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on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Green, Fergus; Denniss, Richard |
| Abstract: | Proponents of climate change mitigation face difficult choices about which types of policy instrument(s) to pursue. The literature on the comparative evaluation of climate policy instruments has focused overwhelmingly on economic analyses of instruments aimed at restricting demand for greenhouse gas emissions (especially carbon taxes and cap-and-trade schemes) and, to some extent, on instruments that support the supply of or demand for substitutes for emissions-intensive goods, such as renewable energy. Evaluation of instruments aimed at restricting the upstream supply of commodities or products whose downstream consumption causes greenhouse gas emissions—such as fossil fuels—has largely been neglected in this literature. Moreover, analyses that compare policy instruments using both economic and political (e.g. political “feasibility” and “feedback”) criteria are rare. This article aims to help bridge both of these gaps. Specifically, the article demonstrates that restrictive supply-side policy instruments (targeting fossil fuels) have numerous characteristic economic and political advantages over otherwise similar restrictive demand-side instruments (targeting greenhouse gases). Economic advantages include low administrative and transaction costs, higher abatement certainty (due to the relative ease of monitoring, reporting and verification), comprehensive within-sector coverage, some advantageous price/efficiency effects, the mitigation of infrastructure “lock-in” risks, and mitigation of the “green paradox”. Political advantages include the superior potential to mobilise public support for supply-side policies, the conduciveness of supply-side policies to international policy cooperation, and the potential to bring different segments of the fossil fuel industry into a coalition supportive of such policies. In light of these attributes, restrictive supply-side policies squarely belong in the climate policy “toolkit”. |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2018–03–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:87734&r=env |
| By: | Garcia, Arturo; Leal, Mariel; Lee, Sang-Ho |
| Abstract: | This study considers the timing of environmental policies with a consumer-friendly firm having abatement technology, and compares two market-based regulations: tradable permits and emission tax regulations. When the government can credibly commit its policy, we show that the equilibrium outcomes under both policies are equivalent in terms of permits price and tax rate. Under the non-committed policy, however, the equivalence breaks down because firms have different incentives to induce time-consistent policy to be adjusted ex post. In particular, compared to pre-committed government, firms abate less emission to induce higher emission quotas under the permits policy while a consumer-friendly firm abates more emissions to reduce tax rate under the tax policy. Finally, we show that tax policy can induce higher welfare and lower environmental damage when the concern on consumer surplus is moderate. |
| Keywords: | abatement technology; consumer-friendly firm; environmental policy; tradable permits; emission tax |
| JEL: | L13 L31 Q58 |
| Date: | 2018–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:86407&r=env |
| By: | Xu, Lili; Lee, Sang-Ho |
| Abstract: | This study considers Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Cournot markets with endogenous entry and investigates the effects of CSR on environmental taxation and welfare consequences. We show that the optimal tax under free entry is higher than that under blockaded entry and also higher than marginal environmental damage. We then show that a higher taxation is socially excessive from the viewpoint of socially optimal CSR, which requires an appropriate regulatory framework for CSR promotion. Finally, we show that the environment is less damaged but social welfare deteriorates accompanied with CSR when the fixed cost is low, while pollution abatement activities will reduce the optimal tax and improves both environmental quality and social welfare. |
| Keywords: | consumer-friendly firm; corporate social responsibility; environmental tax; free entry; blockaded entry |
| JEL: | L13 L31 Q5 |
| Date: | 2018–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:86398&r=env |
| By: | Jacqueline Cottrell (Green Budget Europe and Green Budget Germany); Damian Ludewig (Green Budget Europe and Green Budget Germany); Matthias Runkel (Green Budget Europe and Green Budget Germany); Kai Schlegelmilch (Green Budget Europe and Green Budget Germany); Florian Zerzawy (Green Budget Europe and Green Budget Germany) |
