|
on Environmental Economics |
|
Issue of 2016‒11‒20
fifty-one papers chosen by Francisco S. Ramos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco |
| By: | Olila, Dennis Opiyo; Wasonga, Oliver V. |
| Abstract: | Climate change and climate variability is perhaps one of the major challenges facing the world today. There is an equivocal agreement that climate change is not only a threat to the economies of developing world, but also to those of the developed economies. One of the key drivers of global warming is the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Even though several studies have in the recent past evaluated various sources of GHG emissions and their associated impacts, little empirical information exists on the role played by burning savanna grasslands as far as global warming is concerned. This study is an attempt to determine the emission pattern over time and consequently forecast the linear trend in GHG emissions from the Kenya’ Savanna. Using Autoregressive (AR) modelling, the study analyzes and forecasts time series data ranging from the year 1993 to 2012. The key finding of the study indicate that emissions resulting from continual burning of Savanna grasslands will continue in an upward trend if no serious mitigation measure is put in place to revert the statusquo. Averting the current state of affairs requires policies aimed at reducing the levels of GHGs in the atmosphere for instance promotion of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) Practices. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Savanna grassland, Autoregressive model, Time series data, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246394&r=env |
| By: | Felix Pretis; Max Roser |
| Abstract: | The large span of long-run projected temperature changes in climate projections does not predominately originate from uncertainty across climate models; instead it is the wide range of different global socio-economic scenarios and the implied energy production that results in high uncertainty about climate change. It is therefore important to assess the observational tracking of these scenarios. For the first time observations over two decades are available against which the initial sets of socio-economic scenarios used in IPCC reports can be assessed. Here we compare these socio-economic scenarios created in both 1992 and 2000 against the recent observational record to investigate the coupling of economic growth and fossil-fuel CO2 emissions. We find that the growth rate in fossil fuel CO2 emission intensity – fossil fuel CO2 emissions per GDP – over the 2000s exceeds the projections of all main emission scenarios. Proposing a method to disaggregate differences in global growth rates to country-by-country contributions, we find that the relative discrepancy is driven by high growth rates in Asia and Eastern Europe, in particular in Russia and China. The growth of emission intensity over the 2000s highlights the relevance of unforeseen local shifts in projections on a global scale. |
| Keywords: | Climate, Energy, Scenarios, Emission Intensity |
| JEL: | Q40 Q47 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–11–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:wpaper:810&r=env |
| By: | Guiomar Martín-Herrán (Department of Applied Economics and IMUVa, University of Valladolid); Santiago J. Rubio (Department of Economic Analysis and ERI-CES, University of Valencia) |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates the effects of the lack of regulatory commitment on emission tax applied by the regulator, abatement effort made by the monopoly and social welfare comparing two alternative policy games. The first game assumes that the regulator commits to an ex-ante level of the emission tax. In the second one, in a first stage the regulator and the monopolist simultaneously choose the emission tax and abatement respectively, and in a second stage the monopolist selects the output level. We find that the lack of commitment leads to lower taxation and abatement that yield larger emissions and, consequently, a larger steady-state pollution stock. Moreover, the increase of environmental damages because of the increase in the pollution stock more than compensates the increase in consumer surplus and the decrease in abatement costs resulting in a reduction of social welfare. Thus, our analysis indicates that the lack of commitment has a negative impact of welfare although this detrimental effect decreases with abatement costs. |
| Keywords: | Monopoly, Commitment, Emission Tax, Abatement, Stock Pollutant |
| JEL: | H23 L12 L51 Q52 Q55 |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.58&r=env |
| By: | Aprile, Maria Carmela; Fiorillo, Damiano |
| Abstract: | Water conservation represents important pro-environmental behavior for a sustainable environment. This paper investigates the link between water conservation behavior and general environmental concerns using a large dataset from the Multipurpose Household Survey conducted annually by the Italian Central Statistics Office. Univariate probit models show that pollution and resource exhaustion are positively related to individual water conservation behavior while alteration of environmental heritage exhibits a negative relationship with water saving behavior. These findings are robust to the inclusion of environment knowledge and social capital variables. Robustness analysis also indicates that television and radio, participation in environmental initiatives, money for environmental protection and churchgoing are significant determinants of water conservation behavior. |
| Keywords: | Water conservation, environmental concerns, socio-economic characteristics, environmental knowledge, social capital, Italy. |
| JEL: | C2 C25 Q25 Q5 Z0 |
| Date: | 2016–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:75065&r=env |
| By: | Halkos, George; Tsilika, Kyriaki |
| Abstract: | In this study we provide a computerized graph structure for synthesizing and displaying the data on a region’s ecosystem-economic system. By applying Mathematica-based graph modelling we create a causal network of the synergistic impact mechanism among certain climate related factors. Our computational approach identifies a climate factor that affects most immediately or most strongly the others. Important factors are indicated through the use of graph theoretical tools. Our graph-based approach and its computational aspects allow for factor ranking(s) according to their importance to the network both numerically and visually, for certain settlement types. Our contribution provides quantitative estimates of impacts and adaptation potentials of five potential effects of climate change (migration, flooding- landslides- fire, air and water pollution, human health and energy-water-other resources) which play a substantial role at the synergistic impact mechanism. Results allow having a picture of the structure of synergistic impact mechanism in a glimpse. Specifically, visual output is created to detect i) the causal relationships of the synergetic mechanism under study ii) the most influential factor(s) in the synergistic mechanism and iii) classify the factor’s roles (based on the degree of their impact) within the coping mechanism. |
| Keywords: | Graph theory; vertex centrality; Mathematica; climate related factors; environmental economics computation. |
| JEL: | C63 C88 P28 Q51 Q54 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:75037&r=env |
| By: | Anna Alberini (AREC, University of Maryland and FEEM); Andrea Bigano (FEEM and CMCC); Milan Šcasný (Charles University, Environment Center); Iva Zverinová (Charles University, Environment Center) |
| Abstract: | Concerns about climate change are growing, and so is the demand for information about the costs and benefits of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper seeks to estimate the benefits of climate change mitigation, as measured by the public’s willingness to pay for such policies. We investigate the preferences of Italian and Czech households towards climate change mitigation policy options directly related to residential energy use. We use discrete choice experiments, which are administered in a standardized fashion to representative samples in the two countries through computer-assisted web interviews. The willingness to pay per ton of CO2 emissions avoided is €132 Euro for the Italians and 94 Euro for the Czech respondents (at 2014 purchasing power parity). We find evidence of considerable heterogeneity in WTP driven by income. The two samples differ in their “domestic” income elasticities of WTP, but comparison across the two countries suggests an income elasticity of WTP of one. |
| Keywords: | Energy-efficiency Incentives, Stated Preferences, CO2 Emissions Reductions, CO2 Mitigation Policies, Conjoint Choice Experiments, WTP for CO2 Emissions Reductions |
| JEL: | Q41 Q48 Q54 Q51 |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.64&r=env |
| By: | Alberini, Anna; Bigano, Andrea; Ščasný, Milan; Zvěřinová, Iva |
