: | Frédéric LE MANACH; Mialy ANDRIAMAHEFAZAFY; Nadège LEGROUX; Laure QUENTIN |
| Abstract: | While marine ecosystems play a major role in the regulation of climate and our Planet's ability to cope with climate change, they are also critical for providing food, livelihood, and income to billions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, they face increasing threats due to anthropic activities. In many regions, various types of agreements have historically organized and commodified the access to the resources of the Exclusive Economic Zones of coastal States to distant-water fishing nations. These longstanding commercial mechanisms can take the form of either private agreements between a State and a fishing company, public agreements between two States, or joint ventures between two companies. They are used by a variety of industrialized fishing countries and blocs such as the European Union, the USA, Russia, Japan, and China to access fisheries resources in the waters of the Global South. In Europe, these fishing agreements most often take the form of “public access agreements”, i.e. agreements that are negotiated between a coastal State (e.g. Senegal or Madagascar) and the European Commission, on behalf of the European fleets. These public fishing access agreements have become an integral part of the Common Fisheries Policy, granting EU vessels access to the bountiful waters of Africa, and, to a much lower extent, Oceania. Unlike for other fishing nations such as Russia, Turkey or China — whose severe impacts on local ecosystems and coastal communities are suspected but poorly documented — the analysis of European public fishing access agreements is facilitated by a relatively high level of transparency and data availability. This paper examines and questions global fishing access agreements through the lens of the public agreements established between the European Union and African countries. Specifically, we contextualize the property and management of marine resources at sea, and provide some of the most up-to-date information regarding the state-of play of EU public fishing access agreements. The notion of “surplus”, which is at the heart of many global fishing agreements, is also explored and challenged. We conclude our analysis with three avenues for researchers and policy makers: i) the development of more complex, multi-user regional models as the scientific basis for fishing access agreements, ii) the need to increase research investments and transparency in order to develop such models, and iii) an improvement in monitoring, control and surveillance necessary to drive practices in the Global South towards more sustainability and equity. |
| JEL: | Q |
| Date: | 2021–02–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:en12139&r=all |
| By: | Meqbel Mishary Aliedan (KFU - King Faisal University) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the impact of overall business climate on the environmental sustainability factor by specifically considering the ASEAN countries named as Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. This paper fills the gap of the previous researches by majorly considering the trade openness, competitiveness and ease of doing business as independent variables, environmental sustainability as a dependent variable, while GDP and inflation are studied as controlling variables. All the variables data are collected from the country's official sites over the period of 2000-2015. The long-run equilibrium relationship between the tested variables is confirmed by Kao and Pedroni based panel cointegration tests. According to the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) results, the trade openness, ease of doing business, and GDP cause a significant negative influence on the environmental sustainability within the selected states as compared to competitiveness based independent variables. This paper is an informative approach in front of their state's business community, government, policymakers, natives, and other related ones to consider the negative influence of overall business climate on the environment. In addition, there are some limitations like if industrialization and population growth are considered as controlling variables then more significant and authentic outcomes will be generated. |
| Keywords: | Trade Openness,Competitiveness,Ease of Doing Business,GDP,Inflation,Environmental Sustainability |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03121009&r=all |
| By: | Ahearne, Alan; Hynes, Stephen |
| Abstract: | The Programme for Government commits “to prioritising the development of the marine.” This paper identifies the three global economic developments that we believe will most affect the performance of Ireland’s ocean economy industries in the near- and medium-term: (1) the COVID-19-related recession, (2) Brexit, and (3) the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our objective is to provide background and contextual information for marine policymakers in strategic planning for the sector over the next decade. In particular, we aim to inform the policy debate about how best Government can meet the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop “a new integrated marine sustainable development plan, as a successor to Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, focusing on all aspects of the marine, with a greater focus on sustainability and stakeholder engagement.” |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrrr:309531&r=all |
| By: | Deely, John; Hynes, Stephen |
| Abstract: | Flood reduction infrastructure is a vital aspect of many urban and peri-urban areas. To date, the majority of flood reduction projects use traditional “grey” materials and techniques. However, the use of blue-green infrastructures (BGI) is becoming more popular. This paper explores residents’ preferences for BGI or grey infrastructure projects to reduce flood risk. A discrete choice experiment using a split sample methodology was employed to determine if residents of the Carlingford Lough catchment in Ireland prefer either type of infrastructure to reduce flood risk. A random parameter logit was applied to the data. The results reveal that for the average person, they have a preference for flood risk reduction resulting in a flooding event once every 25 years rather than once every five years. The average respondent also holds a preference for BGI based solutions as opposed to a grey infrastructure solution. However, respondent living in a flood-prone area show no greater preference for a BGI solution. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309506&r=all |
| By: | Philippe Mahenc (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - UMR 5211 - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Alexandre Volle (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres) |
