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on Environmental Economics |
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Issue of 2019‒11‒18
forty-four papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Yannis Dafermos; Maria Nikolaidi |
| Abstract: | Fiscal policy has a strong role to play in the transition to an ecologically sustainable economy. This paper critically discusses the way that green fiscal policy has been analysed in both conventional and post-Keynesian approaches. It then uses a recently developed post-Keynesian ecological macroeconomic model in order to provide a comparative evaluation of three different types of green fiscal policy: carbon taxes, green subsidies and green public investment. We show that (i) carbon taxes reduce global warming but increase financial risks due to their adverse effects on the profitability of firms and credit availability; (ii) green subsidies and green public investment improve ecological efficiency, but their positive environmental impact is partially offset by their macroeconomic rebound effects; and (iii) a green fiscal policy mix derives better outcomes than isolated policies. Directions for future heterodox macroeconomic research on the links between fiscal policy and ecological sustainability are suggested. |
| Keywords: | post-Keynesian economics, ecological economics, green fiscal policy, stock-flow consistent modelling |
| JEL: | E12 E62 Q54 Q57 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imk:fmmpap:52-2019&r=all |
| By: | Ambrose, Hanjiro; Kendall, Alissa |
| Abstract: | California’s freight transportation system is a vital part of the state’s economy but is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and generates an even higher portion of regional and local air pollution. The state’s primary strategy for reducing emissions from the on-road freight sector relies on deploying new vehicle and fuel technologies, such as electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The market for electric truck technologies is developing rapidly. The goal of this research is to quantify the life cycle environmental impacts and life cycle costs for on-road goods movement in California to estimate the abatement potential and economic costs and benefits of electrifying California’s freight truck sector. The study compares the emissions and costs of urban conventional gasoline and diesel Class 3–8 vehicles with electric heavy-duty vehicles (i.e., electric trucks) for a range of freight and commercial vocations. A model of freight vehicle operations is developed based on representative vehicle location data, and linked with life cycle emissions inventory, technology cost, and pollution health damage cost data. The model is then used to assess energy and capacity requirements for electric trucks and battery systems and explore the impacts of a range of charging strategies and vehicle duty cycles (i.e., vocations) on energy, costs, and emissions between 2020 and 2040. Where emissions occur, and how emissions of different pollutants are affected by factors including vocation, duty cycle, powertrain configuration, and fuel pathway, will influence the effectiveness and economic costs of emissions reduction strategies. On a per mile basis, replacing a conventional gasoline or diesel truck can reduce CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 50%–75% compared to conventional gas and diesel vehicles. Statewide, 100% electrification of in-state Class 8 vehicles by 2040 could reduce annual CO2e emissions by nearly than 30% (50 million metric tonnes per year), and electrification of Class 3 trucks statewide would likely half current PM2.5 emissions from transportation. The costs of emissions abatement from truck electrification ranged from $0.25 to $182 per metric tonne of CO2e for trucks deployed in 2020, but these costs are likely to fall dramatically by 2040. Full electrification of the in-state registered Class 3–8 vehicle fleet by 2040 would significantly reduce criteria pollutants and aerosols emissions; this in turn could reduce pollution related damages in the state by $507 million per year by 2025, and by some $1.6 billion by 2040. View the NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Engineering, Electric vehicles, goods movement, environmental impact assessment, life cycle costing |
| Date: | 2019–11–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt3427b1cn&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The International Energy Agency (IEA) and KAPSARC co-hosted an expert workshop on the potential of advanced carbon dioxide (CO2 ) enhanced oil recovery (CO2 -EOR) to decarbonize oil production. The workshop focused on the potential for using CO2 -EOR for CO2 storage and increasing oil production, also known as advanced CO2 -EOR. Over the course of the two-day meeting, over 50 participants from government, industry and academia examined the current status of CO2 -EOR, explored the economic and environmental benefits of advanced CO2 -EOR and discussed the challenges facing its widespread adoption. |
| Keywords: | Advanced carbon dioxide, Carbon emissions, Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme (CORSIA), Carbon pricing, Climate change, Decarbonization, Enhanced oil recovery (EOR), Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), Natural Gas, Regulatory Incentives |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2018-wb15&r=all |
| By: | Francesco Vona (Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques) |
| Abstract: | This blog post is partly based on the policy paper published in the journal Climate Policy: ‘Job Losses and the Political Acceptability of Climate Policies: why the job killing argument is so persistent and how to overturn it.’ Concerns for a ‘just transition’ towards a low-carbon economy are now part of mainstream political debates as well as of international negotiations on climate change. Key political concerns centre on the distributional impacts of climate policies. On the one hand, the ‘job killing’ argument has been repeatedly used to undermine the political acceptability of climate policy and to ensure generous exemptions to polluting industries in most countries. On the other hand, the rising populist parties point to carbon taxes as another enhancer of socio-economic inequalities. For instance, the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow vest) movement in France is a classic example of the perceived tension between social justice and environmental sustainability. |
| Keywords: | Low carbon economy; Climate policy; Social justice; Environmental sustainability |
| Date: | 2019–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:spo:wpmain:info:hdl:2441/309vnu061i84latgu6i6t1omhj&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | When balancing the objectives of affordability, reliability and environmental sustainability of energy supply, the answer in developing Asian economies has historically been unequivocal: Coal is king. This is because these nations placed greater emphasis on the first two objectives at the expense of the third. However, coal markets in Asia now face increasing community pressures for better local air quality and, to a lesser extent, concerns about global climate change. Consequently, policymakers are struggling to find a new optimal energy mix, which preserves the economic benefits of cheap coal but also helps them adhere to increasingly stringent emission norms and climate accords. |
| Keywords: | Air Pollution, Climate Change, Coal, Energy Mix, Policy Development, Policy framework, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Workshop Brief |
| Date: | 2017–11–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks-2017-wb011&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The way the world uses energy services has entered a period of profound change. However, there is continuing uncertainty about its trajectory in terms of the speed and extent of transition. This will dictate whether the world achieves the 2oC target, and if not, by how much. But what would the world look like if policymakers treated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets as binding? |