| Abstract: | Concerns about climate change are growing, and so is the demand for information about the costs and benefits of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper seeks to estimate the benefits of climate change mitigation, as measured by the public’s willingness to pay for such policies. We investigate the preferences of Italian and Czech households towards climate change mitigation policy options directly related to residential energy use. We use discrete choice experiments, which are administered in a standardized fashion to representative samples in the two countries through computer-assisted web interviews. The willingness to pay per ton of CO2 emissions avoided is €132 Euro for the Italians and 94 Euro for the Czech respondents (at 2014 purchasing power parity). We find evidence of considerable heterogeneity in WTP driven by income. The two samples differ in their “domestic” income elasticities of WTP, but comparison across the two countries suggests an income elasticity of WTP of one. |
| Keywords: | Energy-efficiency Incentives, Stated Preferences, CO2 Emissions Reductions, CO2 Mitigation Policies, Conjoint Choice Experiments, WTP for CO2 Emissions Reductions, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q41, Q48, Q54, Q51, |
| Date: | 2016–11–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:249352&r=env |
| By: | Zengkai Zhang (College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University); ZhongXiang Zhang (College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University) |
| Abstract: | Climate regulations tend to target energy intensive sectors whose products are widely used in industrial production as intermediate inputs, such as electricity, and the carbon abatement may be partially offset by intermediate input-led leakage. This paper aims to examine the impact of intermediate input linkage on the carbon leakage both theoretically and empirically. On the theoretical part, we develop a Harberger-type model with an input-output linkage structure, identify four leakage effects and derive closed-form solutions for these leakage effects. On the empirical part, we build a computable general equilibrium model of China for empirical simulation and introduce Structural Decomposition Analysis to link both the theoretical and empirical models. By imposing a carbon price on the electricity generation sector, our results show significant carbon leakage. Our decomposition analysis further suggests that such a leakage is mainly through the production substitution effect, followed by the multiplier effect. Both of the two effects are closely related to the intermediate input linkage, and thus shed some light on importance of considering sectoral linkage when discussing the carbon leakage issue of climate policies. |
| Keywords: | Carbon Leakage, Sectoral Linkage, Climate Regulation, General Equilibrium Model, Production Substitution Effect, Multiplier Effect |
| JEL: | Q55 Q58 Q43 Q48 O13 O31 O33 O44 F18 |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.62&r=env |
| By: | Luca Di Corato (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences); Michele Moretto (University of Padova, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and Centro Studi Levi-Cases); Sergio Vergalli (University of Brescia and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei) |
| Abstract: | In this article we study the long-run average rate of forest conversion in Brazil. Deforestation results from the following trade-off: on the one hand, the uncertain value of benefits associated with forest conservation (biodiversity, carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services), on the other hand, the economic profits associated with land development (agriculture, ranching, etc.). We adopt the model by Bulte et al. (2002) as theoretical frame for studying land conversion and then derive, following Di Corato et al. (2013), the associated long-run average rate of forest conversion. We then identify the parameters to be used in our model. The object of our simulation is Brazil and 27 states. Our aim is to compute under several scenarios the time required to develop the remaining forested land in these states. We provide potential future scenarios, in terms of forest coverage, for the next 20, 100 and 200 years. Our results suggest that the uncertainty characterizing forest benefits plays a relevant role in deterring deforestation. We find that these benefits, if growing at a sufficiently high rate, may significantly slow down the conversion process. In contrast, a higher volatility accelerates the process of deforestation. We indicate the Brazilian states where forests are expected to be saturated earlier. In this respect, we find that forestland currently available may be expected to be fully converted within a 200-year horizon. |
| Keywords: | Deforestation, Long-run, Natural Resources Management, Optimal Stopping |
| JEL: | C61 D81 Q24 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.56&r=env |
| By: | Oleksandr Sushchenko (Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman, 03680, Kyiv, Ukraine); Reimund Schwarze (Europa University Viadrina and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)) |
| Abstract: | The aim of this paper is to conduct an evaluation of the financial instruments and their role in mobilizing climate finance, provide a set of recommendations aimed at easing the process of climate finance mobilization for both developed and developing countries (especially, for Ukraine). It is also important to show the shift from voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the new principles of investing (ESG) and business models in the climate change area and how it affects mobilization of climate finance. Another important goal of this paper is to show the importance of transaction costs, and ways how the accounting, reporting and evaluation of the results of emission reduction projects could reduce existing costs and improve access to the financial market, i.e. to the relatively “cheap” financial resources. We also highlights ways for establishing the necessary infrastructure on the financial market needed to minimize the transaction costs while getting financial resources for the purpose of greenhouse gases reduction (GHG reduction). |
| Keywords: | climate finance, carbon taxation, market financial instruments, climate- aligned bonds, non-financial reporting |
| JEL: | G15 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:euv:dpaper:23&r=env |
| By: | Bjart Holtsmark (Statistics Norway) |
| Abstract: | Extensive tree planting on new areas has been suggested as a climate policy measure in Norway. This paper presents some preliminary calculations related to carbon dynamics of such a measure when the tree planting takes place on areas with relative young birch forests. The main finding, which is robust to several sensitivity analyses, is that after the tree planting project has been initiated, there will be a period of approximately 25 - 30 years with increased accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. The reason is that clear cutting of existing vegetation and treeplanting initially will give a significant pulse emission. However, after that initial period with increased accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere, the project will lead to reduced accumulaiton of CO2, due to the growth of the new trees and the corresponding carbon capture. This is also a robust result. |
| Keywords: | Tree planting; Birch; Spruce; climate; carbon |
| JEL: | Q23 Q42 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ssb:dispap:848&r=env |
| By: | Spencer-Cotton, Alaya; Burton, Michael; Kragt, Marit Ellen |
| Abstract: | The Kimberley region in northern Western Australia is well known for its impressive coastal landscapes, unique marine ecosystems, its Aboriginal heritage and culture, and its rich minerals and metals deposits. To inform future management of Kimberley coastal waters, a discrete choice experiment was undertaken to estimate the values that Western Australians attach to different management outcomes in the Kimberley. These management outcomes (marine reserves, aboriginal values, recreational facilities and development) were made spatially explicit to show respondent in what regions of the Kimberley outcomes would occur. A split sample design was used to estimate values for the Kimberley region as a whole, and for two separate smaller sub-regions. This choice experiment design allows us to test for scope sensitivity, which has not been explored much in the choice experiment literature. This study is one of the few discrete choice experiments that explores scope effects for environmental non-market valuation. Willingness to pay results show similar estimates between the two smaller sub-regions. Willingness to pay for the attributes increased when management occurs at the larger geographical scope. However, it was less sensitive to changes in attribute scale. We contribute to the literature on exploring scope effects for environmental non-market valuation using discrete choice experiments in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. |
