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on Environmental Economics |
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Issue of 2016‒04‒23
sixty-two papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Sgouris Sgouridis; Abdulla Kaya; Denes Csala |
| Abstract: | Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are mainstay tools for assessing the long-term interactions between climate and the economy and for deriving optimal policy responses in the form of carbon prices. IAMs have been criticized for controversial discount rate assumptions, arbitrary climate damage functions, and the inadequate handling of potentially catastrophic climate outcomes. We review these external shortcomings for prominent IAMs before turning our focus on an internal modeling fallacy: the widespread misapplication of the Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) function for the technology transitions modeled by IAMs. Applying CES, an economic modeling approach, on technical factor inputs over long periods where an entire factor (the greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuel inputs) must be substituted creates artifacts that fail to match the S-curve patterns observed historically. A policy critical result, the monotonically increasing cost of carbon, a universal feature of IAMs, is called into question by showing that it is unrealistic as it is an artifact of the modeling approach and not representative of the technical substitutability potential nor of the expected cost of the technologies. We demonstrate this first through a simple but representative example of CES application on the energy system and with a sectoral discussion of the actual fossil substitution costs. We propose a methodological modification using dynamically varying elasticity of substitution as a plausible alternative to model the energy transition in line with the historical observations and technical realities within the existing modeling systems. Nevertheless, a fundamentally different approach based on physical energy principles would be more appropriate. |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1603.06196&r=env |
| By: | - |
| Abstract: | This effort to study the effects of climate change in the coastal areas of Latin America and the Caribbean has been divided into four main parts in line with the comprehensive risk-assessment methodology developed. The outputs of this regional study are presented in four core documents: an analysis of coastal dynamics and climate variability, a study on the vulnerability of coastal areas, an evaluation of the impacts of climate change and an exploration of how all these different factors can be brought together in an assessment of the risks of the impacts of climate change on the region’s coastal areas. The overall objective of this study is to compile the specific types of information required in order to analyse the economic impacts of climate change in the coastal areas of Latin America and the Caribbean. The area covered by the study encompasses the coastlines of Latin America and the Caribbean (an area totalling approximately 72,182 km in length). |
| Keywords: | CAMBIO CLIMATICO, COSTAS, INUNDACIONES, EROSION DE LAS COSTAS, DETERIORO AMBIENTAL, EVALUACION DEL IMPACTO AMBIENTAL, DATOS ESTADISTICOS, CLIMATE CHANGE, COASTS, FLOODS, COASTAL EROSION, ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, STATISTICAL DATA |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col022:39866&r=env |
| By: | Nguyen Van Song (Economics and Rural Development Faculty, Hanoi Agricultural University); Nguyen Van Hanh (Economics and Rural Development Faculty, Hanoi Agricultural University) |
| Abstract: | The rapid economic growth in Vietnam has resulted in an increasing demand for electricity. This in turn translates to a higher rate of coal resource extraction and consequent rise in pollution of water and land resources.This study estimated the environmental costs associated with the electricity demand requirements of the coal electricity sector, as a component of the long-run marginal opportunity cost (LR-MOC) of electricity production. The LR-MOC has three components: Marginal Production Cost or direct cost (MPC), Marginal User Cost (MUC) and the Marginal Environmental Cost (MEC). The MEC is divided further into two components: Marginal Environmental Cost of coal mining (MEC1) and Marginal Environmental Cost of coal burning (MEC2). The MEC1 consists of on-site environmental cost and off-site environmental cost while the MEC2 is made up of control cost and off-site environmental cost. The total production cost per tonne of clean coal was 241,050 VND in 1998 and was estimated to be 343,679.70 VND in 2010. The marginal environmental cost of coal mining (MEC1) is 19,029.4 VND/per tonne in 2010 or 5.5% of production cost. Of the MEC1, on-site and off-site cost is about 3.6% and 1.93% of production cost, respectively.The LR-MOC of coal electricity is 771.9 VND/per kWh at transmission and 975.5 VND/per kWh at distribution. The MEC (MEC1 + MEC2) accounts for 16.6% at transmission and 13.9% at distribution level. In comparison to the current tariff, the cost of the total electricity in 2010 is 1.75 times higher. The most suitable technological options for pollution control in coal-fired thermal power plants are precipitators for Group A and bag filters and limestone injection for Group B2. The least abatement and damage cost is associated with environmental technology alternative 2 (ETA2) valued at 1,862 billion VND. Given the worsening environmental problems in Halong Bay, which is a coal mining area, and the overall deteriorating environmental situation due to coal-fired power plants in Vietnam, the current subsidy of 25-30% to production cost and electricity tariff should gradually be removed. In fact, the environmental cost should be included in electricity and coal prices. |
| Keywords: | Hydropower, Vietnam |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016035&r=env |
| By: | J. Roumasset (University of Hawaii; Energy Policy and Development Program); M. Ravago (University of the Philippines; Energy Policy and Development Program); K. Jandoc (University of Hawaii; Energy Policy and Development Program); C. Arellano (University of the Philippines; World Bank, Philippines) |
| Abstract: | The contribution of the environmental-resource sector to national well-being is the sum of natural resource depletion and environmental degradation. Inasmuch as existing resource stocks are below efficient levels, better enforcement of existing laws as well as policies that incentivize sustainable use are needed. Similarly, progressive royalty assessment of mineral resources can incentivize exploration without transferring the bulk of resource rents to private interests. In the case of pollution, the key is to face firms with the full costs of their production, e.g. through emission taxes and/or cap and trade systems. Calculating total depletion and degradation (TDD) will facilitate the calculation of green national income (GNI), a more inclusive metric of national well-being. In the same way, simultaneous optimization of disaster management policies in the face of climate change can facilitate a further improvement in national well-being, this time measured as comprehensive national income (CNI). |
| Keywords: | Well-being, risk, natural disaster, scenario-building, Philippines |
| JEL: | N55 Q01 Q54 Q56 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hae:wpaper:2016-3&r=env |
| By: | Mohamad Taghvaee, Vahid; Parsa, Hojat |
| Abstract: | This article aims to answer the question of whether the manufacturing (and mining) and services sectors in Iran should be reconstructed or grown as before, in order to improve the environmental quality. The global warming, if not global burning, is a dire warning about environmental pollution dangers to everyone, living on the Earth. In this field, Iran is a good candidate due to its significantly high share of CO2 emissions in proportion to the low share of economic growth in the world which can be remedied by economic growth, based on Environmental Kuznets Hypothesis (EKH). We employ the Auto-Regressive Distributed Model (ARDL) to examine the long run equilibrium relationship between CO2 emission and economic growth. The results show that, regarding EKC, the nexus of CO2 emissions and economic growth in either sector is in a sharply ascending phase. It implies that if manufacturing (and mining) and services sectors inflate, the quality of environment will decline owing to the intensive and pollutant energy-using structures. Thus, rather than growing, they should be reconstructed by importing cleaner and more efficient technologies and developing internal inventions. |
| Keywords: | Environment. Manufacturing. Services. |
| JEL: | Q5 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:67885&r=env |