| Abstract: | We explore the interplay between price signaling and independent monitoring for communicating information about the credence attribute of a good, such as environmental quality. We augment the standard model of price signaling allowing consumers to use the results of noisy monitoring as a complementary source of information. We show that monitoring restores the credibility of price signaling by saving partly or fully the signaling cost borne by green rms to deter cheating. A key reason for this is that monitoring compensates for the lack of information resulting from arbitrary beliefs based on surprising prices. The more accurate monitoring, the cheaper price signaling. The signaling behavior of green rms also depends on their number. We determine which proportion of rms choose to improve environmental quality. |
| Keywords: | credence good,fraud,monitoring,signaling. |
| Date: | 2021–01–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpceem:hal-03098440&r=all |
| By: | Hynes, S.; Ankamah-Yeboah, I.; O’Neill, S.; Needham, K.; Bich Xuan, B.; Armstrong, C. |
| Abstract: | In this study the discrete choice experiment approach was employed in a survey of the Scottish general public to analyse how respondents make trade-offs between blue growth potential and marine ecosystem service delivery associated with the Mingulay cold water reef complex. Results indicate a higher willingness to pay for management options associated with the highest possible levels of marine litter control followed by the highest possible levels of fish health. Using entropy balancing, a multivariate reweighting method to produce balanced samples in observational studies, we also test the impact that having watched the BBC Blue Planet II documentary series may have had on individuals’ willingness to support marine conservation activity. Whether or not respondents had seen the BBC Blue Planet II series was found to have a significant impact on people’s preferences. Despite this, the willingness to pay (WTP) does not differ between the two groups suggesting that such documentaries may impact preferences but not the final action of WTP. It is argued that the entropy weighting approach can be a useful tool in discrete choice modelling when the researcher is concerned with estimating differences in preferences between a group of interest and a comparison group. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Institutional and Behavioral Economics |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309500&r=all |
| By: | Rickels, Wilfried; Peterson, Sonja |
| Abstract: | Most states have implemented quite strict measures designed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus among their populations. For most sectors, these measures have resulted in a significant reduction of economic activity, output, and hence also output-related emissions. Commitment to these measures, apparently regardless of the economic costs involved, is considered by some people to be a blueprint for the commitment required to mitigate climate change and to achieve the Paris climate targets. However, when it comes to devising an efficient climate policy, the differences between the two crises—cororonavirus and climate change—need to be taken more seriously than the similarities. Alarming have been the various calls to put a quick end to corona prevention measures and the restrictions they place on public and economic activity, indicative as they are of the priority accorded to high discount rates and the absence of precautionary thinking among policy-makers. Both the differences between the two crises themselves and the similarities in the reluctance to focus on achieving (more) long-term benefits emphasize once again the need for long-term commitment to climate policies in line with agreed targets. |
| Keywords: | climate policy,carbon prices,economic recovery,corona virus,lock-down |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkie:228774&r=all |
| By: | Guojun He (Division of Social Science, Division of Environment and Sustainability, and Department of Economics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology); Yuhang Pan (Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay,Hong Kong); Takanao TANAKA (Division of Social Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong) |
| Abstract: | Accurately estimating the effect of air pollution on COVID-19 transmission requires researchers to account for the epidemiological characteristics, deal with endogeneity, and capture the dynamic impact of air pollution. To do so, we propose a new econometric framework by combining the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered-Deceased model, the Instrument Variable model, and the Flexible-Distributed-Lag model. Using data covering all Chinese cities, we find that a 10-point increase in the Air Quality Index would lead to a 2.80 percentage point increase in the daily COVID-19 growth rate with 2 to 13 days of delay, implying that improving air quality can help slow the COVID-19 spread. |
| Date: | 2020–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hku:wpaper:202180&r=all |
| By: | Emmanuel H. Yindi; Immaculate Maumoh; Prisillah L. Mahavile |
| Abstract: | -It has considered almost 30 years since the emergence of e-commerce, but it is still a global phenomenon to this day. E-commerce is replacing the traditional way of doing business. Yet, expectations of sustainable development have been unmet. There are still significant differences between online and offline shopping. Although many academic studies have conducted on the adoption of various forms of ecommerce, there are little research topics on East African countries, The adoption of B2C e-commerce in East African countries has faced many challenges that have been unaddressed because of the complex nature of e-commerce in these nations. This study examines the adaptation of B2C in East Africa using the theory of diffusion of innovation. Data collected from 279 participants in Tanzania were used to test the research model. The results show that awareness, infrastructure innovation and social media play a significant role in the adoption of e-commerce. Lack of good e-commerce policy and awareness discourages the adoption of B2C. We also examine how time influences the adaptation of B2C e-commerce to the majority. So, unlike previous adoption studies, which have tended to focus on technology, organizational, and environmental factors, this study guides the government on how to use social media to promote B2C e-commerce. |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2102.11729&r=all |
| By: | Chris Kenyon; Mourad Berrahoui |