| Keywords: | discrete choice experiments, willingness to pay, environmental management, non-market valuation, scope tests, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q26, Q51, Q57, |
| Date: | 2016–10–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uwauwp:249272&r=env |
| By: | Zhang, Zengkai; Zhang, ZhongXiang |
| Abstract: | Climate regulations tend to target energy intensive sectors whose products are widely used in industrial production as intermediate inputs, such as electricity, and the carbon abatement may be partially offset by intermediate input-led leakage. This paper aims to examine the impact of intermediate input linkage on the carbon leakage both theoretically and empirically. On the theoretical part, we develop a Harberger-type model with an input-output linkage structure, identify four leakage effects and derive closed-form solutions for these leakage effects. On the empirical part, we build a computable general equilibrium model of China for empirical simulation and introduce Structural Decomposition Analysis to link both the theoretical and empirical models. By imposing a carbon price on the electricity generation sector, our results show significant carbon leakage. Our decomposition analysis further suggests that such a leakage is mainly through the production substitution effect, followed by the multiplier effect. Both of the two effects are closely related to the intermediate input linkage, and thus shed some light on importance of considering sectoral linkage when discussing the carbon leakage issue of climate policies. |
| Keywords: | Carbon Leakage, Sectoral Linkage, Climate Regulation, General Equilibrium Model, Production Substitution Effect, Multiplier Effect, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q55, Q58, Q43, Q48, O13, O31, O33, O44, F18, |
| Date: | 2016–11–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:249350&r=env |
| By: | Matthew Doyle (Colorado School of Mines); Corrado Di Maria (University of East Anglia); Ian Lange (Colorado School of Mines); Emiliya Lazarova (University of East Anglia) |
| Abstract: | Researchers have utilized the fact that many states have term limits (as opposed to being eligible for re-election) for governors to determine how changes in electoral incentives alter state regulatory agency behavior. This paper asks whether these impacts spill over into private sector decision-making. Using data from gubernatorial elections in the U.S., we find strong evidence that power plants spend less in water pollution abatement if the governor of the state where the plant is located is a term-limited democrat. We show that this evidence is consistent with compliance cost minimization by power plants reacting to changes in the regulatory enforce- ment. Finally, we show that the decrease in spending has environmental impacts as it leads to increased pollution. |
| Keywords: | political economy, electoral incentives, term limits, environmental policy, pollution abatement, compliance costs, power plants, water pollution, regression discontinuity |
| JEL: | H32 H76 Q25 Q53 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016–09–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uea:ueaeco:2016_11&r=env |
| By: | Bachev, Hrabrin |
| Abstract: | Evaluation of sustainability of agricultural farms is among the most topical academic and practical (farm, agri-business, policies forwarded) issues. Despite that there are practically no studies on overall, economic, social, ecological, etc. sustainability of farms in general and holdings of different type in Bulgaria during EU CAP implementation. This paper presents a holistic framework for defining and assessing sustainability of farms for the specific conditions of Bulgarian agriculture as well as results of the first large-scale study on integral, governance, economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Bulgarian farms. Initially, a framework for assessing farm sustainability is outlined which is based on incorporation of the interdisciplinary methodologies of New Institutional Economics, and Sustainable Development. That holistic framework includes a system of appropriate principles, criteria, indicators, and reference values for evaluating the individual aspects and the integral sustainability of farms in the specific Bulgarian conditions. After that an assessment is made on the overall, governance, economic, social, and environmental sustainability levels of Bulgarian farms in general and holdings of different juridical type, size, specialisation, and location. |
| Keywords: | sustainability of farms, definition, assessment, Bulgarian farms |
| JEL: | Q1 Q12 Q18 Q5 Q56 Q57 |
| Date: | 2016–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:75033&r=env |
| By: | Lee Endress (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa; UHERO); James Roumasset (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa; UHERO); Christopher Wada (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa; UHERO) |
| Abstract: | We consider the prospects for sustainable growth using expected utility models of optimal investment under threat from a natural disaster. Extension of a discrete, two-period model, to continuous time over an infinite time horizon permits the analysis of sustainability under uncertainty regarding adverse events, including both one-time and recurrent disasters. Natural disasters, with destruction of productive capital, disrupt the optimal consumption and utility paths, but the Arrow et al. (2004) sustainability criterion is still satisfied even without adding strong or weak sustainability constraints. We also consider a separate natural resource sector and show that, except for extreme cases, the optimal steady state level of the renewable resource is not affected by the possibility of natural disasters. In the case of catastrophic events, however, damage to the resource system may be severe enough to push the system below a critical value tipping point, undermining the prospects of long-run sustainability. |
| Keywords: | sustainable growth, natural disaster, expected utility, golden rule, Hotelling, Ramsey |
| JEL: | O4 Q2 |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hae:wpaper:2016-12&r=env |
| By: | Jaroslav Mysiak; Swenja Surminski; Annegret Thieken; Reinhard Mechler; Jeroen C. J. H. Aerts |
| Abstract: | In March 2015, a new international blueprint for disaster risk reduction (DRR) was adopted in Sendai, Japan, at the end of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR, 14–18 March 2015). We review and discuss the agreed commitments and targets, as well as the negotiation leading the Sendai Framework for DRR (SFDRR) and discuss briefly its implication for the later UN-led negotiations on sustainable development goals and climate change. |
| JEL: | G32 |
| Date: | 2016–09–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:68267&r=env |
| By: | Ng’ang’a, Stanley Karanja; Bulte, Erwin; Giller, Ken E.; McIntire, John M.; Rufino, Mariana C. |
| Abstract: | Climate change will affect the livelihoods of pastoralists in arid and semi-arid lands. We use new data from Samburu District, northern Kenya, to explore whether migration of household members affects adoption of adaptive measures. Specifically, we seek to test whether migra-tion and adaptation are complementary mechanisms to protect the household against adverse shocks, or whether they are substitutes. Do remittances relax capital market constraints and facilitate the uptake of adaptive measures, or do they render adaptation superfluous? Our data suggests migration –via remittances – facilitates the adoption of self-protective measures in the areas of origin of the migrants. Supporting our interpretation that credit constraints constitute the main mechanism linking migration to adoption, we document that the effects of migration on self-protection are only significant in locations where villagers lack access to credit. |
| Keywords: | Adaptation to climate change, pastoralism, capital market imperfections, insurance, remittances, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246271&r=env |
| By: | Palazzo, Amanda; Vervoort, Joost M.; Mason- D'Croz, Daniel; Rutting, Lucas; Havlik, Petr; Islam, Shahnila; Bayala, Jules; Kadi, Hame Kadi; Thornton, Philip; Zougmore, Robert |
| Abstract: | The IPCC community’s Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) are a set of alternative global development futures focused on drivers of challenges to mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. However, the impacts and drivers of plausible future development at any national or regional level have yet to be examined for consistency within the global narrative. In this paper, we present four globally-consistent regional scenarios on Western Africa’s development that have been used to test and develop a range of national and regional policies. The regional scenarios were outlined independently by regional stakeholders but built around the context of the SSPs. The scenarios were quantified using two agricultural models, GLOBIOM and IMPACT, in interaction with drivers outlined by the SSPs and guided by semi-quantitative information from the stakeholders. Our paper 1) demonstrates how linkages of global SSPs and regional multi-stakeholder scenarios can be achieved through a process of critical comparison, starting from regional priorities, to produce consistent scenarios for future regional development; 2) provides insights for Western Africa on the future of development, agriculture, food security and climate impacts in both qualitative and quantitative scenarios; 3) reports on a set of scalable scenarios for regional decision makers and the scientific community to use to build and test robust agriculture and climate policies. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246970&r=env |
