Economics and the environment: a survey of issues and policy options
Nicolaisen, J.; Dean, A.; Hoeller, P.
OECD Economic Studies 16: 7-43
1991
Document Number: 252002
Concerns over the pace, scope and causes of environmental degradation have led to a renewed interest in the way environmental and economic policies interact. This paper first reviews the main causes for excessive use of environmental resources in a market economy, focusing also on economy-wide implications. The merits of different policy instruments to counter environmental degradation are then discussed, and the information needed for the successful conduct of environmental policy is reviewed. The paper also considers the policy options to cope with uncertainties surrounding cost and benefit estimates. Finally, the paper highlights some policy issues concerning international cooperation on regional and global issues.