| Abstract: | We introduce Climate Change Valuation Adjustment (CCVA) to capture climate change impacts on XVA that are currently invisible assuming typical market practice. To discuss such impacts on XVA from changes to instantaneous hazard rates we introduce a flexible and expressive parameterization to capture the path of this impact to climate change endpoints, and transition effects. Finally we provide quantification of examples of typical interest where there is risk of economic stress from sea level change up to 2101, and from transformations of business models. We find that even with the slowest possible uniform approach to a climate change impact in 2101 there can still be significant XVA impacts on interest rate swaps of 20 years or more maturity. Transformation effects on XVA are strongly dependent on timing and duration of business model transformation. Using a parameterized approach enables discussion with stakeholders of economic impacts on XVA, whatever the details behind the climate impact. |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2102.10691&r=all |
| By: | Burdett, Ashley; Davillas, Apostolos; Etheridge, Ben |
| Abstract: | To reduce infection rates during the first UK wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, a first lockdown was announced on March 23, 2020, with a final easing of the restrictions on July 4, 2020. Among the most important public health costs of lockdown restrictions are the potential adverse effects on mental health and physical activity. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and Google COVID-19 Mobility Reports we find evidence of reduced park mobility during the initial period of the first UK lockdown and confirm existing evidence of worsening psychological wellbeing. Linkage with weather data shows that contrary to popular belief, weather conditions do not exacerbate the mental health consequences of the pandemic, while we find systematic links between park mobility and weather over the same period. Our results highlight the importance of promoting the existing guidelines on regular exercise during winter lockdowns. |
| Date: | 2021–02–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ese:iserwp:2021-02&r=all |
| By: | Burdett, A.; Davillas, A.; Etheridge, B. |
| Abstract: | To reduce infection rates during the first UK wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, a first lockdown was announced on March 23, 2020, with a final easing of the restrictions on July 4, 2020. Among the most important public health costs of lockdown restrictions are the potential adverse effects on mental health and physical activity. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and Google COVID-19 Mobility Reports we find evidence of reduced park mobility during the initial period of the first UK lockdown and confirm existing evidence of worsening psychological wellbeing. Linkage with weather data shows that contrary to popular belief, weather conditions do not exacerbate the mental health consequences of the pandemic, while we find systematic links between park mobility and weather over the same period. Our results highlight the importance of promoting the existing guidelines on regular exercise during winter lockdowns. |
| Keywords: | COVID-19; mental health; mobility; weather conditions; |
| JEL: | I12 C23 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:yor:hectdg:21/03&r=all |
| By: | Kono, Tatsuhito; Okuno, Masaya; Yamaura, Kazuho |
| Abstract: | This paper constructs an evacuation decision-making model that takes cognitive dissonance into consideration. The purpose of this construction is to clarify the psychological mechanism for the evacuation behavior of residents during an emergency, based on Akerlof and Dickens (1982). Specifically, we empirically explore people’s psychological mechanism (e.g. cognitive dissonance) for evacuation behavior when a tsunami disaster occurs. As a result, we show that the level of anxiety depends on the area where residents live and that the average anxiety of residents is mostly correlated to the level of damage of past disasters, and that it is affected also by the ages of residents. Since the level of anxiety largely affects an individual’s evacuation behavior, this result can indicate for what kinds of people intervention and assistance are required based on the level of anxiety. |
| Keywords: | Disaster mitigation, Cognitive dissonance, Evacuation behavior |
| JEL: | D03 R0 |
| Date: | 2020–02–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:106245&r=all |
| By: | Mariam Maki Sy (MARBEC (Université de Montpellier, IRD, Ifremer, CNRS), Montpellier, France.); Charles C. Figuières (Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, AMSE, Marseille, France); Helene Rey-Valette (Université de Montpellier, Centre d’Economie de l’Environnement – Montpellier (CEE – M) (Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro), France.); Richard B Howarth (Environmental Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA) |
| Abstract: | This paper describes an empiric study of aggregation and deliberation used during citizens' workshops for the preference elicitation of 20 different ecosystem services (ESs) delivered by the Palavas coastal lagoons located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea close to Montpellier (S. France). The impact of deliberation for the preference elicitation of 20 different ecosystem services (ESs) was studied by gathering and aggregating individual preferences before deliberation that were compared to the collective aggregation after deliberation. The same aggregation rules were used before and after deliberation and we compared two different aggregation methods, i.e. Rapid Ecosystem Services Participatory Appraisal (RESPA) and Majority Judgement (MJ). RESPA had been specifically tested for ESs, while MJ evaluates the merit of each item, an ES in our case, in a predefined ordinal scale of judgment. The impact of deliberation was strongest for the RESPA method. This new information acquired from application of social choice theory is particularly useful for ecological economics studying ES, and more practically for the development of deliberative approaches for public policies. |
| Keywords: | ecosystem services, preference elicitation, non-monetary methods, deliberation, social choice theory, coastal lagoons |
| JEL: | D71 Q57 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aim:wpaimx:2107&r=all |
| By: | Di Foggia, Giacomo |
