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on Resource Economics |
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Issue of 2023‒07‒31
three papers chosen by |
| By: | Clay, Karen (Carnegie Mellon University); Hollingsworth, Alex (Indiana University); Severnini, Edson R. (Carnegie Mellon University) |
| Abstract: | Lead exposure has detrimental effects on fertility, infants, children, and adults. Despite the success in removing lead from on-road gasoline, industrial and aviation emissions continue to pose a substantial global challenge. Other major sources of exposure include dust, soil resuspension, and consumption of contaminated water or food. Both animal studies and evidence from humans support claims of an adverse relationship between lead pollution and human health. Since lead exposure is not randomly assigned, quasi-experimental studies play a crucial role in this knowledge base. Among these studies, extensive research links elevated blood lead levels in children to academic and behavioral outcomes, but more limited attention has been given to lead's impact on fertility, infant mortality, and infant health. This paper examines the existing quasi-experimental literature on lead and fertility, infant mortality, and infant birth outcomes, highlighting key results, methods, and implications for policymakers. |
| Keywords: | lead exposure, fertility, mortality, infant health |
| JEL: | I12 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2023–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16236&r=res |
| By: | Helm, Ines (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München); Koch, Nicolas (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC)); Rohlf, Alexander (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC)) |
| Abstract: | We study the effects of a large car scrappage scheme in Germany on new car purchases and local air quality by combining vehicle registration data with data on local air pollutant emissions. For identification we exploit cross-sectional variation across districts in the number of cars eligible for scrappage. The scheme had substantial effects on car purchases and did not simply reallocate demand across time in the short-term. Nevertheless, about half of all subsidized buyers benefited from windfall gains. The renewal of the car stock improved local air quality suggesting substantial mortality benefits that likely exceed the cost of the policy. While policy take-up is somewhat smaller in urban districts, improvements in air quality and health tend to be larger due to a higher car density. |
| Keywords: | cash for clunkers, local air quality, car scrappage schemes, emissions, car rebate |
| JEL: | H20 H23 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2023–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16266&r=res |
| By: | Huh, Sun Kyung (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade) |
| Abstract: | This study analyzes hydrogen policies in key countries and uses the implications carried by the analysis to formulate a strategic framework for the development of the domestic Korean hydrogen industry. A comprehensive national hydrogen strategy is crucial if Korea is to achieve a swift and effective transition to a hydrogen-based economy. The prevailing concerns surrounding climate change and environmental issues have prompted a significant shift in the global energy landscape. Consequently, numerous countries have embraced policies aimed at augmenting the proportion of renewable energy sources in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This pursuit of an energy transition and efforts toward carbon neutrality have emerged as central tenets of national energy and environmental agendas across the globe. Korea too is a part of this international movement toward cleaner energy and carbon neutrality, exemplified by the Korean government’s promulgation of the Energy Transition Roadmap in 2018. Hydrogen energy addresses a major shortcoming of many renewables: their intermittent nature. They hydrogen sector also contributes to the decarbonization of industries and transportation, and can stimulate economic growth as a burgeoning green sector. Recognizing the pivotal role that the hydrogen industry will play in facilitating the transition toward carbon neutrality, this study ascertains the distinctive features of domestic and international hydrogen industry policies, and proposes a suite of domestic policy strategies based on these findings specifically tailored to the Korean context. |
| Keywords: | hydrogen; hydrogen energy; hydrogen industry; alternative energy; renewable energy; greenhouse gas mitigation; climate change; carbon reduction; emissions reduction; clean energy; green energy; decarbonization; green industry; carbon neutrality; net-zero; Korea |
| JEL: | Q40 Q42 Q43 Q48 Q50 Q53 Q54 Q55 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2023–06–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:kieter:2023_016&r=res |