| Abstract: | Environmental tax reform (ETR) is an important and integral part of a sustainable development strategy. ETR is an effective way of integrating economic, social and environmental costs into the price of goods and services while creating incentives for sustainable practices. In recent years, some developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region have introduced schemes to phase out fuel subsidies and are moving towards further reforms to modernize their fiscal governance and tax practices and make greater use of ETR as a primary component of national development strategies. Indeed, several countries in the region are forerunners for ETR outside OECD countries, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam and China. This paper examines the rationale for the implementation of ETR in Asia-Pacific and its possible role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It offers policymakers practical guidance on how governments can reform tax systems and use fiscal policy to drive the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy while taking into account the specific challenges of developing countries in the region. The paper is divided in two parts. Part I provides background information on ETR and looks at experiences in OECD countries. Part II focuses on ETR in the Asia-Pacific region and makes a series of recommendations for policymakers, examining strategic and political economy considerations typically encountered by policymakers during the process of implementing environmental taxes, as well as practical issues relating to tax design, policy planning and implementation. Finally, the paper looks at international and regional policy processes upon which policymakers in Asia-Pacific can draw on for support and consultation while implementing ETR measures. |
| Keywords: | Environmental tax, fiscal policy, tax structure |
| JEL: | H20 H23 E62 |
| Date: | 2017–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unt:wpmpdd:wp/17/05&r=env |
| By: | Sandro Montresor; Francesco Quatraro, (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the move of regions towards sustainable growth through their specialisation in new green technologies. In particular, we analyse the role that smart specialisation strategies (S3) can have in this respect by addressing two research questions. First of all, we investigate whether the environmental diversification of regional technologies is, according to the S3 logic, driven by their “relatedness” to existing knowledge of green and non-green nature. Second, we analyse the role of the Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) that S3 policies recommend regions to prioritise, not only in fostering the adoption of environmental technologies, but also in affecting its dependence on the pre-existing knowledge-base. Combining regional patent and economic data for a 34-year panel (1980-2013) of 180 European regions, we find that the relatedness to the existing technological-base of the region actually makes the acquisition of a new green-tech specialisation more probable. This holds true with respect to both the green and non-green extant knowledge, pointing to a regional diversification that also benefits from the “hybridisation” of non-environmental technologies. The latter however requires a higher degree of relatedness than a “pure” green branching process. Regional KETs also help the transition towards sustainable technologies. What is more, they negatively moderate the green impact of the relatedness to pre-existing technologies, of both green and non-green nature, and thus attenuate the boundaries the latter could pose to regions in their environmental specialisation. These results confirm that S3 policies can actually boost the intertwining of a smart and sustainable kind of growth, and that the KETs inclusion within S3 can amplify the virtuous interaction between these two objectives. |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:201808&r=env |
| By: | Toshi H. Arimura (Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, and Research Institute for Environmental Economics and Management, Waseda University, Japan); Kazuyuki Iwata (Faculty of Economics, Matsuyama University, Ehime, Japan, and Research Institute for Environmental Economics and Management, Waseda University, Japan); Hajime Katayama (Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, and Research Institute for Environmental Economics and Management, Waseda University, Japan); Mari Sakudo (Research Institute of Capital Formation, Development Bank of Japan, Japan Economic Research Institute, and Research Institute for Environmental Economics and Management, Waseda University, Japan) |
| Abstract: | To reduce their environmental impacts, a growing number of organizations worldwide have implemented environmental management systems (EMSs). In these organizations, energy conservation activities become usual behaviors for employees; thus, we hypothesize that employees continue such energy conservation behaviors at home. This hypothesis is supported by data from surveys of individuals in Japan. Specifically, we find that the probability of engaging in energy conservation practices at home is higher and that expenditures on electricity use are lower for individuals who work in organizations that implement EMSs than for individuals who do not work in organizations with EMSs. Our results suggest that beyond the original purpose of helping organizations reduce their environmental impacts, EMSs work as an intervention to promote household energy conservation. |
| Keywords: | Conservation Behaviors, Electricity, Environmental Management System, Energy Efficiency, Household Electricity Expenditure |
| JEL: | Q40 Q50 |
| Date: | 2018–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:was:dpaper:1802&r=env |
| By: | Kalkuhl, Matthias; Wenz, Leonie |