| By: | Nick Johnstone; Shunsuke Managi; Miguel Cárdenas Rodríguez; Ivan Haščič; Hidemichi Fujii; Martin Souchier |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the relationship between environmental regulation, innovation, and competitiveness, drawing upon a unique dataset on environmental regulations directed at combustion plants, a global dataset of power plants, and a global dataset of ‘environmental’ patents. The analysis is conducted in two stages. First, a nonparametric frontier analysis is implemented to estimate efficiency scores, including a measure of technological innovation based on patent stocks. Second, econometric methods are applied to analyse the role of policy stringency and policy design on efficiency. Our estimation sample covers thermal power plant sectors in 20 countries from 1990 to 2009. The results show that the stringency of environmental regulations is a significant determinant of productive efficiency with respect to pollutant emissions as well as fuel use. However, these effects turn negative once the level of stringency leaps over a certain threshold. In addition, the paper concludes that the positive effect of regulatory stringency can be diminished by a negative effect of regulatory differentiation with measures which are differentiated across plant size and age having negative consequences, and these effects are increasing over time. This finding is important given the prevalence of size- and vintage-differentiated policies in many countries. Finally, it is found that integrated approaches to environmental innovation are more likely to bring about efficiency improvements than end-of-pipe technologies. Cet article étudie les relations entre réglementation environnementale, innovation et efficacité, en s’appuyant sur un ensemble de données mondiales sur les inventions « environnementales » brevetées et sur les centrales électriques, ainsi que sur un jeu unique de données sur la réglementation environnementale applicable aux installations de combustion. Cette étude comporte deux étapes. Dans un premier temps, des scores d’efficience sont estimés à l’aide d’une analyse non-paramétrique de la frontière efficiente de production, en utilisant notamment des indicateurs d’innovation comme les stocks de brevets. Ensuite, l’impact des politiques environnementales sur ces scores d’efficience est analysé économétriquement. Notre analyse couvre le secteur des centrales thermiques dans 20 pays entre 1990 et 2009. Les résultats montrent que des politiques environnementales contraignantes ont un effet positif sur l’efficacité de la production tant concernant l’émission de polluants que la consommation de carburant. Néanmoins, cet effet devient négatif lorsque la contrainte réglementaire dépasse un certain seuil. Par ailleurs, l’effet positif d’une réglementation contraignante peut être atténué lorsque celle-ci est différentiée en fonction de l’âge ou de la taille de la centrale. Les conséquences négatives d’une telle différentiation se font alors souvent sentir à long terme. Compte tenu de la prédominance d’une telle approche dans de nombreux pays, ce constat invite à une refonte des politiques environnementales en matière de limitation des émissions polluantes. Enfin, il est également constaté que des innovations environnementales intégrées (modifiant l’ensemble de la chaine de production) ont un impact plus important sur l’efficacité de la production que les innovations de fin de processus. |
| Keywords: | policy design, regulatory differentiation, productive efficiency, environmental innovation, directional distance function, fonction de distance directionnelle, innovation environnementale, élaboration des politiques, efficience productive, différentiation de la réglementation |
| JEL: | O33 Q48 Q55 |
| Date: | 2016–04–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:104-en&r=env |
| By: | Jussi Lankoski |
| Abstract: | Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use policies implemented in OECD countries could be made more environmentally effective and cost-effective. Several policy innovations could change this, however. To test this, a theoretical framework was developed to describe farmers’ participation in government payment programmes that enhance semi-natural wildlife habitats on farmland. The types of payments analysed here include: uniform payments; three types of conservation auctions with environmental targeting; uniform payment with environmental targeting; and two types of differentiated payments with environmental targeting. Quantitative results show that uniform payments are less efficient than other payment types, and that auctions with environmental targeting are the most cost-effective option. However, if farmers have knowledge of the environmental value of their offer, the cost-effectiveness of auctions decreases because they tend to increase their bids to benefit from this information rent (overcompensating income forgone). Adding environmental targeting to the uniform payment policy greatly improves the cost-effectiveness of uniform payment. The analysis clearly shows that, when targeted payments are implemented, the gains from environmental targeting are large and exceed the increase in policy-related transaction costs. |
| Keywords: | targeting, differentiated payment, policy-related transaction costs, uniform payment, Conservation auction |
| JEL: | Q57 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:agraaa:93-en&r=env |
| By: | Lu, Hongyou; Xu, Wenli; Xu, Kun |
| Abstract: | From the perspective of environmental macroeconomics, in addition to environmental equilibrium effected by environmental policies, the fiscal policy have an impact on the environment equilibrium. On this basis, this paper constructs a RBC model with environmental equilibrium, that contains different financing mode of government environmental expenditure, within which incorporating fiscal spending shocks, labor income tax rate shock, capital income tax rate shock and environmental tax shock. Utilizing the historically macroeconomic data during 1978 to 2014, this paper estimate the long-run steady-state of macroeconomic and environmental variables, then simulate short-run fluctuation of these macro-variables. The results show that:(1) government environmental expenditure being arranged in the general budget, taxing emission achieve the "double dividend" that output increase by 0.13%, and the stock of carbon dioxide fall by 1.1%; (2) changes of environmental tax rates is one important source of volatility in the stock of carbon dioxide, volatility contribution rate of 87%; (3) changes in fiscal policy have a significant impact on short-term fluctuations of carbon dioxide, and the environmental effects of direction caused by expansionary fiscal policy depend on the fiscal policy type. Based on the above conclusions, this paper suggests the introduction of environmental taxes as quickly as possible, government environmental expenditure take the general tax financing mode, and a combination of modest increase in fiscal expenditure, reducing labor income tax rate and inceasing capital income tax rate in order to promote green development during "Thirteen Five Plan" period. |
| Keywords: | environmental tax; finacing mode; fiscal policies; business cycle |
| JEL: | E62 H23 H3 Q5 |
| Date: | 2016–03–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70221&r=env |
| By: | Jan Abrell (ETH Zürich, Switzerland); Sebastian Rausch (ETH Zurich, Switzerland); Hidemichi Yonezawa (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the efficiency and distributional impacts of introducing a price floor in an emissions trading system (ETS) when environmental regulation is partitioned. We theoretically characterize the conditions under which a price floor enhances welfare. Using a multi-country multi-sector numerical general equilibrium model of the European carbon market, we find that moderate minimum price levels in the EU ETS can reduce the costs of EU climate policy by up to thirty percent and yield outcomes close to uniform carbon pricing. Moreover, most of the EU Member States would gain. Our results are robust with respect to parametric uncertainty in production and consumption technologies. |
| Keywords: | Emissions Trading, Price Floors, EU ETS, Partitioned Environmental Regulation, General Equilibrium |
| JEL: | H23 Q52 Q58 C68 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eth:wpswif:16-243&r=env |
| By: | - |
| Abstract: | Broad, open and inclusive public participation has become a hallmark of recent international negotiation processes related to sustainable development. Public participation has been a salient characteristic of the negotiation process of the regional agreement on access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Principle 10 regional agreement, in reference to Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development) that stemmed from the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). The participation of the public is not only at the core of the rights of access rights themselves, but has also been included by the countries in the documents agreed to date during the negotiation process.1 Countries have, therefore, acknowledged the participation and the fundamental role of the public in environmental protection and the effective implementation of access rights and have recognized its significant participation in the negotiations. To provide an opportunity for the interested public and civil society actors from Latin America and the Caribbean to learn about this ongoing negotiation process and strengthen their capacities to actively engage in it, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Government of Panama organized a workshop on the margins of the Second Meeting of the Negotiating Committee of the Principle 10 regional agreement held in October 2015 in Panama City. Given the importance of the access to justice pillar, renowed legal experts from the region were invited to provide their views on environmental justice and its links with access rights for sustainable development in a special panel. |
| Keywords: | MEDIO AMBIENTE, DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE, JUSTICIA AMBIENTAL, ACCESO A LA INFORMACION, PARTICIPACION POPULAR, CONFERENCIAS, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, ACCESS TO INFORMATION, POPULAR PARTICIPATION, CONFERENCES |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col043:39951&r=env |
| By: | Massimiliano Mazzanti; Davide Antonioli; Claudia Ghisetti; Francesco Nicolli |
