Suchergebnisse

This paper treats an important problem that has not been treated elsewhere: the relationship between the evolution of the nuclear power industry and the costs of centralized and on‐site storage of spent fuel. The conclusion is that centralized storage, as current policy contemplates, would be cheaper given an expanding nuclear industry as projected during the 1970s. But given the current situation of no expansion–i.e., no new orders–the cost advantage of centralized storage disappears. Moreover, if the components of decommissioned reactors are to be stored on site–as seems likely–then perhaps spent fuel should be stored there also.

This article analyzes the interaction of politics and military security in global oil markets since the 1980s. The authors outline the historical evolution of the pricing structure that maintained a stable world oil market. They argue that the security framework underlying this pricing structure relied on a trade‐off between price stability and military security that has contributed to growing political instability in individual Persian Gulf countries and the rise of Al Qaeda and similar groups. The article concludes with a discussion of the pros and cons of three possible policy approaches to this dilemma—a "hands‐off" approach that is similar to the policy that prevailed between 1973 and 1990, a unilateral security system organized and led by the United States, and an international security framework. (JEL D47, F02, L11, Q32, Q41, Q43, Q48)

Geologic estimates of remaining global petroleum resources place about 50% in the Persian Gulf. Production costs are estimated at $5 per barrel there and $15 per barrel in the North Sea and Alaska. According to mathematical results derived from depletion theory, the present value of economic rent from oil is on the order of $20 trillion. This article uses game theory to explain the $15–$20 per barrel price band that existed from 1986 to 1999. New economic forces have displaced this previously stable pattern; a new price range of $23–$30 is emerging. International trade in petroleum and conventional weapons are analyzed with econometric methods; the occurrence of nuclear weapons capability in the Persian Gulf region is explored.

The Kyoto Protocol mandates that the U.S. reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to 93% of their 1990 levels by the period 2008–2012. This paper explores the possibility of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation sector to 7% below their 1990 level by 2010. This paper examines two policies to achieve these reductions Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency standards and gasoline taxes. The introduction of these policies individually makes the task seem daunting, yet when using the policies jointly the objective is achievable.(JELQ38, Q48, R48)

This paper appraises current economic methodologies used in analyzing the social rate of time preference and discounting, abatement costs, and value of life estimates as they relate to climate change. It makes a case for choosing an appropriate rate of time preference when assessing climate policies, including both positive and normative considerations. Furthermore, the paper argues that the currently estimated disparity in the cost of greenhouse gas abatement between developed countries and developing countries may be inaccurate. Integrating discount rates, abatement costs, and value of life estimates highlights important and contrasting implications of international climate policy for developing and high‐income countries. The context of the paper is the forthcoming Second Assessment Report of Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The Montreal Protocol on chlorofluorocarbon control established an important precedent for global environmental treaties that include both developing countries and industrial countries. This paper evaluates seven possible treaty proposals to control carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Growth‐rate control proposals fail on effectiveness of control or on equity differences between developing countries and industrial countries. Complex proposals link policies in population growth, economic development, world energy taxation, and forestation. These complex proposals, which appear to be both effective and equitable, can defer or avoid CO2 doubling.

Are photovoltaic (PV) systems appropriate for use in developing countries now? This paper presents an empirical review of the comparative costs of gasoline portable generators and PV systems and concludes that cost reduction is necessary before PV systems will be broadly competitive. Both private sector research and university research have important roles to play.

After more than a decade of scientific warning, the policy community has begun to take up the challenge of global climate change. This paper considers recent efforts to analyze policymaking in this area. Shortcomings in present policy research include: (i) inconsistencies in data and methods, (ii) myopic vision of available options, (Hi) overly anthropocentric cost/benefit assessments, (iv) inadequate treatment of uncertainly and irreversibility, (v) lack of recognition of developing and developed countries' differential motives, (vi) unsatisfactory presentation and interpretation of results, and (vii) limited peer review.