| Abstract: | We estimate the impacts of climate on economic growth using Gross Regional Product (GRP) for more than 1,500 regions in 77 countries. In temperate and tropical climates, annual temperature shocks reduce GRP whereas they increase GRP in cold climates. With respect to long-term climate conditions, one degree of temperature increase reduces output by 2-3%. The effect of annual or long-term precipitation is found to be less important and less robust among specifications. For projected global warming of 4°C until 2100, we find that regions lose 9\% of economic output on average and more than 20% of output in tropical regions. |
| Keywords: | climate change,climate damages,climate impacts,growth regression |
| JEL: | E23 O11 Q54 Q56 |
| Date: | 2018 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:178288&r=env |
| By: | Park, Jisung; Bangalore, Mook; Hallegatte, Stephane; Sandhoefner, Evan |
| Abstract: | Recent research documents the adverse causal impacts on health and productivity of extreme heat, which will worsen with climate change. In this paper, we assess the current distribution of heat exposure within countries, to explore possible distributional consequences of climate change through temperature. Combining survey data from 690,745 households across 52 countries with spatial data on climate, this paper suggests that the welfare impacts of added heat stress may be regressive within countries. We find: (1) a strong negative correlation between household wealth and warmer temperature in many hot countries; (2) a strong positive correlation between household wealth and warmer temperatures in many cold countries; and (3) that poorer individuals are more likely to work in occupations with greater exposure. While our analysis is descriptive rather than causal, our results suggest a larger vulnerability of poor people to heat extremes, and potentially significant distributional and poverty implications of climate change. |
| Keywords: | climate change; exposure; heat stress; labor productivity; poverty |
| JEL: | E24 I32 Q50 Q54 |
| Date: | 2018–04–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:87547&r=env |
| By: | Narloch, Ulf; Bangalore, Mook |
| Abstract: | Despite complex interlinkages, insights into the multifaceted relationship between environmental risks and poverty can be gained through an analysis of different risks across space, time and scale within a single context using consistent methods. Combining geo-spatial data on eight environmental risks and household survey data from 2010–2014 for the case study of Vietnam, this paper shows: (i) at the district level, the incidence of poverty is higher in high risk areas, (ii) at the household level, poorer households face higher environmental risks, (iii) for some risks the relationship with household-level consumption varies between rural and urban areas, and (iv) environmental risks explain consumption differences between households, but less so changes over time. While altogether these analyses cannot establish a causal relationship between environmental risks and poverty, they do indicate that Vietnam's poor are disproportionally exposed. Given growing pressures due to climate change, addressing such risks should be a focus of poverty reduction efforts. |
| Keywords: | climate change; consumption; environment; livelihood; poverty; risks; vulnerability |
| JEL: | I3 I30 I32 O10 Q50 Q54 R20 |
| Date: | 2018–04–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:87553&r=env |
| By: | Sariya Saengsawang; Supeecha Panichpathom |
| Abstract: | Employees’ satisfaction in jobs is one crucial factor for successful corporation. They have higher level of loyal and are less likely to leave their jobs. This study focused on workplace environmental perception at green office buildings toward environmental factors including perceived indoor air quality, thermal, visual and acoustic.Completed data were collected from 286 employee working at green office building in Bangkok. Questionaire were direct distributed at Park Venture, AIA Capital Center and Sathorn Square and via Google Docs during February 7 – 20, 2016. Results derived from exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analyse showed significant positive relation between perceived indoor air, thermal, acoustic and visual and job satisfaction.Working in good environmental conditions or in certified green office buildings affect employee job satisfaction. Company owners who are concerned with employees’ job satisfaction pay more attention to the perception in indoor air, thermal, acoustic and visual. These environmental factors to contribute to employees’ satisfaction. Investors for new office building or major renovations should choose green designs that are suitable for working condition. Better green office buildings should also attract office rates. Better human capital management shall lead to better compete abilities in the marketplace. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Factors; Green Office Building; Job Satisfaction |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2017–07–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arz:wpaper:eres2017_40&r=env |
| By: | Marco d'Errico (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations); Marco Letta (Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome (IT).); Pierluigi Montalbano (Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome (IT).); Rebecca Pietrelli (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) |