| Abstract: | This report provides a review of recent firm-level and plant-level surveys containing questions on environmental policies, innovation practices or performance which are relevant for environmental policy analysis and assessment. We specifically focus on the core element that relates environmental policies to environmental and economic performance, namely the adoption of innovative practices and environmental innovations by firms. The study gives an overview of the main literature exploiting surveys, with the aim of discussing main themes and their core limitations to propose advancements for future research. The report provides technical details on surveyed questionnaire implementation, by focusing on to the intrinsic trade-off in the design of alternative questions. It also discusses how environmental policy and its stringency have been measured in previous literature. Finally, it provides suggestions on how to implement a multi-country survey and on other ways to better harness firm-level data in the analysis of effects of environmental policies on business behaviour. |
| Keywords: | innovation, environmental innovation, firm surveys, firm behaviour, environmental policies |
| JEL: | C8 D22 Q52 Q55 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–04–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:103-en&r=env |
| By: | Ekaterina Sherstyuk (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Economics); Nori Tarui (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Economics); Majah-Leah Ravago (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Tatsuyoshi Saijo (Kochi University of Technology) |
| Abstract: | Dynamic externalities are at the core of many long-term environmental problems, from species preservation to climate change mitigation. We use laboratory experiments to compare welfare outcomes and underlying behavior in games with dynamic externalities under two distinct settings: traditionally studied games with infinitely-lived decision makers, and more realistic intergenerational games. We show that if decision makers change across generations, resolving dynamic externalities becomes more challenging for two distinct reasons. First, decision makers' actions may be short-sighted due to their limited incentives to care about the future generations' welfare. Second, even when the incentives are perfectly aligned across generations, increased strategic uncertainty of the intergenerational setting may lead to an increased inconsistency of own actions and beliefs about the others, making own actions more myopic. Access to history and advice from previous generations may improve dynamic efficiency, but may also facilitate coordination on non-cooperative action paths. |
| Keywords: | economic experiments; dynamic externalities; intergenerational games; climate change |
| Date: | 2015–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hae:wpaper:2015-7&r=env |
| By: | Teevrat Garg; Stuart Hamilton; Jacob Hochard; Evan Plous; John Talbot |
| Abstract: | Waterborne diseases are the leading cause of mortality in developing countries. We emphasize a previously ignored cause of diarrhea – upstream river bathing. Using newly constructed data on upstream-downstream hydrological linkages along with village census panel data in Indonesia, we find that upstream river bathing can explain as many as 7.5% of all diarrheal deaths. Our results, which are net of avoidance behavior, show no effect of trash disposal on diarrheal infections. Furthermore we find that individuals engage in avoidance behavior in response to trash disposal visible pollutants) but not river bathing (invisible pollutants). We conduct policy simulations to show that targeting upstream individuals could generate substantial environmental and health savings relative to targeting downstream individuals. This provides a potential roadmap for low- and middle-income countries with limited resources for enforcement of water pollution. |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lsg:lsgwps:wp234&r=env |
| By: | Bukvić, Rajko; Voronov, Mikhail; Chasovskikh, Viktor |
| Abstract: | The problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is discused. In the second half of the XX century, several schemes have been proposed to create a market mechanism in the context of this problem. Efforts to find economic ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even more intensified in the last decade of the XX century, and finally the Kyoto Protocol offered several flexible market mechanisms aimed at a partial solution to the problem of emissions. Despite all these efforts, during the first period of application of these mechanisms (2008-2012), carbon emissions have increased. The article deals with the mechanisms and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Russia, and their importance in the context of the obligations of the Kyoto Protocol and other international instruments. (В статье рассматривается проблема сокращения выбросов парниковых газов. Во второй половине XX века было предложено несколько схем для создания рыночного механизма в контексте решения этой проблемы. Усилия по поиску экономических путей сокращения выбросов парниковых газов еще более активизировались в последнем десятилетии XX века, и наконец, Киотский Протокол предложил несколько гибких рыночных механизмов, направленных на частичное решение проблемы выбросов. Несмотря на все эти усилия, в течение первого периода применения этих механизмов (2008–2012), выбросы углерода возросли. В статье рассматриваются механизмы и проекты по сокращению выбросов парниковых газов в России, и их важность в разрезе выполнения обязательств Киотского Протокола и других международных документов.) |
| Keywords: | Greenhouse gases, Kyoto Protocol, carbon markets, the atmosphere, the reduction of emissions. парниковые газы, Киотский протокол, рынки углерода, атмосфера, сокращение выбросов. |
| JEL: | H23 K32 L51 Q53 Q56 Q57 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70845&r=env |
| By: | Nghiem Phuong Tuyen (Vietnam National University); Pam Mc Elwee (Vietnam National University); Le Hue (Vietnam National University); Vu Huong (Vietnam National University) |
| Keywords: | REDD,Carbon Payments,Climate Change |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160319&r=env |
| By: | Raja Timilsina (Kochi University of Technology); Koji Kotani (School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology); Yoshio Kamijo (School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology) |
| Abstract: | Sustainability has become a key issue in managing natural resources together with growing concerns for capitalism, environmental and resource problems. We hypothesize that ongoing modernization of competitive societies, which we call "capitalism," affects human nature and preference in utilizing common pool resources, further endangering the sustainability. To test the hypothesis, this paper designs and implements a dynamic common pool resource game in the two types of Nepalese fields: (i) rural (non capitalistic) and (ii) urban (capitalistic) areas. We find that a proportion of prosocial people in the urban is lower than that in the rural, and urban people deplete resources more quickly than rural people. The composition of proself and prosocial people in a group and the degree of capitalism (rural vs. urban) are crucial in the sense that an increase of prosocial members in a group and the rural dummy positively affect resource sustainability by approximately 65% and by 45%, respectively. Overall, this paper concludes that when societies move toward more capitalistic environments, sustainability of common pool resources tends to be lost through changes in people’s preferences, social norms, customs and assumptions for other people. It implies that people may gradually be losing their coordination abilities for social dilemmas of resource sustainability in capitalistic societies. |
| Keywords: | sustainability, dynamic common pool resource, capitalism, field experiment |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kch:wpaper:sdes-2016-6&r=env |
| By: | I. Hugar; D.V. Jadhav; Amit Kalyankar and A.B. Pande |
| Abstract: | Promotion of sustainable livelihood programme for weaker section especially tribals and conservation of natural resources and its judicious utilization offers a huge challenge for any development agency. Over a period of 40 years, BAIF has taken up several activities related to different aspects of natural resource management with sericulture through number of projects in the field of research, extension, training, technology development and demonstrations. BAIF initiated different livelihood progarmmes in 21 blocks of Chandrapur, Gondia, Gadchiroli districts during 2004, focusing on tribal development through appropriate region specific interventions viz. wadi (Horticulture), improved agriculture, watershed, women empowerment, livestock development, community development and non timber forest produce (NTFP) etc. It was evident that, traditionally the tribal families are involved in some NTFP activities viz. collection of gum, mahua & mahua seeds, honey & bees wax, charoli, aonla, bel, tadi, and herbal plants, etc which are sold by them to local traders in weekly market for cash or barter them for other goods. By considering the potential and coexisting the unique ecosystem, covered with forest and abundant tasar host plantations in Gadchiroli, Gondia and Chandrapur district, offered a great opportunity to introduce highly remunerative NTFP activities like tasar sericulture for tribal families. Tasar sericulture is subsidiary occupation of forest and forest-fringe dwellers and practiced traditionally by Dhivar community. However, Tasar silkworm rearing was unpredictable source of income because rearer uses very crude method of handling silkworms and worms susceptible to various climatic fluctuations. BAIF intervention in promotion of sustainable livelihoods through tasar sericulture with allied activities focused at strengthening traditional activity by appropriate technology interventions. Key words: Tasar, Livelihood, allied activity, vanya, NTFP |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vor:issues:2016-03-13&r=env |
