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Natural resources and technology - on the mitigating effect of green tech

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  • Tobias Wendler
  • Daniel Töbelmann
  • Jutta Günther

Abstract

This paper deals with the question as to whether technology can lessen the problem of scarce resources. Focusing on fossil and biomass materials as important resources for production and consumption, the paper empirically investigates whether environmental innovations reduce the material usage in European economies. A dynamic panel model is employed to estimate the effect of environmental innovations on the use of fossil and biomass materials. It shows that there is no continuously mitigating effect of green technology. For biomass, no significant technology effects are found. Fossil materials are saved by innovations in recycling as well as by new production and processing technologies, but not by all categories of relevant green technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias Wendler & Daniel Töbelmann & Jutta Günther, 2019. "Natural resources and technology - on the mitigating effect of green tech," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 1905, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:atv:wpaper:1905
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.26092/elib/205
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dynamic Panel; Environmental Innovation; Material Flows; Patent Data; Social Metabolism; Sustainable Development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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