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on Environmental Economics |
| By: | Garth Heutel; Carolyn Fischer |
| Abstract: | Environmental economics has traditionally fallen in the domain of microeconomics, but recently approaches from macroeconomics have been applied to studying environmental policy. We focus on two macroeconomic tools and their application to environmental economics. First, real business cycle models can incorporate pollution and pollution policy and be used to answer several questions. How can environmental policy adjust to business cycles? How do different types of policies fare in a context with business cycles? Second, endogenous technological growth is an important component of environmental policy. Several studies ask how policy can be designed to both tackle emissions directly and influence the adoption of clean technologies. We focus on these two aspects of environmental macroeconomics but emphasize that there are many other potential applications. |
| JEL: | E32 O44 Q50 Q55 |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:18794&r=env |
| By: | Elettra Agliardi (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Italy; The Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis, Italy); Luigi Sereno (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Italy) |
| Abstract: | We develop a model on the optimal timing of switching from non-renewable to renewable energy sources with endogenous extraction choices under emission taxes, subsidies on renewable resources and abatement costs. We assume that non-renewable resources are "dirty" inputs and create environmental degradation, while renewable resources are more environmentally friendly, although they may be more or less productive than the exhaustible resources. The value of the switching option from non-renewable to renewable resources is characterized. Numerical applications show that an increase in emission taxes, abatement costs or demand elasticity slows down the adoption of substitutable renewable resources, while an increase in the natural rate of resource regeneration, the stock of renewable resources or the relative productivity parameter speeds up the investment in the green technology. |
| Keywords: | Non-renewable resources; Renewable resources; Environmentally friendly technologies; Abatement costs; Subsidies; Taxes; Optimal switching time; Real options |
| JEL: | D81 H23 Q28 Q38 Q40 Q50 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rim:rimwps:11_13&r=env |
| By: | Elettra Agliardi (University of Bologna, Italy); Mehmet Pinar (Edge Hill University, UK); Thanasis Stengos (University of Guelph, Canada) |
| Abstract: | A weighting scheme is proposed to construct a new index of environmental quality based on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for different countries using an approach that relies on consistent tests for stochastic dominance (SD) efficiency. The benchmark is an index that is based on the average actual contributions of the respective GHG emission types to the total. Our index stochastically dominates the chosen benchmark and allows us to gure out the “worst” and “best” case scenarios, where environmental degradation is at its maximum and minimum, respectively. If a common global action were to be taken by all countries involved, these scenarios would correspond to the most and least effective possible actions, respectively, that could be undertaken when compared to the benchmark. Then, countries are ranked and their rankings are compared with alternative rankings (e.g., the Kyoto Protocol, Annex I, and the Environmental Sustainability Index, ESI). The test statistics and the estimators are computed using mixed integer programming methods. Then, employing a complementary SD approach, pairwise SD tests are employed to examine the dynamic progress of each separate GHG emission (i.e.,CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and other GHG emissions) over time, from 1990 to 2005, within 5-year horizons. Pairwise SD tests are used to examine the major industry contributors to the GHG emissions at any given time and to uncover the industry which contributes the most to total emissions. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Quality, Emissions, Nonparametric Stochastic Dominance, Mixed Integer Programming |
| JEL: | C4 C5 C14 Q01 Q5 Q51 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rim:rimwps:12_13&r=env |
| By: | Zivkovic, Sanja; Hudson, Darren |
| Abstract: | Increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially of carbon dioxide, has led to attempts to implement carbon policies in order to limit and stabilize gases at acceptable levels. Agricultural activities increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but they can also mitigate concentration of carbon dioxide by sequestering additional carbon. This study evaluated carbon emissions and carbon sequestration and examined the impacts of payments for sequestration and taxes on carbon emissions on cropping choices, profitability, and water consumption in the Texas High Plains. The results showed that reduction of total carbon emissions to 15% of a baseline and imposing a tax reduced the amount of water consumed for irrigation, by about 20% and 16%, respectively. However, payment for sequestration did not affect reduction of carbon emissions, water consumption nor the product mix. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, carbon emissions, carbon sequestration, profit, Texas High Plains, water consumption, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142991&r=env |
| By: | Mukherjee, Sacchidananda (National Institute of Public Finance and Policy); Chakraborty, Debashis (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) |
| Abstract: | It has been observed that a number of developed as well as developing countries provide subsidies to their resource-intensive sectors like agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing etc. However, overproduction and consequent pollution as well as overexploitation of natural resources resulting from the provision of input and output subsidies have been a serious threat to environmental sustainability. An area of concern is that subsidies with potentially harmful environmental impacts are not declining in the recent period, despite the ongoing negotiations through the WTO framework and the UN forums. The present analysis attempts to understand the role of government budgetary subsidies on the overall environmental performance through panel data model estimation for a set of seventy four countries over an eleven year period (2000-2010). The empirical findings confirm that a positive relationship between subsidies and environmental degradation exists in a cross-country framework. The analysis notes that the failure to contain provision of subsidies through timely conclusion of the Doha Round negotiations is also posing a serious threat to the global climate change related concerns. |
| Keywords: | Budgetary subsidy ; Environmental performance index ; Environmental sustainability ; Per capita CO2 emission ; Human development ; Urbanization ; Government policy |
| JEL: | H23 Q53 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:npf:wpaper:13/117&r=env |
| By: | Fujii, Hidemichi; Managi, Shunsuke |
| Abstract: | This study analyzed the relationship between CO2 emissions of different industries and economic growth in OECD countries from 1970 to 2005. We tested an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and found that total CO2 emissions from nine industries show an N-shaped trend instead of an inverted U or monotonic increasing trend with increasing income. The EKC hypothesis for sector-level CO2 emissions was supported in (1) paper, pulp and printing industry, (2) wood and wood products industry, and (3) construction industry. We also found that emissions from coal and oil increase with economic growth in steel and construction industries. Meanwhile, non-metallic minerals, machinery, and transport equipment industries tend to have increased emissions from oil and electricity with increased economic development. Finally, the EKC turning point and the relationship between GDP per capita and sectoral CO2 emissions differ among industries according to the fuel type used. Therefore, the environmental policies for CO2 reduction need to consider these differences in industrial characteristics. |