| By: | Njuki, Eric; Bravo-Ureta, Boris E. |
| Abstract: | Water and agriculture are inextricably linked. Within Africa, several water-related challenges exist that present numerous obstacles and have the potential to impede Africa’s continued economic growth. These include: the threat of climate change, as characterized by extreme weather events such as floods, and frequent and intense droughts; a multiplicity of trans-boundary water resources without a coherent arrangement on riparian rights; lack of sufficient water infrastructure for supply and delivery of the water resource; and lack of official data on water use that can be used to formulate good public policy. All these factors have served to increase water scarcity and to raise the competition for scarce water resources between the agricultural sector and other sectors of the economy, such as industry and urban households. A prerequisite to mitigating these challenges is the establishment of an integrated water management system that promotes water productivity and efficiency. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to highlight methods and techniques for evaluating agricultural water productivity and water use efficiency that are replicable, globally. For this purpose we construct a total factor productivity index using the General index proposed in O’Donnell (2016), thereafter we demonstrate how to decompose the partial productivity of water using U.S. agricultural data for the period 1960-2004. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246948&r=env |
| By: | Cattaneo, Cristina; Bosetti, Valentina Bosetti |
| Abstract: | Population movements will help people facing the impact of climate change. However, the resulting large scale displacements may also produce security risks for receiving areas. The objective of this paper is to empirically estimate if the inflows of climate-induced migrants increase the risk of conflicts in receiving areas. Using data from 1960 to 2000, we show that climate-induced migrants are not an additional determinant of civil conflicts and civil wars in receiving areas. |
| Keywords: | Conflict, Global Warming, Emigration, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q54, F22, Q34, H56, |
| Date: | 2016–11–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemmi:249351&r=env |
| By: | Fadoua CHIBA |
| Abstract: | The paper analyses the development of the intermittent technologies to produce electricity, facing the competition of the incumbent sector, using conventional technologies. In our analysis of the interaction between these two sectors, we consider the environmental damage caused by the electricity production from fossil fuel. This allowed us to represent the social cost of electricity production. We show that it is socially favorable to keep some conventional capacities in reserve. We then investigate the efficiency of environmental taxes in the internalization of the environmental damage. The paper shows that there is not a rate tax capable of implementing the first-best equilibrium. Effectively, this requires a variable tax rate, which seems unrealistic in practice. We also determine the constrained second-best equilibrium and the tax rate that decentralizes it. Interestingly, we find that the interaction between a retail price and tax, both constant and the intermittency of renewable energy, yield to two phenomena that, on average, promote the investment in intermittent capacities. |
| Keywords: | Electricity, Intermittency, Tax, Renewable Energy, Pollution. |
| JEL: | D24 D61 Q41 Q42 Q48 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2016-26&r=env |
| By: | Bello, Muhammad; Abdulai, Awudu |
| Abstract: | Given the growing interest in the potential of organic agriculture to correct environmental externalities in sub-Saharan Africa, we use data from a hypothetical stated preference survey conducted in Nigeria to determine the market potentials of organic products as well as show how the relative importance that consumers attach to organic attributes varies strongly as a function of underlying attitudes. We specify a latent class structure that allows us to jointly analyze responses to stated choice and assignment to latent classes, while avoiding measurement error problems. Our results reveal that consumers are willing to pay premium for both environmental and health gains achieved through organic production systems, although their quantitative valuation is higher for the health concerns. Furthermore, we note that individuals with stronger preferences for organic products tend to attach a global value to the third party organic certification program attributes, whereas the valuation tends to be more restrictive among respondents that prioritize the status quo option (conventional alternative). We also observe that differences in respondents’ geographic location and level of awareness of organic food production characteristics (prior to the survey) have significant impact on consumers’ choices. |
| Keywords: | organic products, consumer segments, environmental and health attitudes, hybrid latent class, Consumer/Household Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, D12, Q13, Q18, Q56, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246965&r=env |
| By: | Ewa Zawojska (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw); Zbigniew Szkop (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw); Mikołaj Czajkowski (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw); Tomasz Żylicz (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw) |
| Abstract: | The Wilanów royal residence – the palace, buildings, monuments and gardens located in the park – is a unique combination of magnificent architecture, historic tradition and nature. They provide multiple benefits to both tourists and inhabitants of Warsaw. In this study we aim at estimating the economic value of nature-related benefits of the Wilanów residence, namely the value of ecosystem services provided by the Park. We use a benefit transfer method and find the value of ecosystem services of the Wilanów Park at 500 thousand euro per year. This seems a significant amount, nevertheless it is much lower than the value of “services” provided by the non-biological assets of the residence. |
| Keywords: | economic valuation; ecosystem services; benefit transfer method; Wilanów Park |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:war:wpaper:2016-31&r=env |
| By: | John Bryant (Vocat International) |
| Abstract: | Chapter from a book entitled Entropy Man, which deals with the relationships between the disciplines of thermodynamics and economics. Chapter 1 illusrates how entropy impacts on the world in which we live. Chapter 2 is a short history of human development. Chapter 3 covers such concepts as the distribution of income, elasticity, the first and second laws of thermodynamics and utility. Chapter 4 explores production and consumption. Chapter 5 explores the relationship between economic entropy and money, illustrated by data of the UK and USA economies. Chapter 7 explores the relationship between economic entropy and employment. Chapter 8 sets out the key dynamics of resources.Chapter 9 illustrates trends in non-renewable resources of oil, gas, coal, nuclear power, steel, cement and Aluminium. Chapter 10 illustrates trends in renewable resources, including humankind, water, land and soil, cereals and grain, meat, fish, the greeen revolution, and renewable energy, including hydro-electric power, wind and solar energy. Chapter 11 is a summary of trends relating to climate change and economic output, and chapter 12 summarises how economics and entropy relate to a sustainable world. |
| Keywords: | Thermodynamics, economics, Le Chatelier, entropy, utility, money, equilibrium, value, energy, interest, elasticity, employment, climate change |
| JEL: | A1 C02 C68 D5 E O |
| Date: | 2015–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:voc:wpaper:em201506&r=env |
| By: | John Bryant (Vocat International) |
