Computational Models in the Economics of Environment and Development provides a step-by-step guide in designing, developing, and solving non-linear environment-development models. It accomplishes this by focusing on applied models, using real examples as case studies. Additionally, it gives examples of developing policy interventions based on quantitative model results. Finally, it uses a simple computer program, GAMS, to develop and solve models. This book is targeted towards university lecturers and students in economic modeling and sustainable development, but is also of particular interest to researchers at sustainable development research institutes and policy makers at international sustainable development policy institutions such the World Bank, UNDP, and UNEP.
Principles of Sustainable Development is the component of Encyclopedia of Development and Economic Sciences in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Sustainable Development is a term of differing definitions. Standing alone, the term is abstract and ambiguous. The meaning most often cited is that adopted by the World Commission on Environment and Development: meeting today’s true needs and opportunities without jeopardizing the integrity of the planetary life-support base – the environment – and diminishing its ability to provide for needs, opportunities, and quality of life in the future. This definition may serve as a general principle, but for a guide to action its components sustainability and development must be given substance: what is to be sustained and what developed? Is development essentially economic or material growth, and is sustainability mostly a means to keep economic growth growing? Consequently, should development represent means toward ecologically sustainable ends? The concept of ecological sustainability has been advanced as a restriction on economic development. It follows therefore that principles of sustainable development depend upon how the term is understood and how it is put into practice. Even so the definition of the World Commission on Environment and Development, given the adequate definition of variable needs, provides the most reliable principle for testing the qualitative and ecological sustainability of development proposals. The Theme on Principles of Sustainable Development, in three volumes, deals with the diversity of points of view on this complex subject. These three volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.
Urban pollution, particularly from exhaust fumes, is a growing problem in Costa Rica, as elsewhere. Policy makers have tried to solve the problem through traditional regulatory instruments. But at the same time, other policy initiatives, such as reducing taxes, have contributed to greater car ownership and use, and hence, pollution levels. This study looks at whether the government's practice of differentiating car taxes on the basis of vehicle characteristics can be used to improve air quality in Costa Rica. The results indicate that a tax that increases the relative price of used cars will have significant environmental impacts, while other means of differentation are much weaker.