| Abstract: | Low-carbon economy roadmaps aim to reduce transport emissions by relying, at least to some extent, on electric vehicles. The uptake of electric vehicles on a mass scale requires the simultaneous adoption of such vehicles for private and commercial purposes. Although literature regarding the private sphere is consistent, there is comparatively less empirical research seeking to explain the factors that enable and hinder the uptake of electric vehicles at a commercial level at which fleet managers have a prominent role. Based on an empirical survey conducted in Italy, this paper investigates the role of technical and financial information in fleet managers’ procurement decision-making. Results suggest a lack of awareness regarding technical characteristics of vehicles, given that 59% of the fleet managers surveyed scored low to medium. Furthermore, a misalignment related to the expected investment payback period was observed, considering that 49% declared that they expect a payback period within three years. Given that exposure to electric vehicles within fleets constitutes an incentive for private purchase, well-designed policies for corporate fleets’ electrification would lead to remarkable growth of the electric vehicles market. |
| Date: | 2021–02–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:b3e56&r=all |
| By: | Talat Genc (Department of Economics and Finance, University of Guelph, Guelph ON Canada); Pietro De Giovanni (LUISS University) |
| Abstract: | We consider behavioral issues in a new dynamic model in which a manufacturer (M) makes pricing and green investment decisions while facing heterogeneous customers including emotional, conscious, and rational consumers. Emotional consumers base their purchasing decisions on M's green investments. Their emotions are stochastic, dynamic, and accumulate over time. The investment is made over time and is subject to time-to-build so that there is a time-lag between investment and production. Differently, conscious consumers respond to both green investments and prices and have no memory on M's past green initiatives. The rational consumers are not sensitive to environmental issues and base their decisions only on product price. Our findings suggest that M should have a careful look to the emotional consumers, who have the largest impact on investments, prices, and profits. Therefore, firms should first think to satisfy the emotional consumers and then all other segments. When firms have environmental targets or restrictions, all segments must be satisfied independent of their impact on the profits. This finding contributes to the literature by highlighting that the trade-off between economic and environmental performance exists also in presence of consumer segments. |
| Keywords: | Green product investment; Consumer heterogeneity; Uncertainty; Skimming strategy; Penetration strategy. |
| JEL: | D01 D91 D4 L11 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gue:guelph:2021-01&r=all |
| By: | McGrath, Luke; Hynes, Stephen; McHale, John |
| Abstract: | Economic historians have examined economic development in terms of growth for decades. However, only limited research has examined historical economic development from the vantage of sustainable development. Genuine Savings (GS) has emerged as a leading economic indicator of sustainable development. This study reassesses Ireland’s economic development by analysing GS estimates that span the entire history of the Irish Free State from 1922-2017 as well as notional estimates back to 1851, just after Ireland’s “Great Famine”. The findings provide empirical support for the view that Ireland’s economic performance was held back by an archaic institutional framework that prevented a convergence to modern living standards during the European Golden Age. The results amplify the sharp contrast between pre1960s and post-1960s economic performance noted in the traditional literature on Ireland’s economic history. The study shows that Ireland might be viewed as “a land of missed opportunities” before it underwent a “great transition” driven by an improved institutional framework. Ireland’s great transition paved the way for the sharp relative welfare improvement during the Celtic Tiger period of the 1990s. Ireland offers novelty in relation to the GS literature having undergone two distinct development phases before economic convergence. The first phase from 1960-80 represented a typical weakly sustainable path. The second phase from 1987-2007 represented an Environmental Kuznets Curve type path. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309502&r=all |
| By: | Miria A. Pigato; Simon J. Black; Damien Dussaux; Zhimin Mao; Miles Mckenna; Ryan Rafaty; Simon Touboul (CERNA i3 - Centre d'économie industrielle i3 - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres) |
| Date: | 2020–03–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03109951&r=all |
| By: | Simplice A. Asongu (Yaounde, Cameroon); Omang O. Messono (Dschang, Cameroon); Keyanfe T. J. Guttemberg (Yaoundé, Cameroon) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this article is to analyze the effect of the political empowerment of women on vulnerability to climate change in 169 countries for the period 1995-2017. The empirical evidence which is based on panel fixed effects regressions shows that: i) the political empowerment of women as well as its components (i.e. civil liberties of women, participation of women in civil society and participation of women in political debates) reduce vulnerability to climate change. ii) The underlying effect is most pronounced in upper middle income, Latin American, small and fragile countries. iii) Public spending on education, the effectiveness of governance and education are the real transmission channels through which vulnerability to climate change is affected by women’s political empowerment. The findings are robust to alternative estimation methods such as the Tobit, the dynamic fixed effects, and the generalized method of moments regressions. Policy implications are discussed, inter alia, the need for sampled countries to encourage women's political empowerment in order to reduce risks linked to climate change. |
| Keywords: | climate change; vulnerability; political empowerment |
| JEL: | Q50 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agd:wpaper:21/010&r=all |
| By: | Tamma Carleton (University of California, Santa Barbara - Bren School of Environmental Science & Management); Michael Greenstone (University of Chicago - Department of Economics; NBER) |
| Abstract: | This paper outlines a two-step process to return the United States government’s Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) to the frontier of economics and climate science. The first step is to implement the original 2009-2010 Inter-agency Working Group (IWG) framework using a discount rate of 2%. This can be done immediately and will result in an SCC for 2020 of $125. The second step is to reconvene a new IWG tasked with comprehensively updating the SCC over the course of several months that would involve the integration of multiple recent advances in economics and science. We detail these advances here and provide recommendations on their integration into a new SCC estimation framework. |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2021-04&r=all |
