Suchergebnisse

The journal Environment and Development Economics has made a major contribution over the last 20 years to our understanding of the ways in which the environment interacts with the process of development. The risks of ignoring environmental considerations was raised at the outset when the journal was launched and the discussion has gone on to become more informed and sophisticated as time has passed. We know more about where development may bring about an improvement in environmental quality and where it may not, unless the right policies are followed. We also better appreciate what those policies are and what challenges governments face in implementing them.

ABSTRACTThis contribution seeks to examine the prospects for tackling climate change in a world dominated by capitalist economies. Since climate change is a relatively new phenomenon, we have to review the successes and failures of such economies in addressing other environmental issues. This review reveals a mixed picture, but the evidence suggests that once an issue is raised in the public consciousness the prospects for effective action are quite good as long as there is openness and transparency. Experience certainly indicates that the prospects are better in capitalist than in centrally planned economies. In the case of climate change the magnitude of the changes needed is immense and time is now running out. Studies indicate that convergence in living standards between the North and the South through development is possible with strict carbon targets, but it will need agreement on the allocation of rights and, furthermore, a system in which either such rights are traded or a common carbon tax is imposed. Such a system must be seen as fair by all parties and these parties must trust each other and the institutions they set up. That is where the biggest problems still lie.

Cooperation between the states of the Caucasus and Central Asia is paramount in solving the region's environmental problems. Given the acute socio-economic difficulties they face, their slow progress is understandable. Serious environmental and socio-economic consequences cumulate as the neglect persists. Increased oil and gas revenues (for those who have access to these resources) cannot ease such consequences. The exploitation of oil revenues may benefit the national economy, but it does not generally provide enough for the poor local communities that depend on the natural resources of the Caspian for their livelihoods. The international community must therefore help to promote cooperation within the region. The Caspian Environment Program provides an example of the kinds of things that need to be done, but more resources are needed for sustainable development. Perhaps the oil companies will do more, given their long-term stake in the region. In addition, the countries themselves can, and should, allocate more funds for the sustainable development of the region, but co-ordinated programs will be required to dissuade governments from seeking a free ride on the good actions of the others.