| Keywords: | Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Carbon Tax, Climate Policy, Energy Transition, Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC, Policy Development, Workshop Brief |
| Date: | 2017–11–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks-2017--wb10&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | An effective transport policy framework would take into account the costs of rising local pollution, congestion, accidents and global greenhouse gas emissions. The various supply- and demand- side transformations happening in personal mobility provide policymakers with opportunities and challenges for addressing these externalities. |
| Keywords: | Automation, Climate change, Electric vehicles, Carbon tax, Decarbonization, Fuel economy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), Mobility, Oil Demand, Policy framework, Regulatrory incentives, Ride-sharing, Transportation |
| Date: | 2018–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2018-wb13&r=all |
| By: | Kendall, Alissa; Ambrose, Hanjiro; Maroney, Erik A. |
| Abstract: | In the United States, vehicle emissions are responsible for 29% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with the majority of these coming from light-duty vehicles. To reduce GHG emissions, the U.S. has adopted policies to support the development and deployment of low-carbon fuels and zero emission vehicles (ZEVs—e.g., plug-in hybrid electric vehicles [PHEVs] and battery electric vehicles [EVs]). Most current policies focus on emissions from vehicle operation only, omitting significant contributions from vehicle production and other parts of the vehicle and energy life cycle. GHG emissions from vehicle operation and even from operation plus production are almost always lower for EVs than for conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (see Figure). However, as EVs become more efficient, low-carbon electricity becomes more common, and the size of the global EV fleet increases, emissions from production and other non-operation parts of the life cycle become increasingly important. Researchers at UC Davis studied: (i) the effect of different factors on life cycle emissions; (ii) the impact of excluding life cycle emissions from policies; and (iii) potential strategies that might be used to effectively incorporate life cycle emissions in light-duty vehicle GHG policy. This policy brief summarizes the findings from that project. View the NCST Project Webpage |
| Keywords: | Law, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Electric batteries, Electric power plants, Electric vehicles, Exhaust gases, Greenhouse gases, Life cycle analysis, Manufacturing, Plug-in hybrid vehicles, Regulations, Sales, Standards |
| Date: | 2019–10–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt9gg7f0ft&r=all |
| By: | T. Odu; T. Dugeri |
| Abstract: | Climate change and global warming are issues that continue to take centre stage in many global discussions presently. Thus, various programs and schemes are geared towards the mitigation of these pressing problems. In 2005, the United Nations declared the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) to integrate sustainable development values with various aspects of learning. The ultimate goal was to induce sustainability behavioural changes through education. One of the objectives of the DESD was to embed sustainable development issues in various curricula. It is however unclear if the real estate curriculum in Nigeria has since reflected any such changes. This study uses a content analysis to assess the current curricula of the estate management departments of selected federal universities in Nigeria, in a bid to ascertain the level of inclusion of environmental sustainability issues in the teaching – learning process. The findings of the study are important for curriculum modification and sustainable development goals implementation in Nigeria. |
| Keywords: | Curriculum; Environmental Sustainability; estate management; Nigeria |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2018–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:afr:wpaper:afres2018_141&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of a limited number of ways to reach the Paris Agreement’s objective of net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the second half of this century. The world’s remaining carbon budget of 900 gigatonnes (Gt) will become depleted around 2040 at the current emissions rate of some 40 Gt per year. Deploying CCS at scale provides an economically feasible way of achieving the net-zero objective. A recent KAPSARC publication, “A Mechanism for CCS in the Post-Paris Era,” developed the concept of a new CCS-specific technology mechanism under Article 6 of the Agreement that could overcome historical barriers to the deployment of CCS. This would take the form of a new tradable asset or carbon storage unit (CSU) representing one verified tonne of CO2 stored or sequestered geologically with no intrinsic emissions reduction value. |
| Keywords: | Paris agreement, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Carbon Dioxide emissions (CO2), |
| Date: | 2019–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2019-wb27&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | As ‘energy transition’ enters the mainstream lexicon, a new narrative is emerging. The presumption that there is an urgent need to achieve full decarbonization via the elimination of fossil fuels is being tempered by calls to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by technology to reduce and even eliminate the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of existing energy sources. |
| Keywords: | Green house gas Emission (GHG), Energy transitions, Energy demand, CO2 emissions |
| Date: | 2019–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2019-wb20&r=all |
| By: | Couharde, C.; Damette, O.; Generoso, R.; Mohaddes, K. |
| Abstract: | This paper contributes to the climate-economy literature by analysing the role of weather patterns in influencing the transmission of global climate cycles to economic growth. More specifically, we focus on El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and their interactions with local weather conditions, taking into account the heterogeneous and cumulative effects of weather patterns on economic growth and the asymmetry and nonlinearity in the global influence of ENSO on economic activity. Using data on 75 countries over the period 1975-2014, we provide evidence for the negative growth effects of ENSO events and show that there are substantial differences between its warm (El Nino) and cold (La Nina) phases and between climate zones. These differences are due to the heterogeneity in weather responses to ENSO events, known as teleconnections, which has so far not been taken into account by economists, and which will become more important in the climate-economy relationship given that climate change may substantially strengthen long-distance relationships between weather patterns around the world. We also show that the negative growth effects associated with these teleconnections are robust to the definition of ENSO events and more important over shorter meteorological onsets. |
| Keywords: | Economic growth, ENSO events, weather shocks, climate change |
| JEL: | C33 O40 Q54 |
| Date: | 2019–11–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:1992&r=all |
| By: | O. A. Ogunba |