| By: | Thierry Isckia (LITEM - Laboratoire en Innovation, Technologies, Economie et Management (EA 7363) - UEVE - Université d'Évry-Val-d'Essonne - Université Paris-Saclay - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School, MMS - Département Management, Marketing et Stratégie - TEM - Télécom Ecole de Management - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School); Mark de Reuver (TU Delft - Delft University of Technology); Denis Lescop (Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we analyze how to orchestrate platform ecosystems in order to ensure the commercialization of constant flows of innovations. We focus on platform-owners and how they orchestrate the coupling process between the innovation part of the ecosystem and the business development part of the ecosystem. We apply a life-cycle perspective, analyzing how these two subsystems are dynamically aligned through this coupling process. Three emblematic case studies illustrate platform-owners' choices regarding the management of this coupling process. Existing accounts of ecosystem orchestration are quite scarce in the academic literature and do not systematically acknowledge that innovation and business development are subsystems. By considering the two parts of ecosystems, our paper contributes to a more fine-grained understanding of platform ecosystem orchestration. |
| Keywords: | Platform Ecosystems,Orchestration,Coupling Process,Sub-systems,Innovation |
| Date: | 2020–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02548106&r=all |
| By: | Debnath, R.; Mittal, V.; Jindal, A. |
| Abstract: | About 70% of India’s current energy mix comprises of coal, and the increase in generation from renewable energy (RE) sources is affecting the health of the power system. We investigated this effect through a cross-sectional of asset utilisation, cost and the social disruption caused by accelerating RE into the Indian Power System. We also derived a challenge-roadmap for the power system using bibliometric analysis. The review-driven interpretivist results revealed that increasing RE generation is pushing the coal plants to operate in low-loading conditions, causing heightened wear and tear of the plant as they are not suitable for flexible operation. It had tremendously increased the operation and maintenance costs of the brownfield plants. While there is a growing scope for cross border trade of electricity, the existing regulatory mechanism poses severe implementation challenges. Social disruption due to shift from coal-economy illustrated a holistic view of the political economy of the Indian power system that can potentially cause large-scale conflict and disrupt the national economy at an unprecedented scale. Policy implications outlined by our study for the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 include scoping a socio-technical framework which supports just energy transition through better financial support mechanisms for flexible operation of coal plants. Focusing on clean-up over shut-down of coal plants and facilitating investments in battery storage technologies and cross-border electricity trade as RE and conventional fuel reach market parity. |
| Keywords: | Power System, Flexibility, Coal economy, Social disruption, Energy Transition, Electricity Bill 2020 |
| JEL: | Q4 Q42 Q48 |
| Date: | 2020–11–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:20106&r=all |
| By: | Joan Calzada (University of Barcelona); Meritxell Gisbert (University of Barcelona and UAB); Bernard Moscoso (University of Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | We study the effects of aerial fumigation of banana plantations on newborns’ birth weight during the period 2015-2017 in Ecuador. We use mothers’ addresses and information on the perimeter of the plantations to create an individual measure of newborns’ exposure to pesticides. We use this measure to implement three independent identification strategies to address the endogeneity of exposure to aerial fumigations. First, we consider a difference-in-differences strategy that exploits seasonal variations in the use of pesticides across provinces. Second, we estimate a difference-in-differences model that considers geographical variations in the use of pesticides across comparable crops. Third, and finally, we estimate a maternal fixed effects model to examine the effect of pesticides on siblings who had a different residence during gestation and who were exposed to different levels of fumigations. Our first empirical model shows that newborns exposed to pesticides, when their first gestational trimester coincides with the periods of intensive fumigations of the plantations, have a birth weight reduction of between 38 and 89 grams. Moreover, exposure to pesticides increases the likelihood of low birth weight and low Apgar score at the first minute by around 0.35 and 0.33, respectively. The second model finds that newborns exposed to fumigated banana plantations have a birth weight deficit of between 29 and 76 grams, when compared to those exposed to other fumigated crops. Finally, the maternal fixed effect model show that girl newborns exposed to pesticides have a birth weight deficit of 346 grams when compared to non-exposed siblings. |
| Keywords: | Air pollution, pesticides, aerial fumigation, newborns’ birth weight. |
| JEL: | I15 I18 O12 O13 Q18 Q53 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ewp:wpaper:405web&r=all |
| By: | Anna Kowalska-Pyzalska; Rafał Michalski; Marek Kott; Anna Skowrońska-Szmer; Joanna Kott |
| Abstract: | Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are an important element of sustainable development and electromobility. Within our complex, two stages survey (CATI and CAWI) we used the conjoint method to compare and balance the important factors responsible for consumers' preferences towards AFV, in one study, allowing a relative assessment to be made. As a result, we got 6 separate conjoints (depending on the type of purchase: direct purchase or leasing) and the type of vehicle (HEV, PHEV and BEV). Although each conjoint contains different sets of factors, the methodological regime is followed. Our results indicate that surprisingly safety is the most important feature of a good AFV car. Then, the price, range and type of the car also matter. These findings recommend car manufactures and policy makers what they should focus on while designing and promoting AFV. |
| Keywords: | Consumer preferences; Electric vehicles; Plug-in electric vehicles; Hybrid electric vehicles; Conjoint analysis; On-line survey; Sustainable transport |
| Date: | 2021–02–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ahh:wpaper:worms2102&r=all |
| By: | Grégoire Garsous; Stephan Worack |