| Keywords: | environmental Kuznets curve; CO2 emission; industrial sector; OECD countries |
| JEL: | Q40 Q54 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:44229&r=env |
| By: | Wang, Zidong; Yu, Tun-Hsiang (Edward); Larson, James A.; English, Burton C. |
| Keywords: | greenhouse gas emission, supply chain, optimization, switchgrass, biofuel, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q16, Q51, |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143081&r=env |
| By: | Alexander Cotte Poveda - Clara Pardo Martínez |
| Abstract: | This study evaluates and compares the trends in CO2 emissions for the manufacturing industries of three countries: two developed countries (Germany and Sweden) that have applied several measures to promote a shift towards a low-carbon economy and one developing country (Colombia) that has shown substantial improvements in the reduction of CO2 emissions. This analysis is conducted using panel data cointegration techniques to infer causality between CO2 emissions, production factors and energy sources. The results indicate a trend of producing more output with less pollution. The trends for these countries’ CO2 emissions depend on investment levels, energy sources and economic factors. Furthermore, the trends in CO2 emissions indicate that there are emission level differences between the two developed countries and the developing country. Moreover, the study confirms that it is possible to achieve economic growth and sustainable development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as Germany and Sweden demonstrate. In the case of Colombia, it is important to encourage a reduction in CO2 emissions through policies that combine technical and economic instruments and incentivise the application of new technologies that promote clean and environmentally friendly processes. |
| Date: | 2013–02–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:col:000137:010464&r=env |
| By: | Nadine Heitmann |
| Abstract: | The European Union (EU) is actively campaigning for the global regulation of carbon emissions generated by maritime bunker fuels because these emissions are presently barely regulated and are projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. However, since a global regulation has not been reached yet, the EU is seeking ways to include the shipping sector in its greenhouse gas reduction commitment for 2020. In this paper, we look at the effect of including the shipping sector’s emissions in the EU reduction commitment that is based on the nationality of a ship. Emissions that are generated by ships owned, operated or flagged by the 27 EU countries are allocated to the EU total GHG emissions. We first analyse the effects on the reduction commitment caused by the three allocations. We then use marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs) in order to determine how much the shipping sector of the 27 EU countries, defined by the three allocations, could contribute efficiently to a total given emission reduction target for all sectors in the EU. Moreover, we use MACCs in order to determine if some country fleets could reduce emissions in the shipping sector relatively more efficiently than other countries under a given emission reduction target for all sectors. Our findings indicate that the shipping sector could contribute efficiently to the EU’s emission reductions by up to 8.5%. Since the composition of the individual country fleets and applied measures are similar across countries, their individual reductions relative to their fleet-specific business-as-usual (BAU) emissions are on average the same |
| Keywords: | EU, climate change, shipping sector, CO2 emissions, marginal abatement cost curve |
| JEL: | Q52 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kie:kieliw:1824&r=env |
| By: | Grischa Perino (University of East Anglia) |
| Abstract: | Private provision of public goods can only supplement government provision if individual actions affect the level of the public good. Cap-and-trade schemes reduce the overuse of common resources such as a stable climate or fish stocks by imposing a binding cap on total use by regulated agents. Any private contributions provided by means of e.g. green consumerism or life-style choices within such a scheme only impacts on who uses the resource but leaves total use unaffected. Perfect offsetting of marginal contributions is a key design element of cap-and-trade schemes. As real world cap-and-trade policies like the EU Emission Trading System have incomplete coverage, understanding what they cover is crucial for individuals aiming to contribute. Otherwise contribution efforts backfire. |
| Keywords: | cap-and-trade, green consumerism, emissions tax, crowding-out of private contributions, carbon labelling |
| JEL: | H23 H31 D64 H41 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2013–01–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uea:wcbess:13-01&r=env |
| By: | Traboulsi, Mohamad Rafic |
| Abstract: | A supply response model for the highest valued citrus commodities in Florida is specified to analyze the impact of climate change on acreage and yield responses. Preliminary results suggest that temperature has an impact on the acreage and yield responses whereas precipitation did not have any impact. |
| Keywords: | acreage response, climate change, error-correction model, supply response, yield, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q11, Q54, |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143063&r=env |
| By: | Peter Egger (KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH Zurich, Switzerland); Sergey Nigai (KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH Zurich, Switzerland) |
| Abstract: | We develop a general equilibrium model of trade with multiple countries and industries in the spirit of Eaton and Kortum (2002) and Bernard, Eaton, Jensen, and Kortum (2003). We structurally estimate the parameters of the model and calibrate it to data on 33 OECD countries and one country that covers the rest of the world. Industries differ by their relative energy intensity and the level of pollution. Accordingly, the implementation of policy instruments to reduce pollution at the country level induces heterogeneous effects across industries within and across countries. We utilize the model to compare alternative environmental tax instruments and to evaluate their consequences for the level of carbon emissions, welfare costs, industry-specific prices and demand in various policy scenarios. Among the latter, we particularly distinguish between policies that are implemented in isolation (by single countries) or en bloc (in groups of countries or even world wide). This study pays specific attention to the implementation of various energy policies, in particular, in Switzerland. Beyond implementation of the Copenhagen Accord pledges, the study quantifies an implementation of extra taxes on carbon emissions at the amount of 1,140 Swiss Francs per ton of carbon and the substitution of nuclear energy production. |
| Keywords: | Carbon taxation, Energy policy, International trade |
| JEL: | F11 F14 Q43 Q48 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kof:wpskof:13-327&r=env |
| By: | Blare, Trent; Haro-Carrion, Xavier |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impact of carbon payments on reforestation in coastal Ecuador. The model estimates that landowners would need to be paid between 13.59 US dollars to 41.81 US dollars per metric ton of carbon in order to be no worse off from reforesting a hectare of her land. |