| Abstract: | The study of household resilience is a key issue in development economics. This paper adds to the literature by exploring the role of resilience in mediating the relationship between food consumption growth and temperature shocks. To make up for the lack of long micro panels, we generate a synthetic panel for rural Tanzania covering the time span 2000 – 2013. Our main contribution is the identification of resilience thresholds below which households are unable to absorb the negative effects of temperature shocks. These thresholds have important implications for adaptation to climate change in developing countries and, more generally, significant consequences for policy-makers and intervention design. |
| Keywords: | Resilience thresholds, Food security, Household growth, Temperature shocks, Climate change. |
| JEL: | I32 O12 Q12 Q54 |
| Date: | 2018–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:saq:wpaper:2/18&r=env |
| By: | William D. Nordhaus (Cowles Foundation, Yale University) |
| Abstract: | Concerns about the impact on large-scale earth systems have taken center stage in the scientific and economic analysis of climate change. The present study analyzes the economic impact of a potential disintegration of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS). The method is to combine a small geophysical model of the GIS with the DICE integrated assessment model. The result shows that the GIS is likely to disappear over the next millennium or so without climate policy, but an active climate policy may prevent the GIS from crossing the threshold of irreversibility. Additionally, the study estimates the impact of the GIS on the social cost of carbon (SCC) and finds that adding GIS dynamics would add less than 5% to the SCC under alternative discount rates and estimates of the GIS dynamics. Simulations of geo-engineering options indicate that the dynamics of disintegration and rebuilding are extremely asymmetric, implying that GIS disintegration should be treated as irreversible. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, Environment, Ice sheets, DICE model |
| JEL: | Q5 Q54 H4 |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:2130&r=env |
| By: | Nicholas Tyack (Institute of Economic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague, Smetanovo nabrezi 6, 111 01 Prague 1, Czech Republic; The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva); Milan Scasny (Institute of Economic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague, Smetanovo nabrezi 6, 111 01 Prague 1, Czech Republic; Charles University Environment Center, Prague) |
| Abstract: | We estimate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for conserving crop varieties for ten years in the Czech Republic using a double-bounded dichotomous choice model to analyze data collected with an online contingent valuation survey administered to a main country-wide sample of 1037 respondents and a smaller sub-sample of 500 representative of the agricultural region of South Moravia. Mean WTP was found to be about $9 for both the Czech and S. Moravian sub-samples, corresponding to country-wide benefits of $68 million. These benefits increase by 5% for every ten varieties conserved, implying total welfare benefits of $80 million for a program conserving the maximum number of 35 additional crop varieties. The study reveals the previously unmeasured social benefits of crop conservation activities in the Czech Republic, and illustrates an empirical approach of potential value for policymakers responsible for determining funding levels for genetic resource conservation. |
| Keywords: | Crop diversity; plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA); public goods; contingent valuation; double-bounded dichotomous choice |
| JEL: | Q18 Q51 Q57 |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fau:wpaper:wp2018_09&r=env |
| By: | Atkinson, Giles; Groom, Ben; Hanley, Nicholas; Mourato, Susana |
| Abstract: | This paper presents an evaluation of the use of environmental valuation – techniques to assign monetary values to environmental impacts of policies and projects, especially nonmarket impacts – in U.K. policy. In doing so, we seek to contribute to the debate, more generally, of the use and influence of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in national policy processes such as Impact Assessment. Specifically, our contribution in this paper is two-fold. First, we identify a number of trends that have characterized U.K. policy use of environmental valuation over the past two or so decades. While this has notably involved development of “sharable values” allowing more widespread uptake, it also seems that different branches of government have developed different traditions of use adding nuance to what, on the face of it, is otherwise a shared endeavor. Second, we evaluate the extent to which the use of environmental valuation can be said to have influenced policy decisions and the degree to which this is embedded by evolving policy processes. As such, we discuss two areas of environmental policy – water quality improvements and natural capital – which have entailed either substantial use of environmental valuation either in determining specific policy and investment project options or where this has helped shape the broader policy agenda. Our evaluation is not exhaustive; nor do our findings suggest that environmental valuation and BCA are necessarily the dominant driver of decisions, as we discuss. However, in recognizing this, we argue it is also important to consider a number of established or evolving cultural and legal institutional processes which broadly appear to support our assessment of such cases. |
| JEL: | H43 Q51 |
| Date: | 2018–04–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:87615&r=env |
