26/01/2006
- Economic Outlook: Experts sharing views at Environmental
Economist Network meetingMarket based instruments (MBIs),
such as environment taxes and emission trading schemes,
are increasingly being used to implement environmental policy
across Europe. This is according to a report released by
the European Environment Agency at a meeting of high-level
economists in Copenhagen today. The MBI report
The report, 'Using the market for cost-effective environment
policy - market-based instruments in Europe,' aims to demystify
MBIs for the generalist by offering an easy-to-read 'what',
'why', 'how' and 'who' approach to the subject. It also
outlines the kinds of political barriers which MBIs face,
and the methods needed to overcome them
Environmental taxes and emissions trading in particular
have the potential to improve cost-effectiveness of environment
policy, according to the report. The importance of Emissions
Trading Schemes as a major new MBI in Europe is also highlighted,
and the report points out that such trading schemes work
better with bigger markets and more participants.
Reports:
EEA report 1/2006 - Using the market for cost-effective
environmental policy
EEA Technical report 8/2005 - Market-based instruments
for environmental policy in Europe
Environmental economists network meeting
The report was launched at the 4th meeting of the high-
level Environmental Economists Network at the EEA in Copenhagen.
The EEA, in collaboration with the European Commission (Directorate
General for the Environment), established the network in
2004. Its main purpose is to act as early radar for new
environmental policies, and provide advice on the economic
aspects contained within policy.
The Network is also intended to provide an economic connection
to the scientific and research community, and advice is
sought on developments in theoretical and applied economics
relevant to environment issues facing the European Environment
Agency, DG ENV and its partners. Meetings take place once
or twice a year in Brussels or Copenhagen, and so far the
Network has dealt with issues such as climate change policies
and impact assessment.
The focus of today's meeting is biodiversity, the cost
of inaction and links between environment policy, innovation
and competitiveness. The event will be attended by leading
environmental economists from around the world. |