| Keywords: | Carbon, Sequestration, Ecuador, Tropical, Forest, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143088&r=env |
| By: | Debnath, Deepayan; Stoecker, Arthur L.; Epplin, Francis M. |
| Abstract: | This study estimates the farm-gate breakeven price of switchgrass relative to wheat in Oklahoma. The breakeven price of switchgrass is determined for two situations: when external consequences are ignored and when the environment costs of changes in soil erosion, fertilizer (nitrogen and phosphorous) runoff, and soil organic carbon are considered. Results suggest that the farm-gate breakeven price of switchgrass from the internal cost only perspective is higher than the cost if the value of the selected external consequences is considered. The potential environmental benefits are greater if highly erodible land is switched from annual cropping to switchgrass. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Runoffs, Farm-gate Breakeven Price, Switchgrass, Soil Organic Carbon, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, Production Economics, Q24, Q42, Q51, |
| Date: | 2013–02–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142563&r=env |
| By: | Rodriguez, German; Popp, Jennie S. Hughes; Ulrich, Rick; Vickery-Niederman, Gina; Black, Michael |
| Abstract: | This poster describes the integration of life cycle costing capabilities into a life cycle assessment model of greenhouse gas emissions for US swine production. Combining both tools allows for a sustainable analysis of a process to identify potential production practices which are environmentally friendly and economically feasible. |
| Keywords: | GHG emissions, life cycle assessment, life cycle costing, pork production, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Q52, Q54, |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142946&r=env |
| By: | Keeton, Daniel; Popp, Michael P.; Smith, S. Aaron |
| Abstract: | Concern over GHG emissions has producers analyzing cattle production alternatives. One way producers can modify emissions is by changing herd sire genetics. The ‘Bull Estimator’, part of a recently developed cow-calf profitability and GHG spreadsheet tool, shows that genetic change can enhance returns while decreasing emissions at the same time. |
| Keywords: | GHG, net returns, herd sire genetics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142705&r=env |
| By: | Stephenson, Kurt; Shabman, Leonard A. |
| Abstract: | This paper reviews water quality investments that can increase the environment’s capacity to remove nutrients. The nutrient removal effectiveness, uncertainty, and cost of removing nutrients directly from ambient waters is compared to agricultural nonpoint source reductions in the context of water quality credit trading and payment for environmental services programs. |
| Keywords: | Nutrient assimilation, trading, ecosystem services, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q57, |
| Date: | 2013–01–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143093&r=env |
| By: | Smith, S. Aaron; Popp, Michael P.; Keeton, Daniel |
| Abstract: | A spreadsheet-based tool that tracks cow-calf producer net returns (NR) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was used to determine the impact of calving season for three typical farm sizes and four fertilization strategies in Arkansas. Economic and environmental changes were examined for spring, fall, year-round, and profit-maximizing, monthly calving distributions. |
| Keywords: | GHG, net returns, calving season, pasture management, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142686&r=env |
| By: | Gedikoglu, Haluk |
| Abstract: | The future of the US agriculture relies on sustainable resource use and income generation for farmers, and maintaining the environmental quality. Hence, farmers are expected to adopt various technologies and practices, such as energy crops, genetically modified crops, and conservation practices. The objective of this study is, by using a multivariate probit model, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of certain socio-economic factors on adoption of Miscanthus, Roundup Ready® soybean, and maintaining a 100 foot setback between water resources and manure application areas. The results of the current study show that different policies will be needed to promote adoption of technologies with different objectives. |
| Keywords: | Sustainable Agriculture, Technology Adoption, Multivariate Probit, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013–01–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142928&r=env |
| By: | Löschel, Andreas; Rexhäuser, Sascha; Schymura, Michael |
| Abstract: | The new WIOD database allows for improved empirical analysis on a wide range of important environmental research questions. In this paper we demonstrate the scientific power of the WIOD database and analyze very urgent policy questions on the impacts of international trade and structural change on the environment. We apply recent econometric approaches to show the impact of international trade on the environment via its different channels as for instance to increase welfare and potentially affects environmental regulation as well as countries' sector. This approach has become known as the econometric structural decomposition method. In addition to this guidelines by the literature, an econometric panel data approach is offered to shed some light on the impact of structural change and international trade on environmental pressure, where we especially address and solve several endogeneity issues that add further complexity to the analysis. (Key words: Environmental and Climate Economics, Trade and the Environment, Structural Decomposition). -- |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:zewdip:13005&r=env |
| By: | Claudia Kettner (WIFO); Daniela Kletzan-Slamanig (WIFO); Angela Köppl (WIFO) |
| Abstract: | The EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) that covers emitters from industry and energy supply representing 40 percent of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions is the biggest implementation of a cap-and-trade scheme worldwide. In this paper, we analyse sectoral allocation caps focusing on three emission intensive sectors ("power and heat", "cement and lime", "pulp and paper"), assess the development of emissions and discuss the main drivers for emissions in these sectors since the start of the EU ETS. Our analysis of allocation patterns shows that "power and heat" is the only sector permanently facing a stringent cap. The disaggregated analysis of the development of CO2 emissions also reveals pronounced sectoral disparities, which points at differences in the availability of emission abatement options. The data for cement and lime production show changes in CO2 intensity pointing at an increased import of clinker. For paper and pulp production and for power and heat generation improvements in emission intensities and to a lesser extent energy intensities can be observed, reflecting the role of fuel shifts in short-term emission reductions. |
| Keywords: | EU Emission Trading Scheme, allocation caps, decomposition analysis |
| Date: | 2013–02–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2013:i:444&r=env |
| By: | Ceyhun Elgin; Oguz Oztunali |
| Date: | 2013–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bou:wpaper:2013/05&r=env |
| By: | Borisova, Tatiana; Useche, Pilar |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143792&r=env |
| By: | de Rigo, Daniele |