| By: | Eduardo Amaral Haddad; Fatima Ezzahra Mengoub; Vinicius A. Vale |
| Abstract: | This paper reports the results of an application using an interregional input-output matrix for Morocco together with regional information on water consumption by sectors. We develop a trade-based index that reveals the relative water use intensities associated with specific interregional and international trade flows. We estimate, for each flow associated with each origin-destination pair, measures of trade in value added and trade in water that are further used to calculate our index. We add to the existing literature on virtual water flows by encompassing the subnational perspective in the case study of a country that shows a “climate divide”: while a great part of the southern territory is located in the Sahara Desert, with serious water constraints, the northern part is relatively more privileged with access to this natural resource. Furthermore, we compare that Trade-Based Index of Water Intensity to similar metrics related to the use of other natural resources. |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ocp:rpaper:rp1803&r=env |
| By: | Céline Guivarch (CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AgroParisTech - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Antonin Pottier (CERNA i3 - Centre d'économie industrielle i3 - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - PSL - PSL Research University - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) |
| Abstract: | Recent articles have investigated with integrated assessment models the possibility that climate damage bears on productivity (TFP) growth and not on production. Here, we compare the impact of these alternative representations of damage on the social cost of carbon (SCC). We ask whether damage on TFP growth leads to higher SCC than damage on production ceteris paribus. To make possible a controlled comparison, we introduce a measure of aggregate damage, or damage strength, based on welfare variations. With a simple climate-economy model, we compare three damage structures: quadratic damage on production, linear damage on growth and quadratic damage on growth. We show that when damage strength is the same, the ranking of SCC between a model with damage on production and a model with damage on TFP growth is not unequivocal. It depends on welfare parameters such as the utility discount rate or the elasticity of marginal social utility of consumption. |
| Keywords: | climate change,damage,social cost of carbon,growth,TFP,IAM |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01612901&r=env |
| By: | Gissela Landa (Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques); Paul Malliet (Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques); Aurélien Saussay (Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques); Frédéric Reynès (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek) |
| Abstract: | Pour une large part, la macroéconomie environnementale se développe à l'écart des débats théoriques qui agitent les autres champs d'étude de la macroéconomie appliquée. En témoigne la faible représentation des questions environnementales dans les revues d'économie généralistes ou dans les manuels de macroéconomie avancée. Si l'environnement n'est jusqu'ici pas considéré comme un thème à même de faire progresser la connaissance en macroéconomie, il est depuis les années 1990 au moins un sujet important d'application des modèles macroéconomiques. En particulier, ces derniers sont utilisés pour analyser et quantifier les effets économiques de la transition vers un système de production et de consommation soutenable. Nous proposons d'apporter un éclairage sur l'état de l'art en macroéconomie environnementale appliquée. Plus particulièrement, nous nous attacherons à identifier les spécificités de cette thématique de recherche, qui expliquent les choix théoriques et empiriques qui y sont pratiqués. |
| Keywords: | Macroéconomie environnementale; Modélisation macroéconomique; IAM; CGE |
| Date: | 2017–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:spo:wpmain:info:hdl:2441/4ih68lf438lqba81kgd12moq8&r=env |
| By: | Quatraro, Francesco; Scandura, Alessandra (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | This work investigates the generation of green technologies (GTs) in Italian NUTS 3 regions across time, by focusing on the knowledge generation mechanisms underlying the creation of green patents. Firstly, we hypothesize that inventions in non-green technological domains positively influence the generation of GTs, because the latter occur as the outcome of a recombination process among a wide array of technological domains. Secondly, we hypothesise that the involvement of academic inventors in patenting activity bears positive effects on the generation of GTs, because they are able to manage the recombination across different technological domains. Thirdly, we explore the interaction effect between academic inventors’ involvement and non-green technologies to investigate whether the former are especially relevant in presence of higher or lower levels of the latter. We estimate zero-inflated negative binomial, spatial durbin and logistic regressions on a dataset of 103 Italian NUTS 3 regions for which we collected patent and regional data for the time span 1998-2009. The results suggest that both academic inventors and spillovers from polluting technologies bear positive direct effects on the generation of GTs; moreover, we find that academic inventors compensate for low levels of spillovers. |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:201802&r=env |