| Abstract: | Only a small number of companies, located in a few countries, have specific technological expertise in wind turbine manufacturing. New quantitative analysis shows this expertise to be a significant driver of trade in wind turbines. Moreover, countries’ wind power generation efficiency is shown to depend on access to higher quality wind turbines available in international markets. Trade in wind turbines thus provides access to technologies with a level of efficiency that cannot be replicated domestically in importing countries. These results have important policy implications: i) barriers to trade in wind turbines are also barriers to the dissemination of key environmental technologies which are not otherwise widely available; ii) trade-discriminatory measures can also negatively impact non-manufacturing job creation in the renewable sector, as this relies on the continuous deployment of wind energy, which in turn depends on access to high quality turbines from international markets; and iii) policies should not focus on the creation of national champions, but rather on ensuring that domestic firms can apply their specific capabilities to new opportunities in the global value chains of renewables industries. |
| Keywords: | Environmental technologies, Patents, Trade, Wind energy |
| JEL: | F13 F18 O13 O33 O42 |
| Date: | 2021–02–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaaa:2021/01-en&r=all |
| By: | Michael Greenstone (University of Chicago - Department of Economics; NBER); Guojun He (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology); Ruixue Jia (University of California San Diego - School of Global Policy and Strategy; CIFAR; NBER); Tong Liu (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Division of Social Science) |
| Abstract: | We examine the introduction of automatic air pollution monitoring, which is a central feature of China’s “war on pollution.†Exploiting 654 regression discontinuity designs based on city-level variation in the day that monitoring was automated, we find that reported PM10 concentrations increased by 35% immediately post–automation and were sustained. City-level variation in underreporting is negatively correlated with income per capita and positively correlated with true pre-automation PM10 concentrations. Further, automation’s introduction increased online searches for face masks and air filters, suggesting that the biased and imperfect pre-automation information imposed welfare costs by leading to suboptimal purchases of protective goods. |
| Keywords: | Technology, automation, air pollution, China, monitoring and surveillance, moral hazard, data quality |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2020-87&r=all |
| By: | Karine Constant; Marion Davin |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eru:erudwp:wp21-02&r=all |
| By: | Mathias Béjean (IRG - Institut de Recherche en Gestion - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12 - UPEM - Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée); Robert Picard (Forum LLSA); Gabrièle Breda (Altran Recherche et Innovation) |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03124306&r=all |
| By: | Carrasco, Maria; Assistant, JHET |
| Abstract: | Review of 'Our Great Purpose: Adam Smith on Living a Better Life' by by Ryan Patrick Stanley |
| Date: | 2021–02–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:a7zcy&r=all |
| By: | Steven T. Berry (Yale University - Department of Economics & Cowles Foundation; NBER); Giovanni Compiani (University of Chicago - Booth School of Business) |
| Abstract: | We present a new class of methods for identification and inference in dynamic models with serially correlated unobservables, which typically imply that state variables are econometrically endogenous. In the context of Industrial Organization, these state variables often reflect econometrically endogenous market structure. We propose the use of Generalized Instrument Variables methods to identify those dynamic policy functions that are consistent with instrumental variable (IV) restrictions. Extending popular “two-step†methods, these policy functions then identify a set of structural parameters that are consistent with the dynamic model, the IV restrictions and the data. We provide computed illustrations to both single-agent and oligopoly examples. We also present a simple empirical analysis that, among other things, supports the counterfactual study of an environmental policy entailing an increase in sunk costs. |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2020-106&r=all |
| By: | Hans B. Christensen (University of Chicago - Booth School of Business); Mark Maffett (University of Chicago - Booth School of Business); Thomas Rauter (University of Chicago - Booth School of Business) |
| Abstract: | We examine whether foreign corruption regulation reduces corruption and increases the local economic benefits of resource extraction. After a mid-2000s increase in enforcement of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), economic activity (measured by nighttime luminosity) increases by 14% (3%) in African communities within a 10- (25-) kilometer radius of resource extraction facilities whose owners are subject to the FCPA. Local perceptions of corruption decline by 8%. Consistent with changes in existing extraction firms’ business practices contributing to the increase in development, the association between resource production, instrumented by world commodity prices, and local economic activity increases by 40%. |
| Keywords: | Foreign corruption regulation; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA); economic development; natural resource extraction |
| JEL: | F50 F60 K2 M4 O1 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2020-155&r=all |
| By: | Agussani Agussani (University Of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara); A. Akrim (University Of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara) |
| Abstract: | In the Indonesian market, excessive pressure faced by the local NGOs in their social cause oriented operating activities and this paper is majorly based on exploring those external factors that positively enhanced the social performance of such organizations within this developing nation. In most cases, the environmental-friendly practices are initiated by a company in order to become a more sustainable organization in the advanced competitors and customer market. This paper is based on online survey-based quantitative research where the 355 participants based valid outcomes are studied and evaluated through structural equation modeling statistical test implementation. According to this model results, external pressure caused a major favorable influence on the development of strategic sustainability orientation and sustainable entrepreneurship practice that motivate the organizational management to enhance their social performance within the Indonesian state. This data is informative for the Indonesian social workers, the business community and other related NGO's to consider the external environmental factors in their effective decision-making process. Also, the related field scholars can utilize this information in their discussion portion. No doubt, this is informative research, but still, there are some deficiencies within this paper like lack of psychological (interview), etc, which can be covered by the upcoming scholars. |