| By: | Vorhies,Francis; Wilkinson,Emily |
| Abstract: | Many ex ante measures taken to reduce disaster risk can deliver co-benefits that are not dependent on disasters occurring. In fact, building resilience to climate extremes and disasters can achieve multiple objectives. These are secondary to the main objective of disaster risk management of avoiding disaster losses, but identifying and measuring additional co-benefits can enhance the attractiveness of disaster risk management investments. Co-benefits are often economic, such as investment in dams or irrigation to reduce drought risk generating greater productivity; but they can also include significant environmental and social benefits. This paper identifies some of the potential categories of co-benefits associated with disaster risk management investments, expanding on typologies created by agencies seeking to promote social and environmental safeguarding in their work. The paper looks at previous studies on disaster risk management where co-benefits are mentioned but not explored in any detail. The paper examines two new case studies where environmental and socioeconomic co-benefits were uncovered in an irrigation project to reduce drought risk, and an urban flood risk management project, in Jamaica and Mexico, respectively. This review points to several challenges in traditional cost-benefit analysis techniques and puts forward alternative approaches to identify environmental and socioeconomic co-benefits when planning disaster risk management investments. The authors argue that a comprehensive disaster risk management co-benefits framework is needed that includes and categorizes all potential positive environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Co-benefits research focused on revisiting existing cases and developing new case studies could play an important role in this regard. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change Economics,Hazard Risk Management,Economic Theory&Research,Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases,Environmental Economics&Policies |
| Date: | 2016–04–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7633&r=env |
| By: | James K. Boyce (Department of Economics and Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst); Klara Zwickl (Department of Socio-Economics, Vienna University of Economics and Business, and Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst); Michael Ash (Department of Economics and Center for Public Policy and Administration, University of Massachusetts Amherst) |
| Abstract: | Using data on industrial air pollution exposure in the United States, we compute three measures of environmental inequality: the Gini coefficient of exposure, the ratio of median exposure of minorities to that of non-Hispanic whites, and the ratio of median exposure of poor households to that of non-poor households. Comparing inequalities!in states and Congressional districts, we find that relative rankings by the three measures vary considerably. We conclude that different measures of environmental inequality may be appropriate for different analytical purposes. |
| JEL: | I14 Q53 Q56 R11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:thk:wpaper:12&r=env |
| By: | Liu Zhaoyang (Downing College, Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DQ, UK) |
| Abstract: | It is often conjectured that conservation policies for state-owned forests not only influence the state employees managing these forests, but the indigenous residents living in state forest regions as well. This research explored this conjecture by conducting a case study of the Natural Forest Protection Programme (NFPP) in China. A theoretical model was developed to describe the mechanism as to how NFPP impacts indigenous residents through influencing their labor allocation decisions. The theoretical predictions were then examined through empirical analyses based on household level micro-data collected from Gansu and Yunnan provinces in Western China. The analyses used alternative indicators of the NFPP intensity and rigorous econometric methods that controlled for potential selection and endogeneity issues in order to generate reasonable causality inferences. Both the theoretical predictions and empirical results found that NFPP negatively affects the total income of indigenous residents. Scrutiny into the variations of income components revealed that indigenous residents seem to be intensifying agricultural production activities, which implies that NFPP may have caused environmental leakage effects by shifting the environmental pressure from forests to cropland. These factors should be considered when designing prospective state forest reforms in the Western regions of China. |
| Keywords: | China, Community forestry or forest policies, Forestry, Econometric Analysis |
| Date: | 2015–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2015102&r=env |
| By: | Golub,Alexander Alexandrovich; Toman,Michael A. |
| Abstract: | Improving the resilience of the economy in the face of uncertain climate change damages involves irreversible investments to scale up new technologies that are less vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The benefit of having such options includes the avoided welfare cost of diverting consumption to scaling up the new technology after production possibilities have been diminished by climate change impacts. This needs to be balanced against the upfront cost of scaling up a technology that is potentially less productive than incumbent technologies. The paper uses a real options approach to investigate this trade-off, based on numerical simulation of a multi-period model of economic growth and climate change impacts that includes a one-time cost associated with scaling up the alternative technology. The value of the option provided by investment in the more resilient technology depends on the ex-ante volatility of climate change damages, as well as how rapidly climate change degrades the productivity of the economy's established technology. In addition, the size of scale-up cost that leaves the economy indifferent between investing and not investing in the new technology can be used to define the value of early investment in the less climate change?vulnerable technology as a sort of call option. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change Economics,Science of Climate Change,ICT Policy and Strategies,Technology Industry,Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases |
| Date: | 2016–04–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7637&r=env |
| By: | Salahodjaev, Raufhon; Yuldashev, Oybek; Yusupov, Nurmuhammad |
| Abstract: | Deforestation has now taken the center stage in the climate change debate which has become a heavily politicized process. We argue that involvement of women in that process can be instrumental in reducing deforestation. We find significant and robust evidence for this hypothesis in a cross-section of 163 countries covering 1990–2010. Our results have important policy implications and call for wider involvement of women in the climate change debates and policy making. |
| Keywords: | women; parliament; environment; deforestation |
| JEL: | H0 |
| Date: | 2016–04–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70718&r=env |
| By: | Robert H. Wade |
| Abstract: | Before the mid 1980s the World Bank conceived “nature” as something to be “conquered” and “environment” as a source of resources for “development”. By the late 1980s the Bank incorporated norms of environmental sustainability and indigenous peoples’ protection into its mandate, and other development-oriented IOs followed. This two-part paper describes how a fight over the Polonoroeste road project in the Brazilian Amazon inside the Bank, between the Bank and NGOs supported by the US Congress, and between the Bank and the government of Brazil helped to generate the far-reaching change of policy norms. The first part describes how the project was designed as an innovation in sustainable development in rainforests; and how it provoked a firestorm inside the Bank as it moved towards project approval |
| Keywords: | policy norms; rainforests; indigenous peoples; World Bank; environmental NGO's; government of Brazil; US Congress |
| JEL: | I3 O13 Q5 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:65906&r=env |
| By: | Bin Ni (Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University); Hanae Tamechika (Graduate School of Economics, Nagoya City University); Tsunehiro Otsuki (Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University); Keiichiro Honda (Department of Administration, Prefectural University of Kumamoto) |
| Abstract: | Environmental protection is an inevitable issue that developing countries all have to deal with during the process of inviting foreign direct investment (FDI). However, high correlation between FDI and pollution doesn ft necessarily indicate that foreign firms are to blame. In this paper, we apply firm-level panel data in Vietnam and unique information on waste discharge to show that foreign firms are actually more active to acquire ISO14001, a voluntary environmental standard. And the adoption will in turn improve firms f performance in waste control. It also increases firms f welfare as well as their productivity level. This paper provides strong evidence that firms f efforts towards corporate social responsibility will eventually benefit themselves as well. |
| Keywords: | FDI, ISO14001, Vietnam, environmental protection |
| JEL: | D22 F21 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osk:wpaper:1605&r=env |
| By: | Phumsith Mahasuweerachai (Department of Economics, Faculty of Management Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand) |