| Abstract: | Chapter from a book entitled Entropy Man, which deals with the relationships between the disciplines of thermodynamics and economics. Chapter 1 illustrates how entropy impacts on the world in which we live. Chapter 2 is a short history of human development. Chapter 3 covers such concepts as the distribution of income, elasticity, the first and second laws of thermodynamics and utility. Chapter 4 explores production and consumption. Chapter 5 explores the relationship between economic entropy and money, illustrated by data of the UK and USA economies. Chapter 7 explores the relationship between economic entropy and employment. Chapter 8 sets out the key dynamics of resources. Chapter 9 illustrates trends in non-renewable resources of oil, gas, coal, nuclear power, steel, cement and Aluminium. Chapter 10 illustrates trends in renewable resources, including humankind, water, land and soil, cereals and grain, meat, fish, the greeen revolution, and renewable energy, including hydro-electric power, wind and solar energy. Chapter 11 is a summary of trends relating to climate change and economic output, and chapter 12 summarises how economics and entropy relate to a sustainable world. |
| Keywords: | Thermodynamics, economics, Le Chatelier, entropy, utility, money, equilibrium, value, energy, interest, elasticity, employment, climate change |
| JEL: | A1 C02 C68 D5 E O |
| Date: | 2015–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:voc:wpaper:em201501&r=env |
| By: | Cristina Cattaneo (FEEM and CMCC); Valentina Bosetti (Bocconi University, FEEM and CMCC) |
| Abstract: | Population movements will help people facing the impact of climate change. However, the resulting large scale displacements may also produce security risks for receiving areas. The objective of this paper is to empirically estimate if the inflows of climate-induced migrants increase the risk of conflicts in receiving areas. Using data from 1960 to 2000, we show that climate-induced migrants are not an additional determinant of civil conflicts and civil wars in receiving areas. |
| Keywords: | Conflict, Global Warming, Emigration |
| JEL: | Q54 F22 Q34 H56 |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fem:femwpa:2016.63&r=env |
| By: | Adom, Philip Kofi |
| Abstract: | Electricity supply and sustainable economic development are two complementary forces. However, in Ghana, the capacity limitations in the electricity sector has restraint production levels threatening the sustainable development of the country. The aim of this study is to investigate the key drivers of electricity supply in Ghana. Specifically, we determine the red line in system losses and whether we have crossed over the red line. Further, the effects of pricing, climate change, investment, and economic growth are examined. We identified the major constraints to electricity supply as inefficient pricing, rising fuel cost, higher system losses, and climate change. Adopting the marginal cost pricing rule and reducing distribution losses below 5% will help improve electricity supply security significantly in the country. Further, achieving a sustained economic growth will help boost supply security as well as investing in renewable energies. |
| Keywords: | Electricity supply; system losses; climate change; electricity price; fuel cost; Ghana |
| JEL: | Q4 Q41 Q48 |
| Date: | 2016–10–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:74559&r=env |
| By: | Ralph De Haas (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Tilburg University, The Netherlands); Steven Poelhekke (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and De Nederlandsche Bank, The Netherlands) |
| Abstract: | We estimate the impact of local mining activity on the business constraints experienced by 22,150 firms across eight resource-rich countries. We find that with the presence of active mines, the business environment in the immediate vicinity ( |
| Keywords: | Mining; natural resources; business environment |
| JEL: | L16 L25 L72 O12 O13 Q30 |
| Date: | 2016–11–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20160097&r=env |
| By: | Amwata, D.A.; Nyariki, D.M.; Musimba, N.R.K |
| Abstract: | Food security in the arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) of Kenya is linked to climate and socio-economic factors. This study was conducted in two ASAL counties of Kenya, Kajiado and Makueni, inhabited by pastoral communities. Both primary and secondary data were collected on climate and socio-economic aspects from published and unpublished documents. Time series data covering a 31 year period were collected on rainfall amounts, rain days, temperature, beef and maize prices, stocking, livestock sales and land under cultivation to generate descriptive statistics and regression results based on the OLS, GLS and AR models. Livestock contributed 78.2% and 38.3% of total income in Kajiado and Makueni Counties respectively. Crops contributed more to the total income in Makueni County at 52.7% compared to Kajiado County at 6.9%. Of the three models tested, the GLS was found to be the most appropriate based on the number of significant variables and the estimated R2 value. The model showed that rainfall, temperature, rain days, and beef and maize prices influence income in Kajiado and Makueni Counties. Therefore, creation of micro-climates through agroforestry moderates temperatures, attracts rainfall, sequesters carbon and provides services such as food, timber, raw materials and employment. Moreover, initiatives that regulate beef and maize prices ensure predictable markets and income in both counties. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:249315&r=env |
| By: | Njiraini, Georgina W.; Thiam, Djiby Racine; Muchapondwa, Edwin |
| Abstract: | Water is a complex economic good. It requires optimal management to control rising scarcity and competition for use. South Africa like many other parts of the world is in the process of implementing market based water policy reforms to attain equity, efficiency, and sustainability in water use. However, these reforms have not been entirely successful and water allocation problems persist, while their economic evaluation is lacking. The current study assessed the effects of water policy on irrigation water use efficiency and quality in the Olifants basin of South Africa. The study uses Data Envelopment Analysis and regression technique approaches to ascertain the effects of water policy on water use efficiency and quality.Results from the Data Envelopment Analysis show that the average water use efficiency for irrigation water users was as low as 31 percent. Among the policy factors of interest, compulsory licensing significantly influenced water use efficiency. Water pricing, compulsory licensing and membership in WUAs on the other hand significantly influenced water use quality. These factors can act as policy indicators towards better water reform and management. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246440&r=env |
| By: | John Bryant (Vocat International) |
| Abstract: | Chapter from a book entitled Entropy Man, which deals with the relationships between the disciplines of thermodynamics and economics. Chapter 1 illusrates how entropy impacts on the world in which we live. Chapter 2 is a short history of human development. Chapter 3 covers such concepts as the distribution of income, elasticity, the first and second laws of thermodynamics and utility. Chapter 4 explores production and consumption. Chapter 5 explores the relationship between economic entropy and money, illustrated by data of the UK and USA economies. Chapter 7 explores the relationship between economic entropy and employment. Chapter 8 sets out the key dynamics of resources.Chapter 9 illustrates trends in non-renewable resources of oil, gas, coal, nuclear power, steel, cement and Aluminium. Chapter 10 illustrates trends in renewable resources, including humankind, water, land and soil, cereals and grain, meat, fish, the greeen revolution, and renewable energy, including hydro-electric power, wind and solar energy. Chapter 11 is a summary of trends relating to climate change and economic output, and chapter 12 summarises how economics and entropy relate to a sustainable world. |
| Keywords: | Thermodynamics, economics, Le Chatelier, entropy, utility, money, equilibrium, value, energy, interest, elasticity, employment, climate change |
| JEL: | A1 C02 C68 D5 E O |
| Date: | 2015–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:voc:wpaper:em201502&r=env |
| By: | Douglas Gollin; Casper Worm Hansen; Asger Wingender |
| Abstract: | We examine the impact of the Green Revolution, defined as the discusion of high-yielding crop varieties (HYVs), on aggregate economic outcomes in developing countries during the second half of the 20th century. We use time variation in the development and discusion of HYVs of 10 major crops, and the spatial variation in agro-climatically suitability for growing them, to identify the causal effects of adoption. In a sample of 84 counties, we estimate that a 10 percentage points increase in HYV adoption increases GDP per capita by about 15 percent. This effect is fully accounted for by a combination of the direct effect on crop yields, factor adjustment in agriculture, and structural transformation. Our analysis also reveals that the Green Revolution reduced fertility and that the reduction was only partly ofset by decreasing mortality rates. The net effect on population growth was therefore negative. |
| Keywords: | Green Revolution; High Yielding Variety Crops; Productivity Shock; Macroeconomic Development |