| Abstract: | Excerpt: Computational aspects increasingly shape environmental sciences. Actually, transdisciplinary modelling of complex and uncertain environmental systems is challenging computational science (CS) and also the science-policy interface. Large spatial-scale problems falling within this category - i.e. wide-scale transdisciplinary modelling for environment (WSTMe) - often deal with factors for which deep-uncertainty may prevent usual statistical analysis of modelled quantities and need different ways for providing policy-making with science-based support. Here, practical recommendations are proposed for tempering a peculiar - not infrequently underestimated - source of uncertainty. Software errors in complex WSTMe may subtly affect the outcomes with possible consequences even on collective environmental decision-making. Semantic transparency in CS and free software are discussed as possible mitigations. [...] |
| Keywords: | software uncertainty; software errors; open science; free software; free scientific software; semantic array programming; data-transformation modelling; reproducible research; environmental modelling; complexity; uncertainty |
| JEL: | C6 C45 Q51 Q54 Q57 C44 C02 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:44201&r=env |
| By: | Liu, Sezhu; Hite, Diane |
| Abstract: | Green space is an important part of environment around houses. Generally, most research focused on the economic impacts of green space on urban planning and environmental pollution cost, but ignored the impact on single family home values. Limited research was conducted in this area and few studies of green space and housing prices have incorporated spatial econometric techniques. This technique is necessary since housing value may be influenced by characteristics of nearby properties. This research attempts to quantify the impacts of green space, by using the hedonic price analysis of the relationship between property values and the green space amenities around the selected single family houses in Delaware County, Ohio. Also, by incorporating spatial-lag term, we can compare the results with and without spatial effect. Eventually, after extending the model by quantile regression, the influence of different green space characteristics on housing price may change across the conditional distribution of housing price. Substantial variation was found between the results with and without spatial effects across quantiles, which indicates that luxury house buyers may value green space differently from middle or low level house buyers. |
| Keywords: | Hedonic model, Spatial-lag, Two-stage quantile regression, Generalized spatial two-stage least-square, Green space, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, C21, R20, D10, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143045&r=env |
| By: | Olivier Godard |
| Abstract: | In spite of its strong appeal to NGOs, to certain governments and to some scholars, the concept of an ecological debt accumulated by developed countries due to their historical responsibility deserve a serious critical assessment. The paper provides this assessment in the context of climate change. It first shows how the rhetoric of ecological debt exploits confusion between a pre-modern concept of social debt and the modern one based on the contract figure. Two components of the climate debt are examined: a presumed duty of compensation of the damage imposed by climate change and rules of sharing out of atmospheric services when developed countries are presumed to have emitted GHGs in the past in excess of their fair share. The discussion considers successively the legal and the moral viewpoint. A review of arguments shows that both concepts of ecological debt and historical responsibility disintegrate under scrutiny in the case of climate change, as ill-founded backward-looking reparative concepts as well as additional obstacles to a forward-looking agreement in which responsibilities could legitimately be differentiated according to various variables referring to current states (emissions levels, needs, capacities, etc.). The GHGs emissions that cause problems are those that have taken place since 1990. |
| Date: | 2012–09–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2012/46&r=env |
| By: | Petrolia, Daniel R.; Interis, Matthew G.; Hwang, Joonghyun |
| Abstract: | A nationwide survey was conducted to estimate welfare associated with a proposed large-scale wetland restoration project in coastal Louisiana. Both binary- and multinomial-choice survey instruments were administered via Knowledge Networks, with the latter used to estimate willingness to pay for increments in three ecosystem services: wildlife habitat provision, storm surge protection, and fisheries productivity. Results indicate that confidence in government agencies, political leanings, and “green” lifestyle choices were significant explanatory factors. All three ecosystem services significantly affected project support, with increased fisheries productivity having the largest marginal effect, followed by improved storm surge protection, and increased wildlife habitat. Willingness to pay (WTP), in the form of a one-time tax, is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $1,000 per household, with resource users being willing to pay substantially more. A conservative lower-bound estimate of aggregate WTP is $86 trillion, well above a recent $100 billion estimate of restoration cost. |
| Keywords: | choice experiment, consequentiality, contingent valuation, Knowledge Networks, Louisiana, non-market valuation, non-use value, use value, wetlands, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q51, Q57, |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142305&r=env |
| By: | Goeschl, Timo; Heyen, Daniel; Moreno-Cruz, Juan |
| Abstract: | Solar radiation management (SRM) technologies are considered one of the likeliest forms of geoengineering. If developed, a future generation could deploy them to limit the damages caused by the atmospheric carbon stock inherited from the current generation, despite their negative side effects. Should the current generation develop these geoengi-neering capabilities for a future generation? And how would a decision to develop SRM impact on the current generation's abatement efforts? Natural scientists, ethicists, and other scholars argue that future generations could be more sanguine about the side effects of SRM deployment than the current generation. In this paper, we add economic rigor to this important debate on the intergenerational transfer of technological capabilities and pollution stocks. We identify three conjectures that constitute potentially rational courses of action for current society, including a ban on the development of SRM. How-ever, the same premises that underpin these conjectures also allow for a novel possibility: If the development of SRM capabilities is sufficiently cheap, the current generation may for reasons of intergenerational strategy decide not just to develop SRM technologies, but also to abate more than in the absence of SRM. |
| Keywords: | Geoengineering; Climate Change; Intergenerational Issues; Strategic Behavior. |
| Date: | 2013–01–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:awi:wpaper:0540&r=env |
| By: | Thomas, Victoria; Thomas, Michael H. |
| Abstract: | Choice of payment vehicle (PV) is important to contingent-valuation practitioners. They are often left using scenarios that may elicit bias responses; for example hypothetical gate fees in open access areas. Utility bills may avoid bias, but introduce a scaling problem. A survey of north-Florida spring-based recreation calibrates these two dissimilar PVs. |
| Keywords: | Payment vehicle, contingent valuation, Hydrilla, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2013–02–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142981&r=env |
| By: | Rafael Lalive; Simon Luechinger; Armin Schmutzler |
| Abstract: | Many governments subsidize regional rail service as an alternative to road traffic. This paper assesses whether increases in service frequency reduce road traffic externalities. We exploit differences in service frequency growth by procurement mode following a railway reform in Germany to address endogeneity of service growth. Increases in service frequency reduce the number of severe road traffic accidents, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide pollution and infant mortality. Placebo regressions with sulfur dioxide and ozone yield no effect. Service frequency growth between 1994 and 2004 improves environmental quality by an amount that is worth approximately 28-40 % of total subsidies. An analysis of household behavior shows that the effects of railway services on outcome variables are driven by substitution from road to rail. |