| Abstract: | Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine costs and benefit of incorporating green features in commercial building with a view to enhancing green building development decisions in Nigeria.Design/Methodology: The study distributed questionnaire to a variety of stakeholders to identify features that makes buildings green in Lagos, Nigeria, determine the cost of identified features, determine the benefits of having green features in the buildings, and determine whether benefits outweigh the costs of green building in Nigeria. The non-financial costs and benefits were quantified and priced using environmental valuation techniques. Capital costs and benefits were brought to their annual equivalent while future costs and benefits were annualized. The Net present value and profitability index were employed in cost-benefit analysis.Findings: The findings indicate that the initial purchase and installation costs of green features in green buildings the study area are fifteen per cent higher than that for conventional buildings but the discounted green costs in use require 25 to 35 per cent less energy and 39 per cent less water annually than conventional buildings. These translate into substantially less electricity and water bills. In addition, green buildings involve higher discounted benefits from productivity and health. Discounted cost benefit analysis showed that green buildings involved positive NPVs over conventional buildings from only eight years into the life span.Practical Implications: The study concluded that medium to long term developers should begin to consider investing in green building in Nigeria given that the benefits outweigh the costs fairly early into the building life span.Originality/Value: The value of the paper is in providing much needed information for enhanced green property investment in Nigeria and Africa. |
| Keywords: | Benefits NPV; Costs; Green Building |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2018–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:afr:wpaper:afres2018_140&r=all |
| By: | Lourdes Isabel Patiño (Universidad Castro Carazo, Costa Rica); Emilio Padilla Rosa (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Vicent Alcántara Escolano (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Josep Lluís Raymond Bara (Departament d'Economia i Història Econòmica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | We analyze the relation of CO2 emissions per capita and primary energy per capita with GDP per capita and other relevant variables, for the period 1971–2011. Two dynamic econometric partial adjustment models are estimated using data from the International Energy Agency. The results suggest a relation that is compatible with the hypothesis of the environmental Kuznets curve, and whose turning points are within the range of the sample, reflecting a change in the relations between both indicators and GDP per capita. Several factors explain this change, the policies applied during the period being crucial. We compute the trajectory of the elasticities of these environmental pressures with respect to GDP, which decline significantly over time. We develop a new method, better fitted for asymmetric distributions, to compute the confidence intervals of these elasticities. Some determinants of the reduction of these environmental pressures are the change in the composition of primary energy sources, which entailed both primary energy savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions, as well as the favorable impact of the regulations imposed by the government aimed at controlling CO2 emissions from the transport and industrial sectors. The results provide important insights for the design of environmental and energy policies in developing countries to allow economic and social improvement without further growth in energy use and emissions. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions; environmental Kuznets curve; partial adjustment model; primary energy |
| Date: | 2019–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uab:wprdea:wpdea1904&r=all |
| By: | Edwin Buenaño (School of Physical and Mathematics Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito); Emilio Padilla Rosa (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Vicent Alcántara Escolano (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | We analyse the relationship between the Ecuadorian economy and environmental pollution from an input-output approach, thereby identifying the key sectors in CO2 emissions and establishing a typology of them for the year 2013. The methodology used determines the economic activities that have greater responsibility in the generation of emissions, due to their own production or their interrelation with other activities. In addition, this influence is broken down into two types of effects (own and pure), which allow for a better perspective of the influence that the key sectors exert on the rest of the activities. The results show that, in addition to activities traditionally considered as polluting (transport, electricity and oil derivatives), there are others, such as commerce, construction, telecommunications and government administrative services, which are also highly responsible for the generation of emissions in the entire productive system. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions, input–output analysis, key sectors |
| Date: | 2019–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uab:wprdea:wpdea1906&r=all |
| By: | Jordi Perdiguero Garcia (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Alex Sanz (Departament d'Economia i Història Econòmica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | One of the main causes of mortality worldwide is air pollution. To tackle this problem, local, regional and national governments have implemented policies to reduce emissions from industrial and on-road sources. However, when these policies are being designed, shipping emissions are often overlooked. There has been a drastic increase in the demand for cruises and its economic relevance is also growing in port-cities. Barcelona is Europe’s leading cruise port, and it is located near the centre of the city. In this context, this paper analyses the impact of cruise ships in the air quality of the entire city of Barcelona using a dataset with information about pollutants and the number of cruises arriving to the port. We show that there is a direct impact between cruises staying at the port and city pollution. Additionally, the size and age of the cruise also affect air quality. The larger (or newer) the cruise is, the higher the emission generated. Moreover, our simulations show that the whole city is affected by these emissions. |
| Keywords: | Air pollution, Cruise ships emissions, Pollutants, Port externalities, Port of Barcelona, Urban air quality |
| JEL: | D62 L91 Q53 R49 |
| Date: | 2019–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uab:wprdea:wpdea1903&r=all |
| By: | Opeyemi Akinyemi (CEPDeR, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria); Uchenna Efobi (CEPDeR, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria); Evans Osabuohien (Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria); Philip Alege (CEPDeR, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria) |
| Abstract: | This study explores the extent to which regional integration can be a viable tool in driving energy sustainability in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region of Africa, and vice versa. It examines the existing opportunities and the attendant challenges for improved firms’ productivity in the sub-region through the appraisal of the ECOWAS West African Power Pool (WAPP). Using three measures of energy sustainability, namely: energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability; the study presents the performance of the ECOWAS sub-region in ensuring regional integration for energy sustainability. The findings from the study reveal, inter alia, that there are prospects and benefits for energy integration for sustainable development in the region. Though some progress had been made, there are many challenges. Also, where progress had been made, it is not uniform across the sub-region, though factors such as rising population and political instability could be responsible. It is recommended that the political economy surrounding regional energy integration should be given a priority among the Member States to ensure that there is positive political will for speedy achievement of set goals. Also, investment in human capital to manage the different projects and maintain the facilities cannot be overemphasised. |
| Keywords: | ECOWAS, Energy, Green growth, Sustainable development, Regional Integration |
| JEL: | F15 P28 Q43 R11 R58 |
| Date: | 2019–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agd:wpaper:19/081&r=all |