| By: | Laura Centemeri (IMM - Institut Marcel Mauss - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Gildas Renou (SAGE - Sociétés, Acteurs, Gouvernement en Europe - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | L’objectif de cette contribution est, d’abord, de présenter l’oeuvre de l'économiste catalan Joan Martinez-Alier, un des fondateurs de l'économie écologique, en la situant dans sa trajectoire politique et intellectuelle. Il s’agira ensuite de développer une réflexion plus large concernant le type de pluralisme des valeurs qui est en question dans une critique écologique ayant l’ambition d’être attentive aux inégalités environnementales mais également à la pluralité des modes qu’ont les humains de tenir à l’environnement. |
| Keywords: | critique écologique, valeur, décroissance, transition écologique, inégalités environnementales , justice environnementale,economie écologique, mouvements sociaux |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01342220&r=env |
| By: | Coles, Anne-Marie; Peters, S. R. |
| Abstract: | Transitions management identifies broad national efforts that attempt to govern socio-technical change along more environmentally sustainable pathways. Although the complexity of such endeavours is generally acknowledged, it is not yet clear how governance practices work at an international level. This paper utilises the transitions management concept to compare three countries in their attempts to increase the adoption and use of renewable energy technologies. It notes that analysis at a micro-level needs to focus on the actions and requirements of particular user groups for a deeper elucidation of transition management processes. Furthermore, the complexity of socio-technical change processes implies that transitions management is a more useful concept when focused at the micro-level of change rather than at the macro-level of strategy formulation over the longer term. |
| Keywords: | Renewable energy; transitions management; energy users; inter-country comparison; |
| JEL: | O33 O57 Q42 |
| Date: | 2018–05–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gpe:wpaper:20230&r=env |
| By: | Tomenendal, Matthias; Lange, Hans Rüdiger; Kirch, Johannes; Rosin, Anna Frieda |
| Abstract: | In the pursuit of strict climate policy targets the German government has decided that several lignite power plants have to be closed down by the year of 2019. One of the most affected regions is the Lusatia mining area in Eastern Germany. Here the question is raised how economic restructuring induced by climate policy can be achieved without bringing havoc on an entire region. We aim to give a first answer by developing a multi-level perspective (MLP) model for supporting regions towards more entrepreneurial activities. Based on different literature streams we suggest a model for strategic niche management towards an entrepreneurial socio-technical regime, which consists of the mid-level in the MLP as the dependent variable and resulting thrusts of strategic niche management as independent variables. The findings are illustrated by the case of Lusatia but are of general nature and can also be applied to other regions. |
| Date: | 2018 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:imbwps:94&r=env |
| By: | Jasmien De Winne; Gert Peersman (-) |
| Abstract: | For a panel of 75 countries, we find that increases in global agricultural commodity prices that are caused by unfavorable harvest shocks in other regions of the world significantly curtail domestic economic activity. The effects are much larger than for average global agricultural price shifts. The impact is also considerably stronger in high-income countries, despite the lower shares of food in household expenditures these countries have compared to low-income countries. On the other hand, we find weaker effects in countries that are net exporters of agricultural products, have higher shares of agriculture in GDP or lower shares of non-agricultural trade in GDP; that is, characteristics that typically apply to low-income countries. When we control for these country characteristics, we find indeed that the effects on economic activity become smaller when income per capita is higher. Overall, our findings imply that the consequences of climate change on advanced economies are likely larger than previously thought. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural commodity prices, economic activity, climate change |
| JEL: | E32 F44 O13 O44 Q11 Q54 |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rug:rugwps:18/945&r=env |
| By: | Joeri Sol (University of Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | Using IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2016v2) data, I calculate an expected extinction rate for the coming century that is 759 to 7,582 times the natural background rate. Extinction rates exceed the planetary boundary formulated by Rockström et al. (2009) nearly everywhere (521 out of 538 regions) and do so beyond the zone of uncertainty introduced by Steffen et al. (2015) in 329 regions (or 51.5 percent of land surface). I show that species extinction increases with population density and GDP per capita, and while I cannot claim causal links, my findings suggest that the conservation of nature requires degrowth or at least a transition to a steady state economy. |