| Keywords: | Railways, pollution, procurement, accidents |
| JEL: | Q53 R41 R48 |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zur:econwp:110&r=env |
| By: | Li, Sheng; Nadolnyak, Denis A. |
| Abstract: | Farmland in Florida has undergone extensive conversion into residential and commercial uses. A censored survival model is applied to examine the timing of land use change using parcel-level data from Lee County, 1988-2008. Results suggest that flood and hurricane risks affect conversion timing while controlling for economic and demographic factors. |
| Keywords: | Land use change, flood risk, agricultural land, economic development, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2013–01–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143087&r=env |
| By: | Dorfman, Jeffrey H.; Wu, Xuedong |
| Abstract: | Global warming has been a heated topic in recent decades and it is shown that the average temperature of U.S. has been increasing since 1901 and more quickly from 1970s. However the data reveals that on state level a different temperature changing pattern exist and some area might experience cooling during coming decades. This paper uses SVAR model to analyze the different temperature trends of two representative states Georgia and California and identifies the possible factors and causes of this differences. |
| Keywords: | Global warming, Temperature change, SVAR Model, Variance decomposition, impulse response function, Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143069&r=env |
| By: | Parcell, Joseph L.; Cain, Jewelwayne |
| Abstract: | Constant research efforts have been undertaken to create and adopt soybean varieties and farming practices that would lead to more drought-tolerant crops. Given that drought-tolerant crops are more stable in terms of price and supply, private genetic companies invest in those genetic materials with the biggest market opportunities. This begs the question: has there been any indication of improvements in drought-tolerance of crops? In this study, we focus on analyzing three soybean distinct relative maturity zones in the state of Missouri and determine if and in what direction is the drought tolerance of these crops changing over time. |
| Keywords: | soybeans, drought tolerance, Missouri, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, C23, C43, Q51, Q54, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142507&r=env |
| By: | Cahill, Nathanial; Popp, Michael P.; West, Chuck; Rocateli, Alexandre; Ashworth, Amanda; Farris, Rodney |
| Abstract: | Switchgrass (panicum virgatum L.), a viable option for second-generation renewable fuels, has an extended harvest window with optimal harvest affected by yield, storage losses and nutrient uptake. This research shows that optimal harvest occurs later than maximum yield for Haskell, OK and Fayetteville, AR with different fertilizer and switchgrass prices. |
| Keywords: | swtichgrass, nutrient uptake, two-factor profit maximization, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142698&r=env |
| By: | Ghimire, Ramesh; Ferreira, Susana |
| Abstract: | We investigate the impact of large floods on the risk of civil conflict in a sample of 125 countries between 1985 and 2009. We control for endogeneity of floods and the potential spatial and temporal dependency of civil conflict. We find that floods increase the probability of conflict incidence through a negative impact on short-run GDP growth. |
| Keywords: | Floods, natural disasters, economics shocks, GDP growth, civil conflict, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Political Economy, O57, Q34, Q54, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142587&r=env |
| By: | Wright, Andrew P.; Hudson, Darren |
| Abstract: | This paper uses experimental methods to examine how individuals react to a set of voluntary incentives related to the conservation of a resource. The goal was to determine whether conservation over a critical area, such as a deep portion of an aquifer, could be encouraged, and whether coordination between individuals could be induced. Participants were faced with a bidding process through which units were selected for conservation, and some participants were offered an agglomeration bonus for conserving units that shared a border. Examining how bids changed across rounds revealed the existence of a learning process; implying that a similar real-world program would need to provide a large amount of information up front in order to achieve the desired effect. Using a monetary selection constraint resulted in more units placed in conservation. The bonus did not necessarily encourage conservation at the critical area, but it did reduce participant’s bid amounts. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143030&r=env |
| By: | Dahal, Ram P.; Munn, Ian A.; Henderson, James E. |
| Abstract: | The forest products industry is an important component of local, state, regional, and national economies. Assessing the economic contributions of the forest products industry in the South, one of the leading timber producing region in the world, is crucial. Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN), an input-output model, was used to assess the economic contribution of the forest products industry for the southern United States. Two aspects of economic contribution, direct impacts and the associated Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) multipliers, were compiled for three primary forest products industry sectors (lumber and wood products, paper and allied products, and wood furniture) for 2009, the most recent data available, and compared to study of the industry by Tilley and Munn (2007). The forest products industry proved to be an important source of employment and income for the South in 2009 despite of disproportionate impacts of the current recession. Results of this study will update the baseline economic information and will provide crucial information to concerned authority to strengthen the economic health of the industry. |
| Keywords: | input-output model, IMPLAN, direct impacts, SAM, economic impacts, Environmental Economics and Policy, Financial Economics, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Production Economics, Public Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013–01–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142562&r=env |
| By: | Kotsiri, Sofia; Rejesus, Roderick M.; Larkin, Sherry L.; Marra, Michele; Lambert, Dayton M.; English, Burton C.; Larson, James A.; Velandia, Margarita M.; Roberts, Roland K.; Mishra, Ashok K.; Paudel, Krishna P. |
| Abstract: | This article examines what differentiates "socially responsible" farmers (i.e., those who rank environmental benefits higher than profit, based on a Likert style ranking) from farmers who make decisions based solely on financial criteria. A proportional odds model (POM) is proposed to estimate the factors affecting the degree of social responsibility on the technology adoption. The marginal effects indicate that the participation in agricultural easement programs, the perceived importance of precision farming (PF) in the future, as well as the perceived improvement in environmental quality following the precision technologies’ use, all positively influence the decision to adopt for environmental reasons. In contrast, educational attainment and use of University Publications to acquire information about precision agriculture have a positive impact on adoption based on profit motives. These results suggest that there may be a need for further technical advice and information from Extension focusing on environmental benefits of precision agriculture. |
