Latest Documents

Vintage differentiated regulations and plant survival: Evidence from coal-fired plants - Environment Working Paper

This paper assesses the effect of environmental regulations on plant survival and emissions using data on the extent of vintage differentiation of regulations (VDR5) regarding air pollution emission limit values for existing and new coal-fired power plants. Focussing on NOx and SOx emissions, the paper applies survival analysis techniques on a sample of generating units across 31 OECD and non-member countries between 1962 and 2012.

Event: Discussion panel on the use of cost benefit analysis (CBA)

22 November 2018, London - Hosted by the Department of Geography and Environment, this panel reflected on the use of cost benefit analysis (CBA) and took stock of recent developments in environmental CBA and the challenges this presents to policy makers. The panel was comprised of some of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) authors of the CBA report published by OECD as well as policy practitioners.

Assessing the economic valuation of the benefits of regulating chemicals - Environment Working Paper

This paper reviews and compares five case studies on quantification and economic valuation of benefits in cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) of regulating phthalates, mercury, PFOA (perfluoro-octanic acid) and its salts, NMP (1 methyl-2-pyrroloidine) and formaldehyde. The case studies had all been carried out as part of the SACAME project, and the purpose of the present paper is to draw out cross-cutting findings from these studies.

Insights blog: Steering urban sprawl

Cities with highest average population densities in the world are facing the challenge of urban sprawl. Finding sustainable solutions to reduce sprawl demands rethinking urban space and weighing the private benefits of low density living–my house and garden–against social, environmental and infrastructure costs.

Cost-Benefit Analysis and the Environment - Further Developments and Policy Use

Rethinking Urban Sprawl - Moving Towards Sustainable Cities

Economic valuation in 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) regulation - Environment Working Paper

This paper gives an overview of economic assessments of the benefits of the control of 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, an organic solvent, used in a number of sectors. Health risks associated with the manufacture of NMP include the risk of stillbirth and developmental retardation to pregnant workers, as well as a variety of chronic and acute effects, including respiratory effects.

Economic assessments of the benefits of regulating mercury - Environment Working Paper

This paper gives an overview of economic assessments of the benefits of the control of emissions of mercury compounds, their completeness from a social cost point of view and the magnitudes of the values attached to mercury compounds in different contexts. The assessments have been conducted in the context of coal-fired electricity generation and the valuation of human health impacts linked to ingestion of methylmercury.

Socio-economic assessment of phthalates - Environment Working Paper

This paper gives an overview of economic assessments of the benefits of the control of exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals with numerous uses, most importantly, as a plasticiser to make rigid plastics like PVC flexible. There is significant concern that these substances can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), affecting both human health and ecosystems.

Economic Valuation in Formaldehyde regulation - Environment Working Paper

This paper gives an overview of economic assessments of the benefits of the control of formaldehyde and reflects on developments in its risk management and regulation. Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of resins, as a disinfectant and fixative and as a preservative in consumer products. Formaldehyde exposure can be harmful to human health.