Run for your lives!!!

Was it Pink Floyd who said "there's nowhere to run to baby" It looks like the latest IPCC report will induce even more anxiety.

Energy, Energy , Energy...

Here are three useful websites for this section of the course:

Oil Imports

Oil reserves

BP Energy Analysis 2006

Hydrogen on the Horizon

The other day in class I was making bold predictions about the future of hydrogen energy and how it had the potential to completely change your lives. Seems I am not the only one, as Tim Haab has been predicting similar changes. And it looks like we might be on to something.

Alternative Energy

An interesting article in the NYTimes. Can you think of an economic argument for increasing our expenditures on R&D in the area of alternative fuels?

Pigou - Can you?

Apparently the idea of using taxes to curb gasoline consumption is catching on. Take a look at this morning's Marketplace on NPR. There is also a new web site for Pigouvians. And as always the former chair of the council of economic advisors for President Bush is a voice for change.

We will be making heavy use of the Pigouvian tax idea for the next few weeks - And I am very much looking forward to your comments, both in and out of class. Keep up the great work!!

The General

surprise, surprise

Did you ever think you would see this on the cover of the Wall Street Journal . The global warming debate is shifting from science to economics, so says Jeffrey Ball at the WSJ. Why do you think this is happening?

Evidence from China

Here is a story from China about the costs of environmental degradation and what it will cost to clean up the mess. I wonder if this is an example of the Environmental Kuznets Curve at work or wise policy makers looking at a bleak future and recognizing the importance of investing in natural and environmental capital for future well-being. What do you think?

More on Green = Green

So you don't think improving the quality of the environment can increase economic growth - well Jeff Sachs thinks differently. I happen to agree with Jeff that we need to start thinking about the environment as a primary input to production and not some luxury good we can afford once we have enough income.

Here is a link to another study suggesting that air pollution can reduce productivity.

Maybe Kermit the Frog was wrong.

Perhaps it is easy being green. Check out this story from Charlotte, NC.

Are there really $5 bills on the sidewalk?

On Monday, in class, we will be talking about the relationship between the economy and the environment. Many have argued that protecting the environment hurts the economy - not Michael Porter . Additionally, Al Gore was just up at the HBS talking about his take on the economy - environment relationship. What do you think?

Go Generals!!

On Wednesday evening our Generals beat the Wasps of Emory and Henry thanks, in part, to our very own Kirk Jones .

Put up or Shut up

Yesterday in class I may have said something about the Dems' opportunity to put up or shut up about climate change - looks like they will put up . Thanks to Jon Rogers for finding this article. As it happens the WSJ has a similar story on the frontpage today.

How important are fish?

200 million Africans eat fish regularly and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that fish provides 22% of the protein intake in Sub-Saharan Africa.

When I was in Mexico last spring the local fisherman were saying a fish in the ocean was worth more than a fish on a plate. I think there needs to be a coversation about integrated fisheries management for tourism and protein supply. I wonder what John Whitehead has to say about this? I guess I will ask him.

2006 was hotter and 2007 is predicted to be even hotter

I figured we could get started on some of the basics/background for the next section of the course. Earth Institute

Pigou v. Coase

In case you are interested - here is a list of some pretty darn good economists who support Pigouvian taxes.

See you all tomorrow.

I WIll Terminate Emissions!!!!

This morning we briefly mentioned the potential role of government in reducing negative externalities - way to go Arnold! .

Can you see any unforeseen consequences?

I think they forgot someone

Check out this article from today's NYTimes.

Economists are doing some cool things - so pay attention in class. LOL!!

2.4 billion and counting

Yesterday in class we started the discussion of the energy/climate change connection. I briefly mentioned that it is not possible to discuss this without including China and India. This morning's NYTimes gives us a sneak peek at things to come.

Enjoy!

Welcome Back

Hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday season. I did a little traveling, ate, drank , and was merry - now I have to repent for the extra carbon emissions. Before we get started, a special thanks to John Whitehead for placing us on the Blogroll over at ENV-ECON .

For the next 12 to 14 weeks or so this site will be dedicated to an on-going discussion of environmental and natural resource economics as it is being taught in Econ 255.

Stay tuned.....