| Keywords: | socially conscious, profit oriented, Likert style ranking, precision farming, ordered logit, rare events logit, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Q13, Q15, Q16, |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142565&r=env |
| By: | Ouapo, Constant Z.; Amosson, Stephen H.; Guerrero, Bridget L.; Park, Seong Cheol |
| Abstract: | Feedlot dust control is an important issue in the Texas High Plains. Water application, with either a solid-set or a water truck sprinkler system, is the most common method of dust control. An analysis conducted suggests the economically optimal system depends on length of ownership, inflation, and cost-share availability |
| Keywords: | air quality, cost analysis, dust control, feedlot, sprinkler, water application, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q10, Q16, Q52, |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143029&r=env |
| By: | Hwang, Joonghyun; Petrolia, Daniel R.; Interis, Matthew G.; Harri, Ardian |
| Abstract: | Arrow et al. (1993), the “Blue Ribbon” panel that issued guidelines for contingent valuation, recommended that respondents to contingent valuation surveys be explicitly allowed to give ‘no-answer’ responses such as ‘don’t know / not sure / prefer not to vote (PNV)’ in addition to the typical ‘yes / no’ responses. However, they do not provide any further guidelines on what to do with such responses. A nationwide contingent valuation (CV) survey in 2011 for the purpose of obtaining welfare estimates of coastal wetland restoration in Louisiana was conducted, and 27 percent of total respondents chose the PNV option. This study identified demographic variables that affect respondents to choose PNV. More interestingly, we found that as the level of offered bid for the proposed environmental project increases, the proportion of ‘yes’ responses decreases, and proportions of ‘no’ and PNV equally increase. We also found that when PNV is compared to ‘yes’, respondents who believe the survey is consequential are less likely to choose PNV than respondents who believe the survey is inconsequential, and respondents who have no clear opinion about the consequentiality of the survey are more likely to choose PNV in both cases in which PNV is compared to ‘yes’ and in which PNV is compared to ‘no’. |
| Keywords: | Consequentiality, Contingent Valuation, Non-Market Valuation, Non-Votes, Wetlands, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143034&r=env |
| By: | Poudel, Jagdish; Munn, Ian A.; Henderson, James E. |
| Abstract: | Hunting, fishing and wildlife-associated recreation expenditures have played an important role in the U.S economy and help promote conservation and environmental goals. The 2006 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) survey reported 87.5 million people aged 16 and above participated in wildlife-associated recreation activities, spending $122.4 billion on trips and equipment. This spending is a 13 percent increase since 2001. The recently released 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation reports $145 billion in expenditures on trips and equipment, which is an 18.5 percentage increase since 2006. Periodic assessment of economic impacts associated with wildlife recreation expenditures provides a consistent perspective on forest and wildlife resource management. This research quantified economic impacts of wildlife-associated recreation expenditures for the thirteen states in the U.S South by calculating total gross output, employment, employee compensation, proprietor income, other property income, and indirect business taxes. IMPLAN models were developed for each state using the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation data to determine the indirect and induced effects of these expenditures. Data for 2006 was used since the 2011 state level data was not yet available. The analysis computed economic impacts at broad activity levels: fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching and at sub-activity levels: fresh and salt water fishing, and big game, small game, migratory bird and other small game hunting. This approach enabled comparison of the relative importance of wildlife-associated recreation to the various southern states. In particular, the comparison revealed how differences in the individual states’ economies and levels of expenditures affect the total economic impacts of wildlife-associated activities. Differences in the impacts of various recreational activities, both among activities and among states, illustrates the importance of understanding intra-regional variations in establishing wildlife programs and policies. Preliminary results indicate that the $8.4 billion spent in 2006 by recreationists for hunting in the U.S South generated direct impacts of $5.9 billion in output and 74,012 in employment. These impacts resulted in indirect impacts of $2.8 billion in output and 17,965 in employment and induced impacts of $5.9 billion in output and 51,451 in employment. The total impact due to hunting expenditures was $14.8 billion in output and 143,429 in employment. Hunting-related expenditures generated additional employee compensation of $4.3 billion, other property income of $2.5 billion, proprietor income of $624 million, and indirect business taxes of $942 million. Hunting expenditure impacts indicate a type SAM output multiplier of 2.48. This means that each dollar of direct output generated by hunter expenditures generates an additional $1.48 of output. Similarly, type SAM multipliers for employment, employee compensation, proprietor income, property income, and indirect business taxes were estimated to be 1.94, 2.27, 2.57, 3.34, and 2.05, respectively. Fishing and wildlife watching has also generated significant impacts on regional economies and complete estimates of these impacts are forth coming. |
| Keywords: | Wildlife recreation, Hunting expenditures, IMPLAN, Economic Impact, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Financial Economics, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Land Economics/Use, Production Economics, Public Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013–01–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142560&r=env |
| By: | de Rigo, Daniele; Corti, Paolo; Caudullo, Giovanni; McInerney, Daniel; Di Leo, Margherita; San-Miguel-Ayanz, Jesús |
| Abstract: | Excerpt: Interfacing science and policy raises challenging issues when large spatial-scale (regional, continental, global) environmental problems need transdisciplinary integration within a context of modelling complexity and multiple sources of uncertainty. This is characteristic of science-based support for environmental policy at European scale, and key aspects have also long been investigated by European Commission transnational research. Approaches (either of computational science or of policy-making) suitable at a given domain-specific scale may not be appropriate for wide-scale transdisciplinary modelling for environment (WSTMe) and corresponding policy-making. In WSTMe, the characteristic heterogeneity of available spatial information and complexity of the required data-transformation modelling (D-TM) appeal for a paradigm shift in how computational science supports such peculiarly extensive integration processes. In particular, emerging wide-scale integration requirements of typical currently available domain-specific modelling strategies may include increased robustness and scalability along with enhanced transparency and reproducibility. This challenging shift toward open data and reproducible research (open science) is also strongly suggested by the potential - sometimes neglected - huge impact of cascading effects of errors within the impressively growing interconnection among domain-specific computational models and frameworks. Concise array-based mathematical formulation and