Global Environmental Economics

The major purpose of this book is to contribute to better economic policy analysis through improvements in models studying the economic impacts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, and to show ways in which economic instruments can effectively be put to use to alleviate such problems. Global Environmental Economics is an integrated economic assessment of GHG emissions impacting economic growth and welfare change along major considerations of uncertainty, technological change and cooperation. A theoretical treatment of the issues is emphasized, using modern tools of economic theory and based on 'simple' models that yield illustrative results in terms of 'what-if' questions. With this focus the book distinguishes itself uniquely from other economic analytic approaches in the field that have appeared in the past few years. It focuses on the analysis, control and optimization of modelling forms rather than the collection and analysis of data. More concretely, the book searches for optimal fossil fuel use, research and technology policies rather than prediction of the future. The collection appeals to researchers interested in environmental economics, economic theory, and mathematical methods (in particular optimal-control theory) and economic growth.