| Keywords: | Social Performance,External Positive Pressure,Orientation Dimensions,Sustainable Practices |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03121000&r=all |
| By: | Macaire, Camille; Naef, Alain |
| Abstract: | In June 2018, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) decided to include green financial bonds into the pool of assets eligible as collateral for its Medium Term Lending Facility. We measure the impact of the policy on the yield spread between green and non-green bonds, or greenium. Using a difference-in-differences approach to compare pairs of green and non-green bonds issued by the same institutions, we show that the policy increased the greenium by 46 basis points. This experience can be useful to other central banks considering similar polices. |
| Date: | 2021–02–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:cmwpn&r=all |
| By: | María Angélica Arbeláez; Valentina Parra |
| Abstract: | El documento ahonda en los temas de generación y evolución del conocimiento alrededor de las industrias extractivas por parte de organismos internacionales globales y regionales, incluyendo instituciones financieras internacionales y otras organizaciones e iniciativas, y analiza los canales e instrumentos a través de los cuales éstos apoyan a los diferentes actores que participan en estas industrias (principalmente gobiernos, sector privado, comunidades y sociedad civil). Unos de los aspectos principales que se desprende de este último análisis, es el marcado interés en brindar apoyo financiero y no financiero para poner estas industrias al servicio del desarrollo y crecimiento de los países. También sobresale un esfuerzo por generar alianzas entre entidades e iniciativas para lograr dicho propósito. Dentro del documento se identifica que los impactos negativos de la extracción abundante recursos se presentan en diversas áreas. Desde el punto de vista económico, uno de los efectos más notorios es la enfermedad holandesa que menoscaba la competitividad de otros sectores transables como la agricultura y la manufactura, lo que a su vez exacerba la dependencia de los recursos. Por otra parte, los ingresos provenientes de estos recursos son altamente volátiles dada su exposición a los vaivenes del mercado mundial y de los precios, un aspecto especialmente problemático en países altamente dependientes de estos recursos. Estos efectos, junto con los daños medioambientales, pueden generar ambientes de conflicto dentro de las sociedades, por lo que la promoción y adopción de buenas instituciones, leyes y sistemas reglamentarios por parte de las industrias cobra mayor relevancia en este contexto. |
| Keywords: | Industrias Extractivas, Organizaciones Multilaterales, Recursos Naturales, Gobernanza |
| JEL: | F40 L71 L78 N50 |
| Date: | 2020–03–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:col:000124:018648&r=all |
| By: | Hynes, S; Aymelek, M; Norton, D; Tsakiridis, A; Corless, R |
| Abstract: | SEMRU, at NUI Galway, carried out a survey of domestic residents in Ireland in 2019 as part of the Marine Institute’s funded project “Valuing and understanding the dynamics of Ireland’s Ocean Economy” (PBA/SE/16/01). The purpose of the household survey was to profile the domestic market for single day trips (leisure) and overnight trips (tourism) for coastal and marine related activities in Ireland. The results of the survey are also used to estimate what proportion of an Irish resident’s total domestic tourism expenditure is in coastal areas (coastal tourism) and what proportion is spent on undertaking marine related activities (marine tourism). The survey complements SEMRU’s overseas marine tourism report published in 2019, where the demand for the same activities as analysed here was also examined amongst overseas visitors to Ireland. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrrr:309532&r=all |
| By: | McGrath, Luke,; Hynes, Stephen; McHale, John |
| Abstract: | Economists offer what is arguably the most internally consistent framework for sustainable development assessment, the so-called “capital approach”. To operationalise the capital approach measures of the changes in comprehensive national wealth (Genuine Savings) are required. In this paper, we present estimates of Ireland’s Genuine Savings using the updated public spending code for direction and compare our results with existing estimates in the literature. For practical sustainability assessment, no single indicator is capable of providing an all-encompassing answer, but as we demonstrate, the current monitoring of sustainable development in Ireland and across the EU lacks coherence. We suggest potential paths forward for sustainability policy and assessment that preserve the link with economic theory. We show that regardless of the viewpoint taken on sustainability the capital approach can provide guidance for a coherent assessment framework. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:semrui:309508&r=all |
| By: | Marcel Boyer |
| Abstract: | Plusieurs voix s’élèvent pour réclamer une réforme en profondeur du capitalisme dans la foulée de la crise financière de 2008-2010, de l’augmentation des inégalités de revenu et de richesse des quatre dernières décennies et de l’urgence climatique dans un monde planétaire local. Il y a un réel danger que les gouvernements se mettent, sous la pression de groupes mal informés, à vouloir jouer à l’apprenti sorcier de Goethe : trop souvent, les bonnes intentions sont un chemin pavé vers l’enfer. J’analyse dans ce cahier divers projets de réformes, je discute des notions d’éthique et d’équité (environnement, eau, vie, rémunération, inégalités, ESG) et je propose des réformes en profondeur du capitalisme et de la social-démocratie. |
| Keywords: | , Valeur,Capitalisme,ESG,Éthique,Équité,Environnement,Eau,Rémunération juste et équitable,Nouveau Capitalisme Concurrentiel,Social-démocratie concurrentielle |
| Date: | 2021–02–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirwor:2021s-02&r=all |
| By: | OECD |