| Abstract: | This study accessed the impact of government aid on farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Nam Phong River Basin, Thailand. This area is prone to flooding between September and October. After the floods, the government generally provides financial compensation to affected farmers of about 70%– 80% of the cropping costs. Our study found that this sort of help from the government is likely to discourage farmers to adapt to climate change. This study found that farmers who believe that the government will step in whenever they suffer losses from floods are more likely to stay with their current crop pattern that carries the highest risk of flooding. In addition, government support was also found to undermine the crop insurance market that the government has been trying to develop. |
| Keywords: | Thailand, Climate change, Adaptation practices/projects, Climate change impacts, Econometric analysis |
| Date: | 2015–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2015112&r=env |
| By: | Lei, Lei |
| Abstract: | The paper reviews relevant literature studying the environmental impacts of food supply chain from production to each stage throughout the supply chain. With limited data and information, to better understand these impacts, a concrete example of the tea supply chain in China is provided. The tea supply chain is analyzed from the environmental prospective, with potential pollutants being identified at each stage of the supply chain. As an example of the food supply chain in a developing country, some unique features of the developing economies are taken into consideration when concluding the implications. |
| Keywords: | China, International trade, Food industry, Tea, Environment, Supply chain analysis, Development |
| JEL: | F18 Q01 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jet:dpaper:dpaper573&r=env |
| By: | Camille Bann (Cambodia) |
| Abstract: | This manual has been prepared as an aid to researchers in Southeast Asia involved in the economic evaluation of tropical forest land use options. It was developed initially to serve as an aid to Cambodian researchers in the execution of an EEPSEA-financed study of non-timber forest values in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia. (The report resulting from that study is available as an EEPSEA Research Report.) The aim of the manual is to provide non-specialists with a basic theoretical background to economic valuation of the environment and with a practical methodology for an economic evaluation of alternative tropical forest land uses. |
| Keywords: | Economic Valuation, Tropical Forest, Manual |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016033&r=env |
| By: | Belayneh, Demissie |
| Abstract: | The main objective of this paper is to explore the extent to which government policies geared towards “transforming” pastoral way of living into sedentary agriculturalists in pastoral communities of southern Ethiopia had eroded social capital, customary institutions, and livelihoods and deteriorated the living conditions of the very people they are intended to benefit and the resources they are meant to manage. While the essence of building on social capital and local indigenous institutions in the management of common property resources is gaining grounds in the recent times, most government policies in pastoral areas of Africa are drawn on the over-riding dominant narrative of the theory of ‘tragedy of commons’. It is argued that important as these explanations could be, they do not fully illuminate the underlying causation of social and ecological calamity, institutional degradation and the erosion of indigenous resource management and conflict resolution mechanisms. Based on extensive literature review on the Borana- a predominantly pastoral community inhabiting the dry lands of Southern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya - this study contends that contrary to the "tragedy of the commons" thesis and other neo-Malthusian explanations, the weakening and disintegration of communal resource management regimes in Borana is a crucial factor behind rangeland degradation, increased livestock mortality and rising vulnerability of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in the Horn of Africa. It attempts to expose how this ill-intentioned government policy have eroded customary resource management, conflict resolution and livelihood resilience practices, and paved the way distrust and non-cooperation; rangeland resource degradation; livelihood vulnerabilities, and perpetuation of conflicts in the area. The conclusion is that while the tragedy of commons narrative has some grain of truth in some contexts, scholars and policy makers should also look into how best common property resources can be managed by capitalizing on social capitals and customary institutions rather than destroying them, as successful management of natural resources require both an understanding of ecosystem processes and of the interactions between people and the ecosystem. |
| Keywords: | rangeland; natural resource management; social capital; Borana pastoralists; Ethiopia |
| JEL: | Q2 |
| Date: | 2016–04–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70780&r=env |
| By: | Raul G. Bradecina (Partido State University) |
| Keywords: | Economic Valuation,Environmental Services,Ecotourism |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160333&r=env |
| By: | F.P. Shkrabets (National Mining University); V.V. Berdnyk (National Mining University) |
| Abstract: | This article describes the types of secondary energy resources that occur during or as a result of mining or of technological processes at metallurgical, coke and chemical enterprises. The research of opportunities to use them directly at industrial enterprises, in case when an energy resource or the energy generated "is not a commodity" was carried out. To generate electricity from secondary sources, the use of diesel power plants and gas–turbine facilities was offered. The values of investments in the construction of thermal power plants (TPP) based on different types of secondary energy resources were calculated. Tentative capacities of power plants, which utilize the energy of secondary sources were also computed. The figures used for assessing the release and use of secondary energy resources were given. The necessity of using secondary sources of energy to reduce harmful effects on the environment was emphasized. Introduction. World coal production totals 2.025 billion tons per year (4033 mines). This results in nearly 6 bln tons of solid, liquid and gaseous waste being formed, which is about 3 tons per 1 ton of coal (including dump waste product of 2.5 tons). In underground coal mining, specific output of the rock hoisted onto the surface of the mine constitutes about 0.3 tons per 1 ton of coal. Actually combustible mass in the coal industry is only 20% of the rock mass. As follows, in order to preserve fossil fuel resources the number of which is steadily decreasing in the world and the use of which produces more harmful effect on the environment, one should try to use all their potential. The use of waste, or so–called secondary energy resources (SER), formed during the coal mining, will reduce the harmful effects on the environment and increase the energy potential of Ukraine. Research objective. Unprofitability of mines associated with the high cost of coal production, large overheads and a complex environmental situation in these regions are considered to be main problems of coal mining enterprises in Ukraine. |
| Keywords: | secondary sources of energy,coal mines,heat electropower stations,diesel power plants,coal methane,power generation |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01301530&r=env |
| By: | MUTASCU Mihai; PEREAU Jean-Christophe; URSU Eugen |
| Abstract: | The paper explores the causality between carbon emission and economic growth in the case of France, for the period 1983Q2-2015Q2, by following a wavelet approach. The study offers detailed information of this nexus, for different frequencies and sub-periods of time, revealing the lead-lag nexus between variables under cyclical and anti-cyclical shocks. \r\nDifferent environmental-growth hypotheses are found in the case of France, for a given period of investigation, which varie from sub-periods to sub-periods, from short to medium and long terms, under particular national and international economic contexts. |
| Keywords: | Carbon emissions, Growth, Effects, Wavelet analysis |
| JEL: | C1 O1 Q5 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2016-10&r=env |
| By: | Mechler,Reinhard; Mochizuki,Junko; Hochrainer-Stigler,Stefan |
| Abstract: | This paper addresses the question whether and how co-benefits, through disaster resilience building, can be further promoted. Co-benefits are defined as positive externalities that arise deliberately as a result of a joint strategy that pursues several objectives synergistically at the same time, such as disaster risk management and development goals, or disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. Of particular interest is the question of how the economic and broader benefits of disaster risk management can be recognized and realized by those in charge of fiscal policy decisions. The paper considers the interplay between public disaster risk management investment and fiscal policy, and provides an overview of the current debate as well as assessment methods, tools, and policy options. In fiscal budgeting, it has been standard practice to focus on direct liabilities and recurrent spending. Costs of disasters are often dealt with after the fact only, rather than being considered as contingent liabilities. As a consequence, the full costs of disasters have often not been budgeted for, and, with a price signal missing, there is lack of clear incentives for investing in disaster risk management. Overall, the paper identifies four steps and three dividends to be harnessed: (i) understanding fiscal risk; (ii) protecting public finance through risk financing instruments, the first dividend; (iii) managing disaster risk comprehensively, the second dividend; and (iv) pursuing a synergistic, co-benefits strategy of concurrently managing disaster risks and promoting development, the third dividend. |