| JEL: | N50 O11 O13 O50 Q16 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:csa:wpaper:2016-30&r=env |
| By: | Asfaw, Solomon; Carraro, Alessandro |
| Abstract: | The Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) in Malawi was introduced in 2005/06 season against the background of bad weather affecting production, prolonged food shortages and high input prices in the absence of soft farm input loans for smallholder farmers. The primary purpose of the program was to increase resource-poor smallholder farmers’ access to improved agricultural farm inputs to achieve food self-sufficiency and increased income through increased maize and legume production. This paper uses a recently released panel data of nationally representative sample households combined with geo-referenced climate and administrative data to analyze FISP targeting effectiveness and the program’s impact on a broad set of welfare outcome variables including consumption, caloric intake, marketed surplus and crop productivity, within a context of climate variability. Our study finds that Malawi’s FISP targeting needs to improve if the primary target is to reach resource-poor and climate-constrained households. Moreover, results show that the program is positively associated with household welfare, food security and productivity. Heterogeneity analysis also suggests that the program benefits households residing in areas characterized by higher climate variability, with a stronger impact for a larger level of treatment. |
| Keywords: | Farm Input Subsidy Program, program evaluation, targeting, climate change, Malawi, Africa, Agricultural Finance, Environmental Economics and Policy, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, O13, O22, Q18, Q54, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246281&r=env |
| By: | Inhoffen, Justus; Siemroth, Christoph; Zahn, Philipp |
| Abstract: | Minimum prices above the market level can lead to ineffcient production and oversupply. We investigate whether this effect is even more pronounced when decision makers are influenced by their social environment. Using data of minimum prices for renewable energy production in Germany, we analyze if individual decisions to install solar panels are affected by the investment decisions of others. We implement a propensity score matching routine on municipality level and estimate that existing panels in the municipality increase the probability and number of further installations considerably, even in areas with minimal solar potential. This social effect is stronger in areas with more solar potential and less unemployment. A higher number of existing panels and more concentrated installations increase the social effect further. We discuss policy implications of these social effects. |
| Keywords: | EEG , Minimum Prices , Peer Effects , Public Policy , Renewable Energy , Social Interaction , Social Effect , Social Multiplier , Solar Power , Solar Panels , Subsidy |
| JEL: | H23 L14 Q42 Q48 Q58 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mnh:wpaper:40977&r=env |
| By: | Kobiela, Georg; Vallentin, Daniel |
| Abstract: | Im Zuge der Energiewende steht die Industrie in NRW vor der substantiellen Herausforderung großer infrastruktureller Veränderungen. Dies bezieht sich auf den Energiebedarf, die Treibhausgasemissionen und den allgemeinen Ressourcenbedarf. Hierzu ist ein Zusammenspiel der industriellen mit den öffentlichen Akteuren vonnöten. Dies umfasst neben politischer Unterstützung und dem Nutzen von Marktmechanismen ist auch Regulierung, um diese Transformation zu unterstützen und voranzubringen. Die Steuerbarkeit solcher Prozesse hängt jedoch auch stark davon ab, in welchem Umfang die entlang der oftmals komplexen Wertschöpfungsketten ablaufenden industriellen Prozesse innerhalb NRWs angesiedelt sind. Hierzu muss neben dem technischen und wirtschaftlichen Möglichkeiten einer solchen Veränderung der Grad der Geschlossenheit der entsprechenden Wertschöpfungsketten betrachtet werden. Hierzu werden hier exemplarisch drei Wertschöpfungsketten betrachtet: Eisen- und Stahlproduktion, Chemie mit dem Fokus auf polymere Faserverbundwerkstoffe, und der Anlagenbau für die erneuerbare Energiewirtschaft. Diese wurden so ausgewählt, dass sie sowohl eine große strategische, wirtschaftliche bzw. seitens des Energiebedarfs und der Treibhausgasemissionen quantitative Relevanz für die Energiewende speziell in NRW haben, als auch unterschiedliche Arten der äußeren Anbindung, der internationalen Konkurrenz und der internen Governancestruktur aufweisen. Alle drei betrachteten Wertschöpfungsketten weisen eine ungenügende Geschlossenheit auf. Dies impliziert die Notwendigkeit einer Einbindung weiterer Regionen und höherer politischer Ebenen in den Transformationsprozess. NRW kann somit als eine Schlüsselregion verstanden werden, die zum Gelingen der Energiewende entscheidende Beiträge leisten kann - jedoch ist eine enge Kooperation mit weiteren deutschen Bundesländern wie auch den umgebenden Industrieregionen des europäischen Auslands notwendig. |
| Abstract: | The industrial landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia faces substantial challenges in the context of the German energy transition (Energiewende). To facilitate a successful transition, large parts of the industrial infrastructure need to be transformed. This is both about the overall energy consumption, as well as the emission of greenhouse gases. Further on, the general consumption of natural resources needs to be considered. For such a transition, the interplay between industry and public actors is important. Political support, as well as regulation, play crucial roles. This reaches from setting up an appropriate market frame to enable self-improving process via market forces, over public support via funding and pilot projects, up to tariffs and other regulatory means. In how far it is possible to influence and shape these processes depends to large extents upon the level up to which the frequently rather complex value chains are located in NRW. Together with the technical and economic options for such changes, the degree to which a value chain can be regarded as closed is therefore a crucial factor. In this study, three exemplary value chains from different industry sectors are considered. These were selected in such a way that they yield strategic, economic and ecologic (in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions) relevance for NRW. Further more, they display different ways how they are connected to the outside, face international competition and possess different kinds of internal governance structures. The selected value chains were those of iron and steel production, chemistry with a focus on fiber enforced polymers, and plant manufacturing for renewable energy generation with a focus on wind energy. A set of both quantitative and qualitative criteria was generated, yielding deeper insight into these value chains. This study rests on a meta analysis of already existing academic studies and sources from the respecting industries. The data from these sources was brought together to form a synthesis. Beyond this, potential ways to influence and support the desired transformation processes are sketched. All three value chains are only insufficiently closed. Therefore, further regions and political levels need to be part of the transformational process. NRW can be understood as a key region, with the potential to offer crucial support - but the challenges can only be met in close cooperation with other German states as well as with the surrounding industrial regions in the neighboring European countries. The results can help support the discussion for a competitive transformation of the industry in NRW toward a less unsustainable economic conduct. In this, it is not yet set whether such a necessary transition might simply align with the paradigm of so-called "green growth", or might also have the potential to help a transition toward a post growth economy, if appropriately combined with further concepts. |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wuppap:192&r=env |
| By: | Pambo, Kennedy O.; Okello, Julius J.; Mbeche, Robert; Kinyuru, John N. |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is twofold. First, the authors aim to assess acceptance of edible insects for food and as an alternative to conventional meat. Second, they employ a binary logistic regression modelling approach to determine the factors that influence consumer acceptance. The study exploits data from a consumer survey from western Kenya (N = 234) conducted in October 2015. More than three quarters of the respondents accepted edible insects for food and as a possible alternative to meat. The study adopts a robust framework that captures a complex factor-evaluation process that consumers simultaneously goes through in order to accept or reject new food products when they become available. Consistent with this framework, the choice of edible insects for food was driven by many motives, including ones related to familiarity, convenience, social and environmental responsibility, economic incentives and barriers, and by factors related to one’s own risk-attitude and altruistic concerns for the well-being of other value-chain actors. These results present great implications to policies targeting dietary interventions and the prospects of addressing environmental challenges through the household food choice. |