| Keywords: | Biodiversity; species extinction; planetary boundaries; steady state; degrowth |
| JEL: | A10 Q57 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20180039&r=env |
| By: | Yi-Ming Wei; Jin-Wei Wang; Tianqi Chen; Bi-Ying Yu; Hua Liao |
| Abstract: | It is of great significance to quickly and accurately detect the current and future development trends of low-carbon technologies (LCT). However, there is a lack of detecting research fronts of low-carbon technologies based on the bibliographic data. This paper proposes a research framework integrating LCT domains and the bibliometric coupling with sliding window technique to explore the LCT research fronts in recent decade (from 2007 to 2016). Eleven research fronts matching the foresight given by LCT experts are identified, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) in power generation, technology transfer, technology diffusion, electrocoagulation, magnetic nanoparticles, critical metals application, electrocatalytic water oxidation, ionic liquids, mutually immiscible ionic liquids, electric vehicle (China), electric vehicle (UK and USA). Closer investigation of the evolution shows that CCS application in the power plants and hydrogen production from water electrolysis are two emerging fronts. Besides, bibliometric coupling with sliding window is an effective tool to detect the frontiers of low-carbon technologies. Finally, the implications of the research for LCT monitoring and development are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Low-carbon technologies; Research fronts; Bibliometric coupling; Sliding window; Data driven |
| JEL: | Q54 Q40 |
| Date: | 2018–04–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:biw:wpaper:116&r=env |
| By: | Winkler, Malte; Delzeit, Ruth |
| Abstract: | Um zukünftige Klimaziele zu erreichen, Handlungswillen zu demonstrieren und so einen Teil der Glaubwürdigkeit beim Klimaschutz zurück zu gewinnen, muss Deutschland zügig konkrete klimapolitische Maßnahmen einleiten bzw. weiter entwickeln, fordern die Autoren Malte Winkler und Ruth Delzeit. Auf EU-Ebene sollte sich die Bundesregierung für eine sektorale Erweiterung des Europäischen Emissionshandelssystems (EU-EHS) sowie die Einführung von Emissionsgrenzwerten für den Straßengüterverkehr einsetzen. Wichtige Maßnahmen im Stromsektor umfassen einen unter Einbeziehung beteiligter Stakeholder-Gruppen partizipativ geplanten Ausstieg aus der Kohleverstromung mit konkretem Zieldatum und der Einhaltung eines Emissionsbudgets sowie eine Strategie für einen intelligenten Netzausbau. Im Verkehrssektor sollte eine konsistente Förderung bzw. Belastung unterschiedlicher Antriebstechnologien auf Basis des CO2-Ausstoßes etabliert werden; hierzu sollten auf nationaler Ebene vorhandene Instrumente wie Strom- und Energiesteuer an die aktuellen Entwicklungen angepasst werden; auch die Maut sollte sich an den tatsächlich freigesetzten Emissionen unterschiedlicher Fahrzeugtypen orientieren. Im Wärmebereich sollten die Sanierung von Bestandsbauten sowie der Ausbau von Wärmenetzen stärker gefördert werden. Eine einheitliche CO2-Bepreisung von Heizöl und Strom würde den Einsatz von Wärmepumpen wettbewerbsfähiger machen. Sektorkopplung sowie die deutliche Stärkung des EU-EHS als System zur einheitlichen Bepreisung von Treibhausgasemissionen sollten zentrale Aspekte einer ambitionierten deutschen Klimapolitik sein. |
| Keywords: | Klimapolitik,Klimaziel,Bundesregierung,Kohleausstieg,E-Mobilität |
| Date: | 2018 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkpb:113&r=env |
| By: | Adam Brown; Ben Gardiner; Roman Römisch (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Jonathan Stenning |
| Abstract: | The report analyses the fiscal and macroeconomic environment in the lagging regions and the relevant Member States of the EU, as a sound and sustainable macroeconomic framework is a necessary, but by itself not a sufficient precondition for investment and growth in the regions. It starts with identifying relevant indicators to highlight the macroeconomic environment in the lagging regions, assessing the performance of the regions across these indicators, and establishing a framework which sets out the potential causes of these imbalances. This sets the scene for further analysis of the transmission mechanisms which cause the regional discrepancies in these Member States between the lagging and the non-lagging regions, as well as exploring the differences between the low growth and low income lagging regions. The report concludes with a summary of these findings and how they could be used as a basis for policy recommendations which might improve the economic performance of the lagging regions. |
| Keywords: | macroeconomic development, regional economic development, EU, lagging regions, regional policy, economic challenges |
| JEL: | E32 E60 H60 O11 O18 O40 R11 |
| Date: | 2017–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:rpaper:rr:421&r=env |
| By: | Martina Iorio (Roma Tre University); Salvatore Monni (Roma Tre University); Barbara Brollo (Roma Tre University) |