implementation (with array programming tools) have proved helpful in supporting and mitigating the complexity of WSTMe when complemented with generalized modularization and terse array-oriented semantic constraints. This defines the paradigm of Semantic Array Programming (SemAP) where semantic transparency also implies free software use (although black-boxes - e.g. legacy code - might easily be semantically interfaced). A new approach for WSTMe has emerged by formalizing unorganized best practices and experience-driven informal patterns. The approach introduces a lightweight (non-intrusive) integration of SemAP and geospatial tools - called Geospatial Semantic Array Programming (GeoSemAP). GeoSemAP exploits the joint semantics provided by SemAP and geospatial tools to split a complex D-TM into logical blocks which are easier to check by means of mathematical array-based and geospatial constraints. Those constraints take the form of precondition, invariant and postcondition semantic checks. This way, even complex WSTMe may be described as the composition of simpler GeoSemAP blocks. GeoSemAP allows intermediate data and information layers to be more easily and formally semantically described so as to increase fault-tolerance, transparency and reproducibility of WSTMe. This might also help to better communicate part of the policy-relevant knowledge, often diffcult to transfer from technical WSTMe to the science-policy interface. [...] |
| Keywords: | Open Science; Europe; European Forest Data Centre; EFDAC; free software; free scientific software; forest information system; geospatial; geospatial tools; semantic array programming; geospatial semantic array programming; data-transformation modelling; reproducible research; environmental modelling |
| JEL: | C6 C45 Q51 Q54 Q57 C44 C02 C31 L86 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:44194&r=env |
| By: | AWASTHI Anjali; OMRANI Hichem; GERBER Philippe |
| Abstract: | Confronted with negative environmental impacts, rising fuel costs and increas-ing congestion, many cities are implementing sustainable mobility measures to improve the flow of passenger and goods. Examples of these measures are use of public transport, cycling, walking, energy efficient vehicles, biofuels. The challenge before transport decision makers is which one(s) to choose for im-plementation as often there is no or limited quantitative data available on the subject. Moreover, the context of each city, its geographic and transport condi-tions restrict the generalization of results obtained in experienced cities. In this paper, we investigate four multicriteria decision making (MCDM) techniques namely TOPSIS, VIKOR, SAW and GRA for sustainability evaluation of urban mobility projects under qualitative data and demonstrate their application through a numerical example. |
| Keywords: | Multicriteria decision making; GRA; Urban Mobility; SAW; Sustainability Evaluation; Fuzzy Numbers; TOPSIS; VIKOR |
| JEL: | C60 D80 R40 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:irs:cepswp:2013-01&r=env |
| By: | Rodriguez Aseretto, Dario; Di Leo, Margherita; de Rigo, Daniele; Corti, Paolo; McInerney, Daniel; Camia, Andrea; San-Miguel-Ayanz, Jesús |
| Abstract: | Excerpt: Worldwide, governments are growingly focusing on free and open source software (FOSS) as a move toward transparency and the freedom to run, copy, study, change and improve the software. The European Commission (EC) is also supporting the development of FOSS [...]. In addition to the financial savings, FOSS contributes to scientific knowledge freedom in computational science (CS) and is increasingly rewarded in the science-policy interface within the emerging paradigm of open science. Since complex computational science applications may be affected by software uncertainty, FOSS may help to mitigate part of the impact of software errors by CS community- driven open review, correction and evolution of scientific code. The continental scale of EC science-based policy support implies wide networks of scientific collaboration. Thematic information systems also may benefit from this approach within reproducible integrated modelling. This is supported by the EC strategy on FOSS: "for the development of new information systems, where deployment is foreseen by parties outside of the EC infrastructure, [F]OSS will be the preferred choice and in any case used whenever possible". The aim of this contribution is to highlight how a continental scale information system may exploit and integrate FOSS technologies within the transdisciplinary research underpinning such a complex system. A European example is discussed where FOSS innervates both the structure of the information system itself and the inherent transdisciplinary research for modelling the data and information which constitute the system content. [...] |
| Keywords: | European Forest Data Centre; EFDAC; free software; Free Scientific Software; Free and Open Source Software; Europe; forest information system; European Forest Fire Information System; EFFIS; geospatial; geospatial tools; semantic array programming; morphological spatial pattern analysis; GUIDOS; reproducible research; environmental modelling |
| JEL: | Q23 C6 Q51 Q54 Q57 C44 C31 L86 C8 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:44121&r=env |
| By: | Yu, Tun-Hsiang (Edward); Larson, James A.; English, Burton C. |
| Keywords: | switchgrass, sorghum, cost, land use change, Land Economics/Use, Production Economics, |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143049&r=env |
| By: | Esther Blanco; Maria Claudia Lopez; James M. Walker |
| Abstract: | This study examines appropriation decisions in a linear appropriation game setting with variations in the resource damage from appropriation and simultaneous variations in the resource damage and the opportunity cost of conservation, where the ratio of these two variables is held constant. In symmetric and asymmetric group contexts, subjects make decisions without feedback from a menu of seven decision situations. In summary, individual appropriation levels are found to be inversely correlated with the ratio of marginal resource damage from appropriation to the marginal private benefit of appropriation and no significant differences are observed in individual appropriation levels across treatments where this ratio is equal. Moreover, among subjects facing the same marginal incentives, no significant differences are found between decisions of subjects in symmetric and asymmetric groups. Finally, using forecasts of others’ appropriation decisions; we find evidence of both a direct effect from changes in marginal monetary incentives and an indirect effect associated with changes in subjects’ first order beliefs of the appropriation decisions of others. These findings are consistent with previous evidence for public goods games supporting the relevance of the marginal per-capita return and conditional reciprocity in explaining variations in cooperation levels. |
| Keywords: | common pool resources, asymmetry, resource damage, private benefits, laboratory experiments |
| JEL: | D7 D3 C90 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:inn:wpaper:2013-02&r=env |
| By: | David R. F. Love |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the natural resource consumption behavior of a competitively determined economy relative to a socially planned benchmark when agents are characterized as having finite lifespans which overlap. A general equilibrium model of a production economy which uses inputs from a finite stock of an aggregate natural resource is formulated and solved for the rates of resource extraction associated with the competitive outcome and the socially planned one. It is shown that resource extraction in the competitive economy can exceed that of the socially planned optimum and that intergenerational inequities result. |