| By: | Ermgassen, Erasmus Klaus Helge Justus zu; Ayre, Ben; Godar, Javier; Bastos Lima, Mairon G.; Bauch, Simone; Garrett, Rachael; Green, Jonathan; Lathuillière, Michael J; Löfgren, Pernilla; MacFarquhar, Christina |
| Abstract: | Zero deforestation commitments (ZDCs) are voluntary initiatives where companies or countries pledge to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. These commitments offer much promise for sustainable commodity production, but are undermined by a lack of transparency about their coverage and impacts. Here, using state-of-the-art supply chain data, we introduce an approach to evaluate the impact of ZDCs, linking traders and international markets to commodity-associated deforestation in the sub-national jurisdictions from which they source. We focus on the Brazilian soy sector, where we find that ZDC coverage is increasing, but under-represents the Cerrado biome where most soy-associated deforestation currently takes place. Though soy-associated deforestation declined in the Amazon after the introduction of the Soy Moratorium, we observe no change in the exposure of companies or countries adopting ZDCs to soy-associated deforestation in the Cerrado. We further assess the formulation and implementation of these ZDCs and identify several systematic weaknesses which must be addressed to increase the likelihood that they achieve meaningful reductions in deforestation in future. As the 2020 deadline for several of these commitments approaches, our approach can provide independent monitoring of progress toward the goal of ending commodity-associated deforestation. |
| Date: | 2019–06–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:agrixi:xb3nk&r=all |
| By: | Taiebat, Morteza; Stolper, Samuel; Xu, Ming |
| Abstract: | Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are expected to yield significant improvements in safety, energy efficiency, and time utilization. However, their net effect on energy and environmental outcomes is unclear. Higher fuel economy reduces the energy required per mile of travel, but it also reduces the fuel cost of travel, incentivizing more travel and causing an energy “rebound effect.” Moreover, CAVs are predicted to vastly reduce the time cost of travel, inducing further increases in travel and energy use. In this paper, we forecast the induced travel and rebound from CAVs using data on existing travel behavior. We develop a microeconomic model of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) choice under income and time constraints; then we use it to estimate elasticities of VMT demand with respect to fuel and time costs, with fuel cost data from the 2017 United States National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) and wage-derived predictions of travel time cost. Our central estimate of the combined price elasticity of VMT demand is -0.4, which differs substantially from previous estimates. We also find evidence that wealthier households have more elastic demand, and that households at all income levels are more sensitive to time costs than to fuel costs. We use our estimated elasticities to simulate VMT and energy use impacts of full, private CAV adoption under a range of possible changes to the fuel and time costs of travel. We forecast a 2-47% increase in travel demand for an average household. Our results indicate that backfire – i.e., a net rise in energy use – is a possibility, especially in higher income groups. This presents a stiff challenge to policy goals for reductions in not only energy use but also traffic congestion and local and global air pollution, as CAV use increases. |
| Date: | 2019–04–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:lawarx:dk6qv&r=all |
| By: | Lourdes Isabel Patiño (Universidad Castro Carazo, Costa Rica); Vicent Alcántara Escolano (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Emilio Padilla Rosa (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | We analyze the driving factors of CO2 emissions generation and energy intensity during almost four decades. We apply a factorial decomposition for CO2 emissions, starting from the Kaya identity, using the logarithmic mean Divisia index method. The results indicate that the increase in emissions is mainly explained by the affluence effect and the population effect, but is partially offset by the effect of energy intensity and, to a lesser extent, the carbonization effect. We then analyze the driving factors of energy intensity. With this objective, we first transform final energy into its total primary energy requirements. We find that the decrease in total energy intensity is mainly due to the reduction in sectoral energy intensity and, to a lesser extent, to structural change. The most important contribution to the reduction in sectoral energy intensity is explained by efficiency improvement in the transport sector, but also by industry, while the decrease in the share of industry would be the most relevant component explaining the reduction of the structural change effect. This is the first application of this type to the Colombian case and provides useful information for the analysis and design of energy and environmental policies. |
| Keywords: | CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, Kaya identity, LMDI decomposition, structural change. |
| Date: | 2019–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uab:wprdea:wpdea1905&r=all |
| By: | Fujii, Tomoki (School of Economics, Singapore Management University); Ray, Rohan (School of Economics, Singapore Management University) |
| Abstract: | This paper outlines Singapore’s major sustainability challenges and its policy response in the areas of land use, transportation, waste management, water, and energy. We review the current and past Concept Plans from the perspective of sustainable land use and provide an overview of transportation policy in Singapore. We also examine Singapore’s policies to manage increasing wastes and review the four tap water management plan. Finally, we look at various initiatives by the government for sustainable use of energy. While Singapore has been successful in many ways in transforming itself into one of the most prosperous and sustainable cities in the world, there remain challenges to make the city even cleaner and greener for a better future. We discuss the opportunities that new technologies will bring about and the role that Singapore can play in building a sustainable city. |
| Date: | 2019–09–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:smuesw:2019_018&r=all |
| By: | Nathaly M. Rivera (University of Alaska Anchorage) |
| Abstract: | Extractive industries are often challenged by nearby communities due to their environmental and social impacts. If proximity to resource extraction sites represents a disamenity to households, the opening of new mines should lead to a decrease in housing prices. Using evidence from more than 6,000 new extraction sites in Chile, this study addresses whether the heavy environmental and social impacts of digging activities outweigh their local economic benefits to the housing market in emerging economies. Findings from a spatial difference-in-difference nearest-neighbor matching estimator reveal that households near mining activity get compensated with lower rental prices, mostly in places with high perceptions of exposure to environmental pollution. Further analysis suggests that this compensation is lower among new residents of mining towns, which constitutes evidence of a taste-based sorting across space. Results in this study bring to light the need of incorporating welfare effects of potential social and environmental disruptions in future studies addressing the economic impact of new mining operations. |
| Keywords: | Extractive Industries, Mining, Environmental Valuation, Environmental Disamenities, Hedonic Models, Nearest-Neighbor Matching Estimator |
| JEL: | Q53 Q51 Q32 Q34 |
| Date: | 2019–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ala:wpaper:2019-05&r=all |
| By: | Rabajante, Jomar |