| Keywords: | Edible insects, meat alternative, binary logit, consumer acceptance, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246317&r=env |
| By: | Kirui, Oliver K.; Mirzabaev, Alisher |
| Abstract: | Land degradation – defined by the Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) initiative as a “reduction in the economic value of ecosystem services and goods derived from land” – is a serious impediment to improving rural livelihoods and food security of millions of people in the Eastern Africa region. The objectives of this paper are three fold; to identify the state, extent and patterns of land degradation, to estimate the costs of land degradation, and to compares the costs of action against inaction against land degradation using the Total Economic Value approach in four countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania. Results show that land degradation hotspots cover about 51%, 41%, 23% and 22% of the terrestrial areas in Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia and Kenya respectively. Following the Total Economic Value (TEV) framework, the cost of land degradation between 2001-2009 periods is about 2 billion USD in Malawi, 11 billion USD in Kenya, 18 billion USD in Tanzania and 35 billion USD in Ethiopia. These represents about 5%, 7%, 14% and 23%, of GDP in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Ethiopia respectively. Taking action against land degradation is more favorable than inaction in both short-term (6 year) and a long-term (30 year) periods. During the 30-year period, for every dollar spent on taking action against land degradation users will expect a return of about $ 4.2 in Ethiopia, $ 4.1 in Kenya, $ 3.8 in Tanzania, and $ 3.7 in Malawi. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:249321&r=env |
| By: | Dr. Jochen Dieckmann (GWS - Institute of Economic Structures Research); Dr. Barbara? Breitschopf (GWS - Institute of Economic Structures Research); Dr. Ulrike Lehr (GWS - Institute of Economic Structures Research) |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gws:dpaper:16-7&r=env |
| By: | Ajetomobi, Joshua Olusegun |
| Abstract: | This study analyzed how extreme weather conditions affect the mean and variability of the yields of 11 staple crops in Nigeria. The research involved the use of a pooled panel data of 36 states and the federal capital territory over the period of 1991-2012. The framework for analysis consisted of the production risk model developed by Just and Pope for yield estimation. Unit root tests and Maximum Likelihood Estimation techniques were used to obtain reliable estimates of the model’s parameters. The results showed that the mean and variance of the yield of all the staple crops were diversely influenced by extreme weather events. |
| Keywords: | Extreme Weather, Yield Response, Climate, Unit Roots, Pope and Just Model, Nigeria, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis, D24, C23, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246919&r=env |
| By: | Tesfaye, Wondimagegn (UNU-MERIT); Tirivayi, Nyasha (UNU-MERIT) |
| Abstract: | Postharvest loss exacerbates the food insecurity and welfare loss of farming households in developing countries. This paper analyses the effect of improved storage, a climate-smart crop management technology, on household food and nutrition security, market participation and welfare using nationally representative data from Ethiopia. Endogenous switching regression models are employed to control for selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity. The results show that improved storage use is mainly associated with climatic factors, access to extension service, liquidity constraints, infrastructure and market access. Improved storage significantly increases the dietary diversity, reduces child malnutrition and negative changes in diet. In addition, use of improved storage technologies increases farmers' participation in output markets as sellers, the proportion of harvest sold and their marketing flexibility by altering the choice of market outlets. Further, the paper provides evidence that households that did not use improved storage would have benefited significantly had they decided to adopt. Overall, the study suggests that improved storage technologies are effective tools for risk coping and enhancing food security and would play a key role in the current debate of feeding a growing population in the face of climate change. |
| Keywords: | storage, innovations, economics of innovation, postharvest loss, food security, climate-smart technology, endogenous switching regression, Ethiopia |
| JEL: | Q12 Q16 Q18 O33 D13 |
| Date: | 2016–11–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2016063&r=env |
| By: | Aboua, Christian |
| Abstract: | Using DEA model and cost-benefit analysis, this study analyzes resource efficiency and economic efficiency of 32 fish farms in the South-eastern Côte d'Ivoire. Results showed that the mean scores of technical and economic efficiency are respectively 0.575 and 0.553. There is a positive relationship between technical efficiency and economic efficiency, indicating that the farms that produce efficiently are likely to generate maximum revenue. Trained fish farmers using industrial food are the most technically and economically efficient, followed by untrained fish farmers with high level of experience who reformulate themselves their fish feed. The results of resource efficiency indicated that fish farms generate waste in the use of resources (feed, fingerling, water and land).On the other hand, the optimal management simultaneously to a minimization in the use of resources and maximization of production could help to increase production level of 16.18%. Finally, the cost-benefit analysis showed that, on average, fish farms achieve a positive gross and net margin. The results show the important role of governments in fish farmer’s access to feed and fingerlings. Promote and support research in the formulation of local feed available at lower costs; strengthen cooperation with private sector partners to enable extension and support services, to appropriate new production techniques and disseminated to farmers, are the main recommendations of the study. |
| Keywords: | Economic Efficiency, Resource Efficiency, Profitability, Fish farming, Côte d’Ivoire, Livestock Production/Industries, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:249307&r=env |
| By: | Anonymous |
| Abstract: | Les collaborations entre acteurs publics et privés du développement agricole font défaut en Tunisie notamment du fait de la détérioration des relations inévitable dans le contexte de la dictature vécue précédemment. La révolution de 2011 a ouvert la porte au développement de nouveaux systèmes de gouvernance régionale dans le contexte d’une décentralisation constatée comme principal levier du développement des régions intérieures du pays. Le développement de chaînes de valeur agricoles et agroalimentaires dans des territoires défavorisés est un objectif adapté à l’émergence de nouveaux systèmes de décisions nécessitant des collaborations et pouvant aboutir à des actions en faveur d’une amélioration des conditions de vies des populations rurales. Le projet pour la promotion de l’agriculture durable et du développement rural en Tunisie a conçu et réalisé un processus de dialogue multi-acteurs permettant le développement de plateforme agissant pour le développement de chaînes de valeur dans des territoires défavorisés en Tunisie. La mise en oeuvre de ce processus a permis le renforcement des capacités en collaboration des 2 organisations de producteurs, commerçants, transformateurs et structures d’appui publiques privées et de la société civile. Il permet aussi d’améliorer l’efficacité et la pertinence des mesures et actions de développement. Ainsi, l’installation de plateforme de développement des chaînes de valeur locale constitue une base pour le développement durable de l’agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:249302&r=env |
| By: | Spiller, Achim; von Meyer-Höfer, Marie; Sonntag, Winnie |