| Abstract: | This paper examines how local-level policies can strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation in the region of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in the United Kingdom. It investigates the quality of the local entrepreneurship ecosystem for generating innovative start-ups and scale-ups and the regional conditions for generating positive industry transitions by supporting the strategic sectors of life sciences, information technologies, agri-tech and advanced manufacturing. Key areas of focus are on skills development, entrepreneurship development and knowledge exchange for local economic development. A number of policy recommendations are offered based on the analysis together with international inspiring policy practice examples. |
| Keywords: | entrepreneurship, industry transition, knowledge exchange, regional policy, skills |
| JEL: | J24 L52 L53 R58 |
| Date: | 2021–02–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:cfeaaa:2021/01-en&r=all |
| By: | Eder, Andreas |
| Abstract: | This article provides a generalization of the materials balance-based production model introduced by Coelli et al. (2007). Based on this, some new environmental efficiency (EE) measures are presented. The Coelli et al. (2007) EE measure and its extension by Rødseth (2016) produce biased efficiency estimates if the material flow coefficients (MFCs) are heterogeneous across decision-making units and non-discretionary. Furthermore, the Coelli et al. (2007) measure fails to reward emission reductions by emission control. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper proposes production models which allow for heterogeneous MFCs reflecting differences of external environmental factors or non-controllable heterogeneities in inputs and outputs, and which properly take into account emission abatement activities. Based on this, we provide new EE measures and decompose them into i) a part reflecting emission control efficiency (ECE), ii) a part measuring material input efficiency (MIE), and iii) a part reflecting the efficient allocation between material and non-material inputs (environmental allocative efficiency, EAE). The approach is illustrated by an empirical application to arable farming in Austria utilizing data from 90 farms for the year 2011. Soil erosion is considered an undesirable output and land a material input. The average EE, ECE, MIE, and EAE are 0.53, 0.96, 0.69, and 0.79, respectively. The results indicate that actual output can be potentially achieved with 47% less soil loss. Most of the potential to improve EE is due to differences in MIE and EAE. Removing inefficiencies in the implementation of existing, subsidized erosion controls allows soil loss to be reduced by 4%. |
| Keywords: | Emission-generating technologies,Materials balance condition,Weak-G disposability,Data envelopment analysis,Non-discretionary factors,Soil erosion,Crop farms |
| JEL: | C61 D24 Q12 Q15 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:forlwp:262020&r=all |
| By: | Nomaler, Önder (UNU-MERIT); Verspagen, Bart (UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University) |
| Abstract: | We present a number of green technology patent landscaping exercises, based on a method that we developed earlier to identify the main technological trends in a very large (i.e., universal) patent citation network comprising all patented technologies. This method extracts a so-called network of main paths, where we interpret each path as a technological trajectory in the sense of Dosi (1982). We use co-occurrence on the technological trajectories as the main metric to build a network of technological relations, with green/non-green, the technology class (4-digit IPC classes) and geographical location (countries) as the main dimensions along which we observe green technology. The technology landscaping exercise visualises these networks. In this way, we draw a detailed map of green technologies (along with the particular non-green technologies that contribute thereto or benefit therefrom), in which we find both very broad and general areas (such as ICT or medical and health), and specific green technologies, such as batteries, wind power and electric vehicles. In the geography- based map, we find specific European and non-European areas. In all our landscaping maps, non-green technologies play a large role, indicating that sectoral and geographical progress in greentech cannot be fully understood independently of developments in particular fields of non-greentech technologies. |
| Keywords: | green technology, technological trajectories, patent citations, patent landscaping |
| JEL: | O31 O33 Q55 |
| Date: | 2021–02–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2021005&r=all |
| By: | Michael Greenstone (University of Chicago - Department of Economics; NBER); Kenneth Lee (University of Chicago - Department of Economics); Harshil Sahai (University of Chicago - Department of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Delhi faces some of the world’s highest concentrations of PM2.5, the most damaging form of air pollution. Although awareness of outdoor air pollution is rising across the world, there is limited information on indoor air pollution (IAP) levels, particularly in heavily polluted cities like Delhi. Even less evidence exists on how IAP varies by socio-economic status (SES), and whether or not addressing information gaps can change defensive investments against IAP. In this paper, we deploy Indoor Air Quality Monitors (IAQMs) in thousands of Delhi households across varying socio-economic strata in order to document IAP levels during the peak wintertime air pollution period. Across high and low SES households, we document indoor PM2.5 levels that are: (1) extraordinarily high — more than 20 times World Health Organization (WHO) standards; (2) only 10 percent lower in high (versus low) SES households; and (3) significantly higher than levels reported by the nearest, outdoor government monitors, the main source of public information on air pollution in this setting. We then report on a field experiment that randomly assigned IAQMs, as well as an opportunity to rent an air purifier at a subsidized price, across medium and high SES homes during the 2019-20 winter season. |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2021-06&r=all |
| By: | Bernard Korai; Johanne Whitmore |
| Abstract: | Le présent rapport fait la synthèse des principales pistes d’actions issues de l’atelier « Économie circulaire : quelles options pour la Stratégie gouvernementale en développement durable 2022-2027 ? », tenu les 4, 5 et 6 août 2020 auprès d’acteurs et intervenants de l’économie circulaire au Québec. Cet atelier, mené par une équipe pluridisciplinaire du CIRANO, s’inscrit dans une démarche de consultations plus large lancée par le ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, en collaboration avec RECYC-QUÉBEC. |
| Keywords: | , Économie circulaire,Développement durable,Stratégie gouvernementale,Québec |
| Date: | 2021–02–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirpro:2021rp-03&r=all |