| Abstract: | Currently, there is limited data on the suitability of estuaries in Cagayan province, Philippines for aquaculture. In this brief report, we discuss the overall assessment score of Buguey estuary in the municipality of Buguey, Cagayan as potential spot for the culture of green mussel (Perna viridis), locally known in the Philippines as “tahong”. The score is mainly based on salinity and water temperature. We also present the condition of dissolved oxygen and pH levels in the estuary but these factors do not have major effect on mussel growth compared to salinity and water temperature. The reference ideal values for a suitable culture site are 27 to 35 psu for salinity; 27 to 30 degC for water temperature; >5 mg/L for dissolved oxygen; and 7.7 to 8.4 for pH. Based on this reference values, areas in Buguey estuary have acceptable possibility of success for green mussel culture, which is qualitatively equivalent to having “good” suitability. This translates to a production estimate of 81% to 90% of cultured mussels will have a marketable size. However, these ratings may vary due to competition with existing oyster farming, water depth of the chosen site (since several areas in Buguey estuary are shallow), and other factors. |
| Date: | 2018–07–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:agrixi:3nb6w&r=all |
| By: | Gannon, Kate; Crick, Florence; Atela, Joanes; Babagaliyeva, Shanna; Batool, Samavia; Bedelian, Claire; Conway, Declan; Diop, Mamadou; Fankhauser, Samuel; Jobbins, Guy; Ludi, Eva; Qaisrani, Ayesha; Rouhaud, Estelle; Simonet, Catherine; Suleri, Abid; Wade, Cheikh |
| Abstract: | Globally, semi-arid lands (SALs) are home to approximately one billion people, including some of the poorest and least food secure. These regions will be among the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change. This article urges governments and their development partners to put SAL inhabitants and their activities at the heart of efforts to support adaptation and climate resilient development, identifying opportunities to capitalise on the knowledge, institutions, resources and practices of SAL populations in adaptation action. |
| Keywords: | ES/R009708/1 |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2019–11–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:102537&r=all |
| By: | George Economides (Athens University of Economics and Business, and CESifo); Anastasios Xepapadeas (Athens University of Economics and Business and University of Bologna) |
| Abstract: | We investigate the impact of climate change on the macroeconomic performance of a small open economy. The setup is a new Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model of a small open economy without monetary policy independence in which a climate module that interacts with the economy has been incorporated. The model is solved numerically using common parameter values, fiscal data and projections about temperature growth from the Greek economy. Our results, suggest that climate change implies a significant output loss and a deterioration of competitiveness. Moreover, it seems that the loss of monetary policy independence is not a big loss, when we investigate the short- and long-term implications of climate change for a small open economy. |
| Keywords: | Climate change; monetary policy; new Keynesian models |
| JEL: | E5 E1 |
| Date: | 2019–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bog:wpaper:267&r=all |
| By: | KAPSARC, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Energy demand in the economies of Eastern Africa is among the lowest in the world and represents only a small outlet for the large natural gas resource that has been discovered. Despite its important potential, renewables (with the exception of hydropower) face a long road prior to making any significant penetration in the region. Consequently, if cost competitive, natural gas represents a viable energy source that has the potential to meet the growing population’s needs while mitigating its carbon footprint. |
| Keywords: | Biomass, Compressed natural gas, Decentralized power production, Electricity, Energy access, Energy demand, Energy supplies, Infrastructure development, Liquified natural gas (LNG), Natural gas, Petrochemicals, Renewable energy |
| Date: | 2018–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2018-wb12&r=all |
| By: | Joseph I. Uduji (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria); Elda N. Okolo-Obasi (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria) |
| Abstract: | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoUs) on rural young people involved in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for sustainable livelihood in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Designed/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected from primary sources, using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) technique of semi-structured interview (SSI) questionnaire. The use of a participatory research technique in collecting CSR impact data especially as it concerns the rural young people is because it involves the people being studied, and their views on all the issues are paramount. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Inferential statistical tool-estimation of logit model was used to test the two research hypotheses. Findings – The results indicate that general memorandum of understandings (GMoUs) have not given adequate attention to the young people as a special target sub-group who live in rural areas and depend mostly on NTFPs. Results also show that a number of factors hindering rural young people from the use and development of NTFPs include a policy vacuum, non-destructive harvesting, and destruction of natural habitats, bushfires, population growths and high demands. Research limitations/implications – The semi structure interview questionnaire was directly administered by the researchers with the help of research assistants. The use of local research assistants was because of the inability of the researchers to speak the different local languages and dialects of the many ethnic groups of Ijaws, Ogonis, Ikweres, Etches, Ekpeyes, Ogbas, Engennes, Obolos, Isokos, Nembes, Okirikas, Kalabaris, Urhobos, Iteskiris, Igbos, Ika-Igbos, Ndonis, Orons, Ibenos, Yorubas, Ibibios, Anangs, Efiks, Bekwarras, Binis, Eshans, Etsakos, Owans, Itigidis, Epies, Akokoedos, Yakkurs, etc, in the sampled rural communities. Practical implications –An appropriate GMoU-intervention framework for a sustainable promotion of NTFPs, domestication of NFTPs, improving harvesting and processing techniques are necessary to facilitate good security, reduction of poverty and improved livelihoods, particularly for the economically-marginalized and forest-dependent rural young people is imperative. Social implications – Sustainable livelihoods of the forest-dependent rural young people in sub-Saharan Africa would require some focused CSR interventions on the NTFPs for sustainable livelihood. Facilities pertaining to storage, grading, processing and value addition through convergence of existing schemes and programmes should be promoted and created. MOCs are in a position to empower the rural young people with information about the market, policy and products to enable the rural people strategize and access returns from NTFPs in sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value – This research adds to the literature on multinational enterprises (MNEs) CSR initiatives in developing countries and rationale for demands for social projects by host communities. It concludes that business has an obligation to help in solving problems of sustainable livelihood. |
| Keywords: | Economic Empowerment, Corporate social responsibility, Multinational oil companies, Rural young people, Non-timber forest products, sub-Saharan Africa |
| Date: | 2019–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agd:wpaper:19/082&r=all |
| By: | Joseph I. Uduji (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria); Elda N. Okolo-Obasi (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria) |