| Abstract: | Die aktuelle intensive Form der Nutztierhaltung gewinnt weltweit an Bedeutung. Sie wird jedoch mit wachsender gesellschaftlicher Kritik und Ablehnung konfrontiert. Insbesondere in nordwesteuropäischen Ländern gibt es ausgeprägte gesellschaftliche Diskussionen um Tier- und Umweltschutz in der Nutztierhaltung. Daher stellt sich die Frage, was die Treiber dieser Akzeptanzprobleme sind und wie Vertrauen zurückgewonnen werden kann, um die license to produce nachhaltig zu sichern. Dazu fasst der vorliegende Beitrag in Form eines Literaturüberblickes aktuelle wissenschaftliche Forschungsergebnisse zusammen und stellt die Ursachen der Akzeptanzproblematik sowie Maßnahmen und Kommunikationsstrategien zur Rückgewinnung von Akzeptanz vor. Das Interesse der Gesellschaft an der Nutztierhaltung, Fragen der Ernährung und Gesundheit sowie dem Tierwohl sind langfristige Trends. Eine grundlegende Neuorientierung der Branche muss auf diesen Trend folgen. Vieles deutet darauf hin, dass die zunächst verfolgten eher passiven Konzepte (low profiling) und die heute stärker genutzten Gegenangriffs-, Rechtfertigungs- und Aufklärungsstrategien nicht ausreichen werden, um aus der medialen Defensive zu kommen. Angesichts des starken Strukturwandels, der konzentrationsfördernden Wirkung von zusätzlichen Tierschutzauflagen und der beachtlichen economies of scale gibt es keinen einfachen Weg zurück zu einer kleinbetrieblichen Landwirtschaft. Da die Einstellung der Bevölkerung gegenüber Großbetrieben z. T. aber sehr negativ ist, stehen gerade die größeren landwirtschaftlichen Betriebe und große Unternehmen der Fleischwirtschaft vor der Herausforderung, über CSR- und Shared-Value-Aktivitäten Vertrauen in der Gesellschaft zurückzugewinnen. Neben den Verbänden sind es auch diese Unternehmen, die über Ressourcen für einen Ausbau der Kommunikation verfügen. Wichtig ist zu betonen, dass Kommunikation alleine nicht ausreichen wird um Vertrauen und Akzeptanz zurückzugewinnen, es müssen auch glaubwürdige Veränderungen der Nutztierhaltung stattfinden. |
| Keywords: | Tierhaltung,Akzeptanz,Kommunikationsstrategien,gesellschaftliche Kritik |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:daredp:1608&r=env |
| By: | Svizzero, Serge; Tisdell, Clem |
| Abstract: | After a long period of prosperity, the Únĕtice (2300-1600 BC) – a central European Early Bronze Age culture –collapsed without obvious reason. Thus, the academic literature has favored multiple explanations but without providing much evidence of the latter. Our aim is to provide an empirically grounded explanation consistent with the features of this culture. We claim that the 1600 BC collapse could be the result of simultaneous shortages of two main inputs of the bronze production process, namely tin and fuel. Periodical tin shortages are possible because Únĕtician were using tin alluvial deposits. Moreover, the production of bronze requires huge quantities of wood and charcoal used as fuel, leading to deforestation. Evidence of deforestation around 1600 BC is provided. |
| Keywords: | Únĕtice culture, Central Europe, collapse, Early Bronze Age, stream tin, metalworking, deforestation, fuel., Community/Rural/Urban Development, N53, O1, Q32, Q4, Q53, |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uqseee:249336&r=env |
| By: | Zhang, Fan; Polyakov, Maksym; Fogarty, James; Pannell, David |
| Abstract: | This work has been published in the Journal of Hydrology. A pre-print version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.12.048 Please cite the article version of this work as: Zhang, F., Polyakov, M., Fogarty, J. and Pannell, D.J. (2015) The capitalized value of rainwater tanks in the property market of Perth, Australia. Journal of Hydrology, 522:317-325. |
| Keywords: | economic valuation, urban rainwater collection, spatial hedonic model, misclassification error, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q25, Q51, R30, |
| Date: | 2016–10–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uwauwp:246968&r=env |
| By: | Jakob Edler (Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, MBS, University of Manchester, UK); Jan Fagerberg (Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture (TIK), University of Oslo, Norway) |
| Abstract: | During the last two-three decades policy-makers have increasingly became concerned about the role of innovation for economic performance and, more recently, for the solution of challenges that arise (such as the climate challenge). The view that policy may have a role in supporting for innovation has become widespread, and the term innovation policy has become commonly used. This paper takes stock of this rapidly growing area of public policy, with particular focus on the definition of innovation policy (what it is); theoretical rationales (why innovation policy is needed); and how innovation policy is designed, implemented and governed. |
| Date: | 2016–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tik:inowpp:20161111&r=env |
| By: | Kirui, Oliver K. |
| Abstract: | The debate on the land degradation – poverty linkages is inconclusive. However, the inter-linkages between land degradation and poverty are thought to be strong in the rural areas of low income countries where livelihoods predominantly depend on agriculture. This study seeks to contribute to the existing literature by establishing the causal relationships between poverty and land degradation and examines its magnitude using nationally representative panel data in Malawi and Tanzania. While using a simultaneous equation model and controlling for unobserved heterogeneity, the findings suggest that poverty contributes to land degradation as a result of poor households’ inability to invest in natural resource conservation and improvement. Land degradation in turn contributes to low and declining agricultural productivity, which in turn contributes to worsening poverty. Specifically, land degradation significantly increases the probability of household poverty by 35% in Malawi and 48% in Tanzania. Poor households have 69% and 67% more likelihood to experience land degradation in Malawi and Tanzania respectively. These findings suggest the importance of including land degradation perspective in poverty analysis among the rural households who heavily depend on land resources for their livelihoods. The pathways through which land degradation influence poverty should be explored so as to improving household welfare. |
| Keywords: | Land degradation, poverty, panel data, simultaneous equation model, eastern Africa, Food Security and Poverty, Land Economics/Use, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246396&r=env |
| By: | Dr. Ulrike Lehr (GWS - Institute of Economic Structures Research); Helena Walter (GWS - Institute of Economic Structures Research) |
| Abstract: | This paper presents an assessment method for measuring green jobs in Dubai. Firstly, we describe the economic structure of Dubai and identify, which part of the economic sectors can be accounted for as green by international standards. Secondly, we describe the labor market in Dubai and assign the green economy’s activities to the respective labor force. Finally we conclude with a comparison with the literature and an outlook on future development. |
| Keywords: | Green jobs, labor market, green economy |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gws:dpaper:16-11&r=env |
| By: | Ildephonse, Musafili; Oluoch-Kosura, Willis; Otieno, Jakinda |
| Keywords: | Despite the roles and functions of natural forests on the livelihood of the rural communities, their economic values are poorly reflected in market considerations and largely ignored in the decision making process. There is inadequate empirical evidence detailing forest management preferences in developing countries including Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Rwanda. VNP has a considerable contribution to Rwandan rural livelihood, global environmental protection and cultural heritage. This study aimed at assessing the monetary values farmers attached to VNP. A Choice Experiment approach and Conditional Logit model were used to a sample of 192 farmers living along the park corridor using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using Nlogit 3.0. The results showed that farmers preferred to improve the current VNP management and were willing to pay for its participatory management attributes. Farmers’ characteristics significantly influenced preferences. The findings have implication on programmes that improve the current park management and on the design of vocational, farmer groups and gender-based environmental awareness and promotional programs., Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Choice Experiment, Farmers, Participatory Management Attributes, Volcanoes National Park, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:246273&r=env |
| By: | Carmona, Natalia Estrada; Michler, Jeffrey D. |
| Abstract: | Much of the population in rural sub-Saharan African relies of firewood or charcoal to prepare food. Population pressure is speeding the rate of deforestation, raising the monetary and opportunity costs of cooking meals. We use a field experiment in Zambia to investigate the impact of solar cook on the money households spend on charcoal and the time allocated to collecting firewood. Additionally, we examine changes in diet that result from the reduction in the cost of meal preparation. Preliminary results indicate that the provisioning of solar cookers is cost effective (household savings on charcoal over a 12 month period exceed the cost of the stove) and increases dietary diversity by reducing the cost of preparing grain legumes. |
| Keywords: | Deforestation, Dietary Diversity, Field Experiment, Zambia, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, C93, D12, O13, Q10, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae16:249342&r=env |