| Keywords: | Insurance&Risk Mitigation,Banks&Banking Reform,Hazard Risk Management,Labor Policies,Natural Disasters |
| Date: | 2016–04–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7635&r=env |
| By: | Jacques Després (GAEL - Laboratoire d'Economie Appliquée de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) - Grenoble INP - Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, LITEN - Laboratoire d'Innovation pour les Technologies des Energies Nouvelles et les nanomatériaux - Université Grenoble Alpes - Grenoble 2 - CEA - DEN/DM2S/SEMT - CEA, G2ELab - Laboratoire de Génie Electrique de Grenoble - UJF - Université Joseph Fourier - Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Silvana Mima (GAEL - Laboratoire d'Economie Appliquée de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) - Grenoble INP - Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble); Alban Kitous (European Commission (JRC-IPTS)); Patrick Criqui (GAEL - Laboratoire d'Economie Appliquée de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) - Grenoble INP - Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble); Nouredine Hadjsaid (G2ELab - Laboratoire de Génie Electrique de Grenoble - UJF - Université Joseph Fourier - Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Isabelle Noirot (CEA/LITEN/DTNM/LT - CEA - DEN/DM2S/SEMT - CEA) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we demonstrate the role of electricity storage for the integration of high shares of Variable Renewable Energy Sources (VRES 3) in the long-term evolution of the power system. For this a new electricity module is developed in POLES (Prospective Outlook on Long-term Energy Systems). It now takes into account the impacts of VRES on the European power system. The power system operation relies on EUCAD (European Unit Commitment And Dispatch), which includes daily storage and other inter-temporal constraints. The innovative aspect of our work is the direct coupling between POLES and EUCAD, thus combining a long-term simulation horizon and a short-term approach for the power system operation. The storage technologies represented are pumped-hydro storage, lithium-ion batteries, adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (a-CAES) and electric vehicles (charging optimisation and vehicle-to-grid). Demand response and European grid interconnections are also represented, in order to include to some extent these flexibility options. 2 Disclaimer: The views expressed are purely those of the writer and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. 3 Abbreviations: a-CAES: adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage CCS: Carbon Capture and Storage |
| Keywords: | Electricity storage,Long-term modelling,Power system dispatch,Variable renewable energy sources,Flexibility |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01301662&r=env |
| By: | Jaimie Kim B. Arias (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Ma. Emilinda T. Mendoza (College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños); Vicente G. Ballaran, Jr. (College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños); Rowena A. Dorado (College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños) |
| Keywords: | Household, Vulnerability,Climate Change,Philippines |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160331&r=env |
| By: | Uribe Botero, Eduardo |
| Abstract: | América Latina y el Caribe es una región particularmente vulnerable a las amenazas del cambio climático. Esto, entre otras razones, por la riqueza en biodiversidad y por los endemismos que alberga En este sentido el presente documento analiza y resume los principales impactos del cambio climático en la biodiversidad de América Latina y el Caribe, incluyendo especies endémicas de aves, anfibios y reptiles. Asimismo, destaca la importancia económica, social y ambiental de la conservación de la biodiversidad, considerando los servicios culturales, de aprovisionamiento, y de regulación y soporte que esto genera. |
| Keywords: | CAMBIO CLIMATICO, DIVERSIDAD BIOLOGICA, PROTECCION AMBIENTAL, ASPECTOS ECONOMICOS, ASPECTOS SOCIALES, ASPECTOS AMBIENTALES, CONSERVACION DE LA NATURALEZA, CLIMATE CHANGE, BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, ECONOMIC ASPECTS, SOCIAL ASPECTS, ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS, NATURE CONSERVATION |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col022:39855&r=env |
| By: | Jaimie Kim B. Arias (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines) |
| Abstract: | This study documented and analyzed the experiences of households and their individual members during two extreme weather events in the Philippines in 2013. The first weather event took the form of heavy monsoon rain (local name: Habagat) and the subsequent widespread flooding in August 2013; this event affected households in Bacoor, Cavite. The second weather event was typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda), which affected coastal households in Ajuy, Iloilo. Results showed that warnings, experience of flooding, and community adaptation activities were significant determinants of household adaptation in Bacoor. The results also showed that undergoing disaster risk reduction and management training, engaging in community adaptation, and receiving information from local government increased the likelihood of households in Ajuy undertaking preparations in advance of the weather event. The losses in Bacoor were about a third of household income. The welfare losses from typhoon Yolanda were estimated to be six times that of the household income in Ajuy; households in Ajuy with mangrove cover experienced less damages to their property by as much as PHP 7,641. Policy implications were derived from the results of the analysis. |
| Keywords: | Philippines, Climate Change, Adaptation practices/projects and Climate Change Impacts, Damage Valuation and Econometric Analysis |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016012&r=env |
| By: | Katherine Simpson (Economics Division, University of Stirling); Nick Hanley (Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews) |
| Abstract: | Offering several advantages over traditional “hold the line” flood defences, including the supply of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and habitat provision, managed realignment is increasingly being used as a flood defence option. This paper seeks to add to the growing literature on public perceptions of the benefits of managed realignment by examining local resident’s knowledge of estuarine management issues and identifying their willingness to pay (WTP) towards a new managed realignment scheme on the Tay Estuary, Scotland. Results showed that the majority of respondents were not aware of flood risk issues on the estuary or of different flood defence options. Furthermore a “miss-match” between flood risk perceptions was highlighted with respondents stating they were not at risk from flooding when in fact they lived in a flood risk zone. Household mean WTP for a specific managed realignment scheme was calculated as £43 per annum. Significant drivers of WTP included respondents perceived flood risk and worries about the state of existing flood defences. There was also significant spatial heterogeneity with those living closest to the scheme being WTP the most. Prior knowledge of flood risk issues and managed realignment was found not to significantly affect WTP. |
| Keywords: | Contingent valuation, Information, Knowledge, Ecosystem Services, Flooding, Flood Risk |
| JEL: | Q51 Q57 D83 |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sss:wpaper:2016-06&r=env |
| By: | Trostyanskiy Dmitriy Valer’evich; Kudaynazarova Dilnaz Koshkarbayevna |
| Abstract: | This paper is devoted to analysis of structural changes in industry of the Republic of Karakalpakstan under the impact of the environmental consequences of Aral sea’s evaporation. The research methodology consists of two approaches which are identification cause-effect in the structure of industry and indexation of structural shifts on sectoral level. Taking into account current year measures in industry economic and environmental development opportunities of the region in existing domestic and external conditions are assessed. Key words: structural changes, ecological impact, industry, development programs |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vor:issues:2016-03-15&r=env |
| By: | Boeva, Bistra |
| Abstract: | This paper poses some questions related to the current state of international business and the way it is governed by big multinationals. The author aims to examine critically how corporate boards of listed companies design and monitor the policy of their companies towards their suppliers - Global Supply Chains. Environmental and social issues in the buyer-supplier relations are on the agenda of policy makers at both national and international levels. Global business players devise initiatives to fight child abuse, pollution, improper usage of natural resource. Academia examines the above issues through the prism of macroand microeconomic studies, social and environmental research. This paper aims to analyze the role of good corporate governance in coping with bad working conditions in factories in developing economies and related environmental problems. The focus is on the compliance with one of the six corporate governance principles: recognizing the rights of stakeholders. Traditional research methods are employed to meet the objective of the study: literature survey and case studies. |