| Abstract: | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoUs) on rural young people involved in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for sustainable livelihood in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Designed/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected from primary sources, using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) technique of semi-structured interview (SSI) questionnaire. The use of a participatory research technique in collecting CSR impact data especially as it concerns the rural young people is because it involves the people being studied, and their views on all the issues are paramount. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Inferential statistical tool-estimation of logit model was used to test the two research hypotheses. Findings – The results indicate that general memorandum of understandings (GMoUs) have not given adequate attention to the young people as a special target sub-group who live in rural areas and depend mostly on NTFPs. Results also show that a number of factors hindering rural young people from the use and development of NTFPs include a policy vacuum, non-destructive harvesting, and destruction of natural habitats, bushfires, population growths and high demands. Research limitations/implications – The semi structure interview questionnaire was directly administered by the researchers with the help of research assistants. The use of local research assistants was because of the inability of the researchers to speak the different local languages and dialects of the many ethnic groups of Ijaws, Ogonis, Ikweres, Etches, Ekpeyes, Ogbas, Engennes, Obolos, Isokos, Nembes, Okirikas, Kalabaris, Urhobos, Iteskiris, Igbos, Ika-Igbos, Ndonis, Orons, Ibenos, Yorubas, Ibibios, Anangs, Efiks, Bekwarras, Binis, Eshans, Etsakos, Owans, Itigidis, Epies, Akokoedos, Yakkurs, etc, in the sampled rural communities. Practical implications –An appropriate GMoU-intervention framework for a sustainable promotion of NTFPs, domestication of NFTPs, improving harvesting and processing techniques are necessary to facilitate good security, reduction of poverty and improved livelihoods, particularly for the economically-marginalized and forest-dependent rural young people is imperative. Social implications – Sustainable livelihoods of the forest-dependent rural young people in sub-Saharan Africa would require some focused CSR interventions on the NTFPs for sustainable livelihood. Facilities pertaining to storage, grading, processing and value addition through convergence of existing schemes and programmes should be promoted and created. MOCs are in a position to empower the rural young people with information about the market, policy and products to enable the rural people strategize and access returns from NTFPs in sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value – This research adds to the literature on multinational enterprises (MNEs) CSR initiatives in developing countries and rationale for demands for social projects by host communities. It concludes that business has an obligation to help in solving problems of sustainable livelihood. |
| Keywords: | Economic Empowerment, Corporate social responsibility, Multinational oil companies, Rural young people, Non-timber forest products, sub-Saharan Africa |
| Date: | 2019–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:exs:wpaper:19/082&r=all |
| By: | - |
| Abstract: | Este documento contiene los principales resultados del seminario “Aspectos conceptuales de los censos de población y vivienda: desafíos para la definición de contenidos incluyentes en la ronda 2020”, realizado en Santiago de Chile del 6 al 8 de noviembre de 2018. El evento fue organizado por el Centro Latinoamericano y Caribeño de Demografía (CELADE)-División de Población de la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), en conjunto con el Grupo de Trabajo sobre Censos de la Conferencia Estadística de las Américas (CEA-CEPAL) y con la colaboración de la División de Desarrollo Social de la CEPAL y el apoyo del Fondo de Población de Naciones Unidas (UNFPA) y del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID). El seminario tuvo por objetivo contribuir en la definición de contenidos censales acordes a las nuevas realidades y demandas sociales de la región, para ser considerados en la ronda de censos 2020. Tras la presentación de los antecedentes y objetivos del evento en el primer capítulo, el segundo resume las ponencias presentadas en cada una de las sesiones del seminario, así como también las consideraciones y recomendaciones derivadas de los debates. El tercer capítulo, en tanto, contiene los documentos de referencia de las sesiones del seminario –que brindan una mirada regional sobre cada tema– y las contribuciones escritas por las y los expositores de las diferentes sesiones. En los anexos se incluyen la agenda y la lista de participantes. |
| Keywords: | CENSOS DE POBLACION, CENSOS DE VIVIENDA, DEMOGRAFIA, INNOVACIONES TECNOLOGICAS, ASPECTOS SOCIALES, INTEGRACION SOCIAL, IGUALDAD, HOGARES, FAMILIA, TECNOLOGIA DE LA INFORMACION, TECNOLOGIA DE LAS COMUNICACIONES, NACIONALIDAD, PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDAD, PUEBLOS INDIGENAS, AFRODESCENDIENTES, DESPLAZAMIENTOS RESIDENCIA-TRABAJO, DIFERENCIACION SEXUAL, GENERO, AGENDA 2030 PARA EL DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE, CONFERENCIAS, POPULATION CENSUSES, HOUSING CENSUSES, DEMOGRAPHY, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS, SOCIAL ASPECTS, SOCIAL INTEGRATION, EQUALITY, HOUSEHOLDS, FAMILY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, NATIONALITY, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT, COMMUTING, SEX DIFFERENTIALS, GENDER, 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, CONFERENCES |
| Date: | 2019–11–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col043:44944&r=all |
| By: | Brainard, Lael (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.)) |
| Date: | 2019–11–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedgsq:1101&r=all |
| By: | Keisuke Moriya (Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University,); Kenichi Tomobe (Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University,) |
| Abstract: | The purpose of the paper is to explain the relationship between infant mortality rate (IMR) and mining pollution. In Japan, the pollution became a problem in various places in the 1960 fs, but it had occurred since then. For example, around Ashio Copper Mine in Tochigi Prefecture, the mining pollution had been occurring since 1880 fs, and it had become a social problem in Japan. In our previous analysis, the IMR in Japan have declined irreversibly since 1920 fs because people got over the beriberi and syphilis, but in the specific area, such as mining area, the IMR remained still high rate in 1930 fs. So we will consider the relationship between the IMR and mining pollution. |
| Keywords: | infant mortality, mining pollution, environmental pollution |
| JEL: | N35 N55 Q53 J13 |
| Date: | 2019–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osk:wpaper:1916&r=all |
| By: | Dawud Ansari; Ambria Fareed |
| Abstract: | Asset stranding–the unanticipated depreciation of assets (e.g. resource re-serves, infrastructure, stocks) due to market shifts such as policy interventions or innovation–is at the core of current debates in energy and climate. This roundup presents prominent contributions to the discussion with a focus on fuel-exporting economies. We discuss strengths and limits of the concept as well as potential conceptual flaws and the perspective of resource-exporting coun-tries. The discussion highlights that the debate neglects the adaptation by mar-ket players to changing conditions. However, and despite the conceptual short-comings, (economic) diversification figures and energy outlooks show that the (potential) issue is too big to ignore for resource owners and the international community. |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:diw:diwrup:136en&r=all |
| By: | Varis, Olli |
