Prices vs. quantities for self-enforcing agreements

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
Year: 2022
Volume: 111
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We study the optimal self-enforcing agreement based on quantity mandates and price instruments in a repeated game between countries, whose domestic firms invest in green technology before consumers emit. We find that technology must be regulated in addition to emissions, even in the absence of technological spillovers. Under a quantity agreement, emission is capped and countries must either overinvest in technology—to weaken the temptation to emit—or they must be punished unless they invest less—to maintain their willingness to retaliate on others. Under a price agreement, emission is taxed and investments subsidized. The price agreement dominates the quantity agreement because when firms are free to modify investment levels if another government defects, the punishment for defection is stronger.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeeman:v:111:y:2022:i:c:s0095069621001376
Journal Field
Environment
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25