Climate Policy and Innovation in the Absence of Commitment

Submitted by Petter Wikström on

We compare the effects of price and quantity instruments (an emissions tax and a quota with tradable permits) on the incentive to innovate to reduce the cost of an emission-free technology. We assume that the government cannot commit to the level of a policy instrument before R&D occurs but sets the level to be socially optimal after the results of R&D are realized. The equivalence of price and quantity instruments in inducing innovation that is seen in end-of-pipe abatement models does not hold.

Carbon Pricing

Saving Africa's tropical forests through energy transition - a randomized controlled trial in Tanzania

Submitted by Petra Hansson on

Abstract

The production of charcoal to meet cooking needs of urban households is one of the main causes of deforestation and degradation of Africa’s tropical forests, which offer significant carbon sequestration capacity to the global economy.

In collaboration with a reputable local micro-finance institution, we designed a randomized controlled trial in urban Tanzania and offered LPG stoves through subsidy and on credit to measure their impact on charcoal consumption and the corresponding reduction in deforestation.

Climate Change, Forestry, Health, Policy Design

Beef value chain analysis and climate change adaptation and investment options in the semi-arid lands of northern Kenya

Submitted by Jane Nyawira Maina on
EfD Authors:

The purpose of this paper is to examine the beef value chain and identify climate change adaptation and investment options in the semi-arid areas of northern Kenya. The research uses an innovative approach to value chain analysis, namely the three-step Value Chain Analysis for Resilience in Drylands (VC-ARID) that considers the specific characteristics of semi-arid systems.

Agriculture, Climate Change

Emissions trading schemes and directed technological change: Evidence from China

Submitted by Petra Hansson on
EfD Authors:

Many countries have implemented policies to tackle climate change, with Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) being one of the foremost attempts. Under such schemes, firms receive emission allowances. The firms that are covered by the rules are required to submit allowances for their emissions or, if they emit more than the allocated allowances, to purchase emission reduction from other firms. This imposes an emission price for carbon emissions and provides a cost-effective way for firms to comply.

Air Quality, Carbon Pricing, Climate Change, Policy Design

Energy poverty and the household heating energy transition in rural China

Submitted by Petra Hansson on

The household heating energy transition program in China has led to a sharp increase in household heating costs and has exacerbated energy poverty (high ratios of energy expenditure to income). This program is mandatory, with the goal of alleviating environmental problems and accelerating households’ transition to cleaner fuel. Specifically, it is intended to convert household heating fuel from coal to natural gas (coal to gas), electricity (coal to electricity), or cleaner coal (clean coal replacement), through mandates and subsidies.

Air Quality, Climate Change, Policy Design

Will the power sector reform in China mitigate climate change?

Submitted by Petra Hansson on
EfD Authors:

As an industry intensively using fossil fuel, the power sector is naturally a focus of efforts to slow climate change. In March 2015, China started the third round of power sector reform with the announcement of “Opinions on Further Deepening Power Sector Reform” (referred as the No. 9 Document), trying to promote competition, strengthen regulation and, importantly, achieve green development. But did the reform really achieve its expected goals?

Air Quality, Carbon Pricing, Energy, Policy Design

The political question and litigating loss and damage: any hope for victims of climate change induced impacts in Nigeria?

Submitted by Nnaemeka Chukwuone on

There is the urgency in finding solutions to this global problem and this requires bold actions from governments, the private sector and civil societies. This paper conducts an x-ray of political questions relating to climate change issues. This can be achieved by making departure from the provisions of section 6(6)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution by proactive interpretation of sections 13, 14(2), 20 and Item 60(a) of the Exclusive Legislative List of the said Constitution.

Climate Change

Short-run subsidies, take-up, and long-run demand for off-grid solar for the poor – evidence from large-scale randomized trials in Rwanda

Submitted by Petra Hansson on

Abstract
Over a billion people lack access to electricity, instead relying on kerosene and other dirty lighting sources, while grid expansion is not expected to keep pace with population growth. Moreover, pneumonia is the leading cause of death for under-fives in the world and kerosene smoke is a significant risk factor.

Energy, Health, Policy Design