| Abstract: | Water and food scarcity are among the major problems that mankind faces today and will increasingly face in the coming decades. They are likely to have ecological effects on a global scale, are probably sources of social and political instability, and will create humanitarian disasters.Water and land resource problems are growing rapidly. As Frederiksen (1996) points out: Perhaps the most important constraint on solving the water resources crisis is time. There is very little time to do all that needs to be done to accommodate the 1 billion new people to be born in the next 10 years. Very few actions of the magnitude needed can be completed in this period. What these actions and what their magnitude should be, is an urgent and important matter of dispute.This paper discusses the water problems induced by urbanization and cities of the third world in particular. First, the causes, history, present state, and future outlook of the global urbanization development are presented with a summary of the global freshwater situation and infrastructure issues. Then, possible solutions are discussed. Finally, the paper highlights challenges to the water sector with respect to the demand for increased food production, alternative solutions to coping with the urban water pollution problems, suggestions for water resources management principles, and human resources development issues. |
| Keywords: | International Development |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:widerw:295358&r=all |
| By: | Galindo, Luis Miguel; Beltrán, Allan; Caballero, Karina |
| Abstract: | There is limited evidence on the potential consequences of the implementation of a CO2 aviation tax in developing countries. In this paper we analyze the potential impact of a CO2 aviation tax on the inbound tourism demand from the United States, Canada and Europe to Mexico. The methodology consists of a panel cointegration estimation of the demand for international tourism to Mexico. Unlike previous studies we analyze the potential effect of the tax on both tourism expenditure and the number of airplane arrivals. The results indicate an income elasticity of 1.9 for tourism expenditure and 2.9 for the number of airplane tourist. The price elasticities of airplane tourism expenditure and the number of airplane tourists are -0.94 and -0.39, respectively. The difference in price elasticity between tourism expenditure and number of tourists suggest that a CO2 aviation tax in Mexico would lead to a larger adjustment in total expenditure rather than in trip decisions. The implementation of such tax is therefore consistent with a continuous growth of the demand for tourism. Furthermore, the tax has the potential to generate additional fiscal revenue for 163 - 480 million dollars. The price elasticity of the competitive destination highlights the importance of considering a regional agreement for the implementation of an international CO2 aviation tax. |
| Keywords: | international tourism; carbon dioxide emission; tax; aviation; Mexico |
| JEL: | L93 Q54 |
| Date: | 2018–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:90247&r=all |
| By: | Pistonesi, Héctor; Bravo, Gonzalo; Contreras Lisperguer, Rubén |
| Abstract: | La planificación energética ha concitado cada vez mayor atención, especialmente después de la crisis del petróleo de los años setenta. Desde entonces, ha venido experimentando un significativo aumento en la mayoría de los países de la región. Sin embargo, no todos la han definido, y menos aún aplicado, de la misma forma. Comúnmente se entiende que se trata de un proceso de formulación y ejecución de políticas que han contribuido a organizar y orientar el futuro del sistema energético local, nacional, regional o incluso mundial. Este proceso generalmente ha sido llevado adelante por organizaciones gubernamentales, pero también por las grandes empresas del sector energético, compañías eléctricas y productores de petróleo y gas. En el marco de la implementación de los objetivos del proyecto “Observatorio Regional sobre Energías Sostenibles”, por intermedio del Foro Técnico de Planificadores Energéticos la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL) apoya la planificación energética de la región para generar de forma conjunta una visión de largo plazo que dé lugar a una planificación de sistemas energéticos sostenibles, seguros y asequibles, a fin de lograr una complementariedad en el marco de una transición energética en la región. Consecuentemente, la planificación energética sostenible surge como una herramienta útil para la implementación efectiva del Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 7, referente al sector de la energía. |
| Keywords: | RECURSOS ENERGETICOS, POLITICA ENERGETICA, PLANIFICACION DE LA ENERGIA, FUENTES DE ENERGIA RENOVABLES, COOPERACION REGIONAL, INTEGRACION ECONOMICA, DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE, ENERGIA ELECTRICA, ENERGY RESOURCES, ENERGY POLICY, ENERGY PLANNING, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, REGIONAL COOPERATION, ECONOMIC INTEGRATION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ELECTRIC POWER |
| Date: | 2019–11–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col022:44937&r=all |
| By: | Sebastian Gechert; Katja Rietzler; Sven Schreiber; Ulrike Stein |
| Abstract: | Untersucht wird die Verteilungswirkung einer CO2-Bepreisung in den nicht vom Europäischen Emissionshandel abgedeckten Bereichen Wärme und Verkehr. Aufgrund der schnelleren und einfacheren Umsetzung wurde dabei die Bepreisung in Form einer CO2-Steuer betrachtet. Hierfür wurde ein Preispfad angenommen, der im Jahr 2020 bei 35 Euro/Tonne CO2 beginnt und bis 2030 auf inflationsbereinigt 180 Euro/t angehoben wird. Ziel einer solchen Maßnahme ist es, über höhere Preise für fossile Brennstoffe einen geringeren Verbrauch zu befördern, einerseits über sparsameren Umgang, andererseits über Anreize für Investitionen in CO2-neutrale Techniken und für Innovationen in entsprechende Technologien. Als Entlastungsvarianten werden zum einen eine Rückverteilung des Steueraufkommens als Pro-Kopf-Klimaprämie untersucht, zum anderen eine teilweise ausgeschüttete Klimaprämie in Verbindung mit einer relativen Senkung der Strompreise durch Steuerreduktion und einen Ausgleich der EEG-Umlage. Es ergibt sich eine Nettoentlastung für niedrige Einkommensgruppen. Weitere Aspekte wie Budgetwirkungen, Besonderheiten von Sozialleistungsempfängern, Pendlern und anderen ausgewählten Beispielfällen sowie die institutionelle Ausgestaltung der Klimaprämie werden erörtert. |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imk:studie:65-2019&r=all |
| By: | Quentin Couix (UP1 UFR02 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne - UFR d'Économie - UP1 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne, CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UP1 - Université Panthéon-Sorbonne) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides a theoretical and methodological account of an important controversy between neoclassical resources economics and ecological economics, from the early 1970s to the end of the 1990s. It shows that the assumption of unbounded resources productivity in the work of Solow and Stiglitz, and the related concepts of substitution and technical progress, rest on a model-based methodology. On the other hand, Georgescu-Roegen's assumption of thermodynamic limits to production, later revived by Daly, comes from a methodology of interdisciplinary consistency. I conclude that neither side provided a definitive proof of its own claim because both face important conceptual issues. |
| Keywords: | Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen,Robert Solow,Joseph Stiglitz,natural resources,theory of production |
| Date: | 2019–10–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-02332485&r=all |
| By: | Bhatia, Bela |
