160 likes | 249 Views
ECON1661/API135 section: Climate change overview. 4/17/2009. Overview of section. Topics from lecture: challenges to Kyoto CDM Problem Tips for assignment Next week – analysis of current climate policies. Topics from lecture: challenges to Kyoto. Governments as cost minimizers
E N D
Overview of section • Topics from lecture: challenges to Kyoto • CDM • Problem • Tips for assignment • Next week – analysis of current climate policies
Topics from lecture: challenges to Kyoto • Governments as cost minimizers • Assumptions for efficiency of CAT: cost minimizers, know MC of abatement function • At best, nation states would equate national marginal abatement costs based on domestic policies that may or may not be cost effective • Policy options? • Leakage • Additionality • What is the counterfactual? • Questions?
Allowances Emission Reduction Credits Counterfactual Actual Emissions Emissions Cap Actual Allowances Time Time Clean Development Mechanism • Annex I countries can buy Emission ReductionCredits from projects in developing countries.
Background: The CDM • 2 goals: Sustainable development and low-cost compliance. • Project must be approved by CDM Executive Board and verified by an auditor. • Credits can be traded like AAUs or emission allowances.
Problems with the CDM • Reduces incentives for developing countries to undertake binding commitments • What is the baseline? • Project “additionality” • High transaction costs
Some tips for the problem set • Do some research and cite your sources!– But keep it simple (max 3 pages) • Some topics you might address: • (marginal) benefits • (marginal) costs • discounting • efficiency • cost effectiveness • distributional equity • command and control • market based instruments • innovation / technological change • uncertainty • externalities • incentives, generally (all the time)