| Keywords: | corporate governance, stakeholders, global supply chains, corporate social responsibility, boards, nonfinancial information |
| JEL: | F23 G3 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70680&r=env |
| By: | Morales-Lage, Rafael; Bengochea-Morancho, Aurelia; Martínez-Zarzoso, Inmaculada |
| Abstract: | In this paper we use panel data models and quantile regressions to test the "weak" and "strong" versions of the Porter hypothesis, using data from 14 OECD countries over the period 1990-2011. A newly-released environmental policy stringency index (EPS) provided by the OECD is used as an indicator of the stringency of environmental regulations in order to tackle endogeneity issues of proxies used in earlier research. The findings indicate that more stringent environmental regulations positively influence R&D expenditure, the number of patent applications and total factor productivity (TFP). The results show that environmental stringency has a positive effect on R&D, mainly for the lower quantiles (0.10, 0.25) of the distribution of R&D, whereas for the number of patent applications and total factor productivity, the effect increases for the highest quantiles (0.75, 0.90) of the distribution of the targeted indicators. |
| Keywords: | environmental regulations,Porter hypothesis,OECD,innovation,quantile regression |
| JEL: | Q43 Q48 Q53 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:cegedp:282&r=env |
| By: | Jin Jianjun (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Gao Yiwei (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Wang Xiaomin (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Pham Khanh Nam (University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City) |
| Keywords: | Climate Change,Adaptation,Risk Preferences |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160323&r=env |
| By: | Jamal Othman (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Economics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia); Mazrura Sahani (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia); Mastura Mahmud (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia); Md. Khadzir Sheikh Ahmad (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) |
| Keywords: | haze, malaysia |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160313&r=env |
| By: | Liu Zhaoyang (Downing College, University of Cambridge); Andreas Kontoleon (University of Cambridge); Xu Jintao (National School of Development, Peking University) |
| Keywords: | Natural Forest Protection,China |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160329&r=env |
| By: | Nistor, Filip; Popa, Catalin C. |
| Abstract: | The important relationship between prices and economies of scale has pointed out the importance of transport leading to the introduction of transport activity in economic policy debates. Early years of 20th century reveal a new type of economic analysis of the transport market based on the principle of sustainable development. Transition of transport sector to another level of development has being pursued specific transport market developments by investigating concomitant of economic, environmental and social influences. In the presented paperwork the authors identify role of transport in developing a sustainable economy that will provide, in the near future, new services, ensuring better management and real-time traffic capabilities in order to protect the environment and offer safety. |
| Keywords: | sustainable development, shipping, economic growth |
| JEL: | O10 O18 R40 |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70586&r=env |
| By: | Simon, Jenny; Valasek, Justin Mattias |
| Abstract: | In 2014 over $60 billion was mobilized to help developing nations mitigate climate change, an amount equivalent to the GDP of Kenya. Interestingly, breaking from the traditional model of bilateral aid, donor countries distributed nearly fifty percent of their aid through multilateral aid funds (OECD, 2015). In this paper, we show that by delegating aid spending to an international fund, donor countries mitigate a "hold-up" problem that occurs when donor countries are tempted to allocate aid based on, say, a regional preference. That is, under bilateral aid, donor-country bias decreases the incentive of recipient countries to invest in measures such as good governance that increase the effectiveness of aid. By delegating allocation decisions to a fund, however, donor countries commit to allocating aid via centralized bargaining, which provides recipient countries with an increased incentive to invest. Additionally, we show that allocating funding by majority rule further increases recipient-country investment, since higher investment increases the probability that a recipient's project will be selected by the endogenous majority coalition, and detail conditions under which majority is the optimal voting rule. |
| Keywords: | Aid policy,Climate change,International organizations |
| JEL: | F35 O19 H87 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wzbeoc:spii2016303&r=env |
| By: | Fesselmeyer, Eric (National University of Singapore); Liu, Haoming (National University of Singapore); Salvo, Alberto (National University of Singapore) |
| Abstract: | We examine Singapore's fairly homogeneous private-housing market and show that new apartments on historical multi-century leases trade at a non-zero discount relative to property owned in perpetuity. Descriptive regressions indicate that new apartments with 825 to 986 years of tenure remaining are priced 4 to 6% below new apartments under perpetual ownership contracts that are otherwise comparable. We consider an empirical model in which asset value is decomposed into the utility of housing services and a second factor that shifts with asset tenure and the discount rate schedule. Exploiting the supply of new property with tenure ranging from multiple decades to multiple centuries, we estimate the discount rate schedule, restricting it to vary smoothly over time through alternative parametric forms. Across different specifications and subsamples, we estimate discount rates that decline over time and, accounting for the observed price differences, are of the order of 0.5% p.a. by year 400-500. The finding that households making sizable transactions do not entirely discount benefits accruing many centuries from today is new to the empirical literature on discounting and, with the appropriate risk adjustment, of relevance to evaluating climate-change investments. |
| Keywords: | discounting, social discount rate, declining discount rates, asset pricing, cost-benefit analysis, policy evaluation, long time horizon, climate change, real estate |
| JEL: | D61 G12 H43 Q51 Q54 R32 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9862&r=env |
| By: | Saowalak Roongtawanreongsri (Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University); Prakart Sawangchote (Prince of Songkla University); Sara Bumrungsri (Prince of Songkla University); Chaisri Suksaroj (Prince of Songkla University) |
| Keywords: | Economic Benefit,Management Options,Forest |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160341&r=env |
| By: | Zhong, Sheng (UNU-MERIT) |
| Abstract: | Using more than 68 million data points from the newly introduced World Input-Output Database (WIOD) over 1995 to 2009, this study investigates the historical dynamics of energy consumption, aggregate energy intensity, total emissions and total emission intensity at sectoral level by decomposing their relative changes in the input-output framework into five influencing factors: intensity effect, inter-industry structural effect, trade effect in intermediate inputs, structural change effect in final demand and total final demand effect. It identifies crucial empirical patterns that support UNIDO’s ISID initiative: increases in energy consumption and total emissions at sectoral level driven by economic growth can be partially or even largely offset by the efficiency technology related intensity effect and the intensity effect within sectors contributes the most to reductions in aggregate energy intensity and total emission intensity. |
| Keywords: | Structural decomposition, input-output model, energy, emissions, sustainable development |
| JEL: | C67 O13 R15 |
| Date: | 2016–03–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2016015&r=env |
| By: | Davide Luzzini (Audencia Recherche - Audencia); Emma Brandon-Jones (School of Management - University of Bath - University of Bath [Bath]); Alistair Brandon-Jones (School of Management - University of Bath - University of Bath [Bath]); Gianluca Spina (INFM-FIRENZE - Dipartimento di Fisica - Università degli studi di Ferrara) |
| Abstract: | Organisations increasingly see sustainability as an important element of their business strategies, and the role of purchasing and supply functions is critical in translating sustainability commitment into performance. Yet, the impact of sustainability commitment on purchasing processes and routines, as well as the effect of such capabilities on performance, remains empirically under-explored. From a Resource-Based perspective, we argue that commitment to sustainability leads purchasing and supply functions to develop intra-and inter-firm collaborative capabilities, and that in turn these capabilities deliver improved performance. Based on survey data from 383 procurement executives in ten European and North American countries, we use structural equation modelling to empirically test our hypotheses. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesised links between sustainability commitment and both intra-and inter-firm collaborative capabilities; and between inter-firm collaborative capabilities and environmental and social, and cost performance. Conversely, our data do not support the hypothesised links between intra-firm collaborative capabilities and both aspects of performance. In our discussion, we reflect on both confirmatory and conflicting findings in relation to theory and practice, before examining the study's limitations and opportunities for future research. |