| Abstract: | Groundwater resources in Gujarat (India) have been depleting at an darning rate in recent years. The most visible symptom of this phenomenon is the decline of water tables in large pats of the state. The scarcity of groundwater is most severe during drought years, when even drinking water is often hard to obtain, but is not confined to those years. The depletion of groundwater resources in Gujarat cannot be explained by declining rainfall levels. Rather, it is the rapid spread of energised water extraction mechanisms (one aspect of recent transformations in agricultural technology) that has led to enormous increases in draft. Overexploitation and inequity are two closely related features of current groundwater utilisation patterns. While a variety of measures can be taken to reduce groundwater depletion, most of them have severe limitations due to the current structure of property rights, the unequal distribution of political power and the ineffectiveness of the state bureaucracy. Four types of measures can be distinguished: state regulation of the private sector, positive involvement of the public sector, community management and redefinition of property rights. One particular form of intervention, based on a combination of these different approaches, is suggested in this paper as a useful short-term measure. Ultimately, however, radical changes in property rights are needed to deal adequately with this aspect of the current environmental crisis in Gujarat. |
| Keywords: | International Development |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:widerw:295421&r=all |
| By: | Lidia Andrés Delgado (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Vicent Alcántara Escolano (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona); Emilio Padilla Rosa (Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | We develop an input–output subsystem analysis based on the Ghosh model. Our method analyzes the interrelations in terms of emissions between the different subsystem subsectors and between the subsystem and the rest of sectors of the economy through the decomposition of total emissions into four explanatory components. In contrast to previous subsystem analyses based on the Leontief model, our method considers the emissions of the whole activity of the subsystem and not only those related to its final demand. This is particularly relevant to study the responsibility for emissions of the activity of sectors that produce mainly for other sectors. We apply this method and also the subsystem analysis from the demand-side perspective to analyze the transportation and storage subsystem in Spain in 2014. The activity of the subsystem induced the rest of sectors of the economy to pollute less than the emissions it was induced to emit. There are significant differences between the outcomes from demand- and supply-side perspectives, so that the consideration of both perspectives provides more accurate policy recommendations. |
| Keywords: | Ghosh model, greenhouse gas emissions, input-output, subsystem analysis, transportation and storage sector |
| Date: | 2019–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uab:wprdea:wpdea1902&r=all |
| By: | Shuhei Nishitateno (School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University); Paul J Burke (Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University) |
| Abstract: | About 2.6 million non-compliant vehicles were removed from designated metropolitan areas in Japan after the introduction of vehicle registration restrictions under the 1992 Automobile NOx Control Law. Based on a difference-in-differences framework and using a monitor-level panel dataset for the period January 1981–December 2015, we find that the intervention led to a 3–6% reduction in the monthly mean ambient concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the treated areas. Back-of-the-envelope calculations identify benefits equal to about US$104 million as a result of reduced mortality from asthma. |
| Date: | 2019–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:ccepwp:1904&r=all |
| By: | Clive L. Spash |
| Abstract: | Ecological economics has ontological foundations that inform it as a paradigm both biophysically and socially. It stands in strong opposition to mainstream thought on the operations of the economy and society. The core arguments deconstruct and oppose both growth and price-making market paradigms. However, in contradiction of these theoretical foundations, ecological economists can be found who call upon neoclassical economic theory as insightful, price-making and capitalist markets as socially justified means of allocation and economic growth as achieving progress and development. The more radical steady-state and post-growth/degrowth movements are shown to include confused and conflicted stances in relation to the mainstream hegemonic paradigms. Ecological economics personally challenges those trained in mainstream theory to move beyond their orthodox education and leave behind the flawed theories and concepts that contribute to supporting systems that create social, ecological and economic crises. This paper makes explicit the paradigmatic struggle of the past thirty years and the need to wipe away mainstream apologetics, pragmatic conformity and ill-conceived postmodern pluralism. It details the core paradigmatic conflict and specifies the alternative social ecological economic paradigm along with a new research agenda. |
| Keywords: | Paradigm shift; Economic growth; Markets, Price, Value theory, Social ecological economics, Steady-state economics, Degrowth, Post-Growth, Capitalism, Neoclassical economics, Socialism |
| JEL: | A11 A12 A13 A14 B29 B50 D40 D46 D62 O44 P1 P2 P16 P28 Q56 Q57 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwsre:sre-disc-2019_07&r=all |
| By: | Oswald, Andrew J. (Economics and CAGE, University of Warwick); Powdthavee, Nattavudh (WBS, University of Warwick) |
| Abstract: | It is known that people feel less happy in areas with higher levels of nitrogen dioxide NO2 (MacKerron and Mourato, 2009). What else might air pollution do to human wellbeing? This paper uses data on a standardized word-recall test that was done in the year 2011 by 34,000 randomly sampled English citizens across 318 geographical areas. We find that human memory is worse in areas where NO2 and PM10 levels are greater. The paper provides both (i) OLS results and (ii) instrumental-variable estimates that exploit the direction of the prevailing westerly wind and levels of population density. Although caution is always advisable on causal interpretation, these results are concerning and are consistent with laboratory studies of rats and other non-human animals. Our estimates suggest that the difference in memory quality between England’s cleanest and most-polluted areas is equivalent to the loss of memory from 10 extra years of ageing |
| Keywords: | Memory ; NO2 ; PM10 ; air ; pollution ; particulates |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wrk:warwec:1228&r=all |
| By: | Behrendt, Karl; Paparas, Dimitrios |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management |
| Date: | 2019–10–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaepr:296494&r=all |
| By: | Spash, Clive L. |
| Abstract: | Ecological economics has ontological foundations that inform it as a paradigm both biophysically and socially. It stands in strong opposition to mainstream thought on the operations of the economy and society. The core arguments deconstruct and oppose both growth and price-making market paradigms. However, in contradiction of these theoretical foundations, ecological economists can be found who call upon neoclassical economic theory as insightful, price-making and capitalist markets as socially justified means of allocation and economic growth as achieving progress and development. The more radical steady-state and post-growth/degrowth movements are shown to include confused and conflicted stances in relation to the mainstream hegemonic paradigms. Ecological economics personally challenges those trained in mainstream theory to move beyond their orthodox education and leave behind the flawed theories and concepts that contribute to supporting systems that create social, ecological and economic crises. This paper makes explicit the paradigmatic struggle of the past thirty years and the need to wipe away mainstream apologetics, pragmatic conformity and ill-conceived postmodern pluralism. It details the core paradigmatic conflict and specifies the alternative social ecological economic paradigm along with a new research agenda. |
| Keywords: | Paradigm shift; Economic growth; Markets, Price, Value theory, Social ecological economics, Steady-state economics, Degrowth, Post-Growth, Capitalism, Neoclassical economics, Socialism |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wus009:7288&r=all |