| Keywords: | overlapping generation, essential non-renewable resources, social planning problem, competitive agents, extraction rates, dynamic programming, stability and convergence. |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qed:wpaper:844&r=env |
| By: | Wang, Tong; Park, Seong Cheol; Rajan, Nithya; Bevers, Stanley J.; DeLaune, Paul B.; Amosson, Stephen H. |
| Keywords: | Carbon Equivalent, Life Cycle Analysis, Farm Management, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142736&r=env |
| By: | Esther Regnier (Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne - Paris School of Economics); Michel De Lara (CERMICS - Université Paris-Est) |
| Abstract: | The Word Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, 2002) encouraged the application of the ecosystem approach by 2010. In this perspective, we propose a theoretical management framework that deals jointly with i) ecosystem dynamics, ii) conflicting issues of production and preservation and iii) robustness with respect to dynamics uncertainties. More specifically, we define the robst viability kernel as the set of initial species biomasses such that at least one harvesting strategy guarantees minimal production and preservation levels for all times, whatever the uncertainties. We apply our approach to the anchovy-hake couple in the Peruvian upwelling ecosystem. We find that accounting for uncertainty significantly reduces the robust viability kernel compared to the deterministic one (without uncertainties). We observe that, when we increase the set of uncertainties, the robust viability kernel very slightly decreases, expressing a moderate sensibility with respect to refining the set of uncertainties. We comment on the management implications of comparing robust viability kernels (with uncertainties) and the deterministic one (without uncertainties). |
| Keywords: | Optimization, viability, uncertainty, robustness, sustainability, ecosystem management, fisheries, Peruvian upwelling. |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mse:cesdoc:13006&r=env |
| By: | Emanuele Campiglio (Grantham Research Institute, London School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | In this paper I investigate the role of an increasingly demanded class of green services, characterised by having strong roots in local communities, high human labour intensity, flat labour productivity growth and a low impact on the environment. In order to do so, I build an endogenous growth model with a progressive manufacturing sector and a stagnant service sector. Productivity growth in the former sector is driven by the presence of a public stock of capital, representing infrastructure. The progressive sector also generates a negative externality on an open-access renewable resource that enters the households welfare function. I thus study the long-run behaviour of the economy and present a numerical example to analyse the transition during which structural change takes place. Results show the possibility of a conflict between growth and welfare by investigating the effects of a change in some relevant policy and technological parameters. |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pav:demwpp:033&r=env |
| By: | Kristine Grimsrud, Knut Einar Rosendahl, Halvor Briseid Storrøsten and Marina Tsygankova (Statistics Norway) |
| Abstract: | In a non-renewable resource market with imperfect competition, the resource owners’ supply is governed both by current demand and by the resource rent. New information regarding future market conditions will typically affect the resource rent and hence current supply. Bleaker prospects will tend to accelerate extraction. We show, however, that for resource owners with substantial resource stocks, a more pessimistic outlook may in fact slow down early extraction. The explanation is that for players with extensive resource stocks, the resource rent is limited and supply is more driven by current market considerations. As players with less resources accelerate their supply, it may be optimal for the large resource owners to cut back on their supply. We illustrate this in the case of the European gas market, finding that the shale gas revolution may lead to an accelerated supply by most gas producers, but a postponement of Russian gas extraction. |
| Keywords: | Exhaustible Resource Extraction; Cournot Competition; Natural Gas. |
| JEL: | Q31 Q41 D43 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ssb:dispap:733&r=env |
| By: | Hao, Na; Colson, Gregory; Karali, Berna; Wetzstein, Michael E. |
| Abstract: | Biodiesel has recently drawn attention because of its potential to make an important contribution to national energy security and the environment. However, the rapid growth of biodiesel has raised concerns about biodiesel’s impact on the price level and volatility of agricultural commodities. To address these concerns this research investigates the short- and long-run relationships between agricultural commodity and fuel markets, and finds interdependencies between the two. The causal linkage between biodiesel and soybean prices is very weak, indicating little likelihood of biodiesel triggering another food crisis. In contrast, oil price shocks have major influence on both fuel and agricultural commodity prices. |
| Keywords: | Biodiesel, Corn, Soybean, Vector error correction model(VECM), Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143078&r=env |
| By: | Jacobs, Austin Pace; Mark, Tyler B. |
| Abstract: | Agricultural producers across Kentucky are going to have to change farming practices to meet 21st Century needs. By 2025, Kentucky’s goal is to derive 12% of its motor fuels demand of 775 million gallons per year, from biofuels. One area targeted for expansion is the Appalachian region of Kentucky. Biomass has numerous potential uses in the bioenergy area such as the production of ethanol or burn for heat. The primary focus is assessing the potential producers understanding of biomass production, processing, and willingness to produce. To ascertain the willingness of Kentucky farmers to diversify their operation and include biomass feedstocks in their rotations a survey is used. This research is supported by the Center for Regional Engagement. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:143065&r=env |
| By: | Almas, Lal K.; Lust, David G.; Brooks, Kathleen R. |
| Abstract: | The production potential of OWB forage is evaluated under commercial rotational grazing management. The economic value of the forage is determined by the replacement value of the CP and TDN content. The optimal grazing period is determined where the MVP of grazing an additional day is equal to the MFC. |
| Keywords: | Old World Bluestem, Forage, Rotational Grazing, Stocking Rates, Optimal Grazing Days, Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2013–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142598&r=env |
| By: | Xu, Wan; Khachatryan, Hayk |
| Abstract: | The relationship between U.S. nursery industry sales and seven major Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices was investigated using smooth transition spatial autoregressive models. Controlling for selected production, management, and marketing practices, the results showed that the differential effects of IPM practices on annual sales vary across geography, which has useful implications for industry practitioners. |
| Keywords: | nursery industry, integrated pest management, spatial autoregressive model, Agribusiness, Q160, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142961&r=env |
| By: | Garcia Suarez, Federico |
| Abstract: | The objective of the paper is to provide an estimate of the use value of the High Plains aquifer in agriculture. A region-wide production function for the crop sector is estimated. Using the production response to irrigation we estimate the value of groundwater for agriculture in $231/acre at 2007 prices. |
| Keywords: | Production function, water, use value., Production Economics, Q15, Q25, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea13:142696&r=env |