| Keywords: | Sustainability,Purchasing and supply management,Intra-firm collaborative capabilities,Inter-firm collaborative capabilities |
| Date: | 2015–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01289178&r=env |
| By: | Jaimie Kim B. Arias (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Jefferson A. Arapoc (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Hanny John P. Mediodia (College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas) |
| Keywords: | Adaptation, climate change, Philippines |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016037&r=env |
| By: | Loan T. Le (Faculty of Economics, Nong Lam University) |
| Keywords: | Biofuel, cost effectiveness |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160315&r=env |
| By: | Tran Tuan Anh (Faculty of Architecture, College of Sciences, Hue University) |
| Abstract: | This study applied a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to quantify the economic benefits of long-term, safety-related measures put in place for housing. The results of the CBA show that the possible returns on investment in storm-resilient housing would be positive and high, which implies that investing in storm-resilient houses can be economically viable. The results also show that the returns would highly depend on the year when a storm event would take place. If an event would happen early in the housing lifetime, positive returns would be gained from the investment. From a private perspective, positive returns would encourage households to invest in housing resilience. Autonomous adaptation has been occurring and has generally been driven by individual households that are likely to result in substantial investments to increase the resilience of houses. The CBA results also show that storm-resilient housing would have high benefit-cost ratios. In order to encourage individual investment in storm-resilient housing, the government should consider offering assistance to households that agree to undertake appropriate climate-resilient housing. This may take the form of technical assistance, direct subsidies, or low-interest loans. |
| Keywords: | Vietnam, Climate Change, Adaptation Practices/Projects, Climate Change Impacts, Economic Analysis |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016031&r=env |
| By: | Simon James Greenwood; Andrea Kutinova Menclova (University of Canterbury) |
| Abstract: | This study is the first to our knowledge to document the extent and correlates of occupational regulation in New Zealand. Using data from the Census and the Survey of Working Life, we estimate that 29% of workers’ primary jobs are affected by occupational regulation. This is lower than the 35% reported for the US but close to UK estimates of 28%. Furthermore, we find that holding observable factors constant, occupational regulation is associated with a wage premium of 5%. This is lower than the 18% licensing premium found for the US but within the range of estimates for the UK. |
| Keywords: | Occupational regulation, licensing, wages, New Zealand |
| JEL: | J44 |
| Date: | 2016–04–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cbt:econwp:16/06&r=env |
| By: | Ma. Salome B. Bulayog (Department of Economics, College of Management and Economics, Visayas State University); Humberto R. Montes, Jr (Visayas State University); Suzette B. Lina (Visayas State University); Teofanes A. Patindol (Visayas State University); Adelfa C. Diola (Visayas State University); Eliza D. Espinosa (Visayas State University); Analyn M. Mazo (Visayas State University); Julissah C. Evangelio (Visayas State University); Art Russel R. Flandez (Visayas State University); Marianne A. Gesultura (Visayas State University); Ris Menoel R. Modina (Visayas State University) |
| Keywords: | Natural Assets,Aquatic Ecosystems |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160321&r=env |
| By: | Phung Thanh Binh (Schoolf of Economics, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City); Xueqin Zhu (Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Group, Wageningen University); Rolf Groeneveld (Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Group, Wageningen University); Ekko van Ierland (Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Group, Wageningen University) |
| Keywords: | Flood mitigation, Vietnam |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160311&r=env |
| By: | - |
| Abstract: | Este documento se enfoca en la identificación de los retos económicos, sociales y ambientales del desarrollo rural y agroalimentario en Centroamérica y la República Dominicana, y la importancia de los sistemas de información para la formulación, monitoreo y evaluación de políticas públicas. Asimismo, se muestra la interconexión de dichos retos con los ODS y con las demás metas e indicadores sobre la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional y el desarrollo rural. En última instancia, se plantea la necesidad de fortalecer y perfeccionar la base de datos SIAGRO-GIPP —mediante recursos de asistencia y cooperación técnica domésticos e internacionales— para facilitar la interacción de la información con la generación de conocimiento, análisis y recomendaciones de políticas públicas para un desarrollo sostenible e incluyente de las sociedades centroamericanas, en particular, de sus zonas rurales. |
| Keywords: | AGENDA 2030 PARA EL DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE, AGRICULTURA, DESARROLLO AGRICOLA, DESARROLLO RURAL, AGROINDUSTRIA, 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGROINDUSTRY |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col094:39900&r=env |
| By: | Shahbaz, Muhammad; Ahmed, Khalid; Rasool, Ghulam; Kumar, Mantu |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the relationship between biomass energy consumption and economic growth by incorporating capital and trade openness in production function for the case of BRICS countries. In doing so, unit root and cointegration tests have been used in order to examine unit root properties and long run relationship between the series for the period of 1991Q1-2015Q4. The results confirm the presence of long-run equilibrium relationship between the variables. Moreover, biomass energy consumption stimulates economic growth. Capital increments economic growth and trade openness spurs economic growth. The feedback effect exists between biomass energy consumption and economic growth. Trade openness Granger causes economic growth, capital and biomass energy consumption. The policy to adopt biomass as the primary source of renewable energy helps BRICS countries to achieve sustainable development goal in both short-run and long-run. However, the key innovative point of this study is to establish the sign for Granger causality test. |
| Keywords: | Biomass energy, Growth, Capital, Trade |
| JEL: | C0 |
| Date: | 2016–03–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70024&r=env |
| By: | Bing Zhang (Department of Environmental Planning and Management, School of Environment, Nanjing University); Yongliang Zhang |
| Keywords: | Emissions,Agent-based Analysis,Trading Markets |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160339&r=env |
| By: | Chhinh Nyda (Master of Development Studies Program, Royal University of Phnom Penh); Cheb Hoeurn (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Chea Bora (Royal University of Phnom Penh); Heng Naret (Sociology Department, Royal University of Phnom Penh) |
| Keywords: | cost benefit analysis, agriculture, cambodia |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160317&r=env |
| By: | Bui Dung The (College of Economics, Hue University); Bui Duc Tinh (College of Economics, Hue University) |
| Keywords: | Cost-Benefit Analysis,Flood Adaptations,Vietnam |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr20160335&r=env |
| By: | Thiemo Fetzer (Department of Economics, University of Warwick); Samuel Marden (Department of Economics, University of Sussex) |
| Abstract: | Weak property rights are strongly associated with underdevelopment, low state capacity and civil conflict. In economic models of conflict, outbreaks of violence require two things: the prize must be both valuable and contestable. This paper exploits spatial and temporal variation in contestability of land title to explore the relation between (in)secure property rights and conflict in the Brazilian Amazon. Our estimates suggest that, at the local level, assignment of secure property rights eliminates substantively all land related conflict, even without changes in enforcement. Changes in land use are also consistent with reductions in land related conflict. |
| Keywords: | property rights, land titling, conflict, deforestation |
| JEL: | O12 Q15 D74 Q23 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sus:susewp:9216&r=env |
| By: | Bello, Omar; Ortiz Malavassi, Laura M.; Samaniego, Joseluis |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this work is to review ECLAC’s experience in assessing the economic and social impact of disasters. Toward that end, the database established according to assessment reports is described and the patterns of sectoral damage and losses from different types of events are defined. |
| Keywords: | DESASTRES NATURALES, ASPECTOS ECONOMICOS, COSTOS, CEPAL, MEDICION, NATURAL DISASTERS, ECONOMIC ASPECTS, COSTS, ECLAC, MEASUREMENT |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col039:39883&r=env |