| Abstract: | The aim of this paper is to highlight the effect of the endowment of resources on development through the analysis of the impact of national strategy, both at a regional and local level. The research focuses on the Legal Amazon, through the georeferenced analysis of socio-economic data from the last three censuses (1991, 2000 and 2010), in order to demonstrate how the Brazilian national energy strategy is contributing to the perpetuation of the phenomenon of the endowment trap at a regional level. Despite boosting the national growth, the concentration of sector-based projects in resource-abundant areas is unable to eradicate inequalities, which in turn perpetuates the path dependence. |
| Keywords: | Human Development,Inequality,Brazil,Legal Amazon,Dependency |
| Date: | 2018–03–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01773576&r=env |
| By: | Mamun, Md Al; Sohag, Kazi; Shahbaz, Muhammad; Hammoudeh, Shawkat |
| Abstract: | Using a large sample of 25 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, we provide evidence that the growth of equity and credit markets promotes cleaner energy (biomass renewable energy, non biomass renewable energy, and total bio and non-bio renewable energy) production in those countries. We also find that the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) adversely affects the production of cleaner energy. Our results are robust to alternative definitions of financial market development, cleaner energy, and controlling for the effect of government subsidy on cleaner energy. By supporting the demand-induced supply of cleaner energy, we demonstrate that the positive and significant effect of financial market development (FMD) on cleaner energy is stronger in countries with higher growth in carbon intensity and a lower availability of fossil fuels than otherwise. Our results also support the argument that financing uncertain projects such as those that produce cleaner energy should be greater in countries with a higher innovation culture than those where financial markets are already accustomed to undertaking risky investments. The overall results are also robust under the conditions of short-run and long-run homogeneity and the cross-sectional dependence in the sample. Policy implications are also provided. |
| Keywords: | Biomass and cleaner energy production, common correlated effects pooled (CCEP), credit and equity markets, global financial crisis, innovation |
| JEL: | A1 |
| Date: | 2018–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85771&r=env |
| By: | Céline Guivarch (CIRED - Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement - CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AgroParisTech - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Robert Lempert (RAND Corporation - Santa Monica); Evelina Trutnevyte (Department of Environmental Systems Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: | Scenario techniques are a teeming field in energy and environmental research and decision making. This Thematic Issue (TI) highlights quantitative (computational) methods that improve the development and use of scenarios for dealing with the dual challenge of complexity and (deep) uncertainty. The TI gathers 13 articles that describe methodological innovations or extensions and refinements of existing methods, as well as applications that demonstrate the potential of these methodological developments. The TI proposes two methodological foci for dealing with the challenges of (deep) uncertainty and complexity: diversity and vulnerability approaches help tackle uncertainty; multiple-objective and multiple-scale approaches help address complexity; whereas some combinations of those foci can also be applied. This overview article to the TI presents the contributions gathered in the TI, and shows how they individually and collectively bring new capacity to scenarios techniques to deal with complexity and (deep) uncertainty. |
| Keywords: | scenarios,uncertainty,complexity,diversity,vulnerability,multiple-objective,multiple- scale |
| Date: | 2017–11–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01579281&r=env |
| By: | Xavier Fageda; Ricardo Flores-Fillol |
| Abstract: | Los atascos (pérdida de tiempo) y la contaminación atmosférica (salud pública) asociados al uso del vehículo particular en los accesos a grandes ciudades son extraordinariamente graves. Nuestros datos sugieren que estos dos problemas están fuera de control y tienen visos de agravarse en el futuro próximo. Existen tres medidas principales para combatir estos problemas: las inversiones en infraestructuras, las restricciones vía cantidades y las restricciones vía precios. En el caso de núcleos urbanos con infraestructuras maduras, las inversiones destinadas a mejorar la oferta implican costes muy elevados, tienen una baja rentabilidad social y pueden tener efectos regresivos. Las medidas restrictivas vía cantidades (donde destacan las restricciones basadas en el número de matrícula y las zonas de baja emisión) son generalmente ineficientes, ineficaces a medio plazo y regresivas. Estas medidas son las que se han aplicado parcialmente en Madrid y Barcelona. En cambio, las medidas restrictivas vía precios basadas en peajes de congestión son eficientes, eficaces y no regresivas si están bien diseñadas. Este estudio propone el establecimiento de un peaje de congestión que regule el acceso al centro de Madrid y Barcelona en horas punta. Creemos que este sistema puede resolver definitiva y permanentemente el problema de los atascos, a la vez que ayudaría a mitigar el problema de la contaminación atmosférica. Además es sencillo de diseñar e implementar y produce resultados inmediatos a la vez que genera recursos adicionales. |
| Date: | 2018–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fda:fdapop:2018-04&r=env |