When Environmental Policy is Superfluous: Growth and Polluting Resources

B-Tier
Journal: Scandanavian Journal of Economics
Year: 2002
Volume: 104
Issue: 4
Pages: 605-620

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

In a research–driven endogenous growth model, a non–renewable resource gives rise to pollution. Consumption may either grow or decline along the optimal balanced growth path, but the (flow) pollution level necessarily diminishes continuously. Any positive balanced growth path is sustainable. Utility may improve, even though consumption declines. Although positive growth is optimal, the market economy may nevertheless result in permanently declining consumption possibilities. At the same time, a growth–enhancing government policy may improve long–run environmental conditions. The pollution externality does not distort the decisions of the market economy, so that a specific environmental policy is superfluous. JEL classification: O41; Q20; Q28; Q32

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:scandj:v:104:y:2002:i:4:p:605-620
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-29