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Intergenerational Bubbles of Beliefs for Sustainability

Author

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  • Keiichiro Kobayashi

    (Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo 1066234, Japan
    Faculty of Economics, Keio University, Tokyo 1088345, Japan
    The Canon Institute for Global Studies, Tokyo 1006511, Japan
    Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo 1000013, Japan)

  • Asako Chiba

    (Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo 1066234, Japan)

Abstract

We constructed a simple model of a dynamic economy in which the current generation chooses to excessively consume, thereby rendering society unsustainable. In such an economy, we assumed that a notional bubbly asset emerges, and its value grows if the current generation conserves adequate resources for future generations. Provided that the bubbly asset is considered valuable, the current generation chooses to conserve resources, rendering the economy sustainable. The condition for sustainability is that the value of this asset grows intergenerationally and indefinitely. The asset represents a belief system, such as a religious doctrine or a political ideology. Results imply that, to restore sustainability, a new intergenerational belief system must be identified, and its value grows indefinitely.

Suggested Citation

  • Keiichiro Kobayashi & Asako Chiba, 2020. "Intergenerational Bubbles of Beliefs for Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-10, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:24:p:10652-:d:465368
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    References listed on IDEAS

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