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Efficiency and Equity Implications of Alternative Instruments to Reduce Carbon Leakage

Author

Listed:
  • Christoph Böhringer

    (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics, Germany)

  • Jared C. Carbone

    (University of Calgary, Canada)

  • Thomas F. Rutherford

    (University of Wisconsin, USA)

Abstract

The cost-effectiveness of unilateral emission abatement can be seriously hampered by emission leakage. We assess three widely-discussed proposals for leakage reduction targeted at energy-intensive and trade-exposed industries: border tax adjustments, output-based allocation and industry exemptions. We find that none of these measures amounts to a “magic bullet” when both efficiency and equity criteria matter. Border tax adjustments reduce leakage and provide global cost savings but exacerbate regional inequality. Exemptions produce very little leakage reduction and run the risk of increasing efficiency cost of climate policy. Output-based allocation does no harm but also does relatively little good by our outcome measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Böhringer & Jared C. Carbone & Thomas F. Rutherford, 2012. "Efficiency and Equity Implications of Alternative Instruments to Reduce Carbon Leakage," Working Papers V-346-12, University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics, revised Jun 2012.
    • Handle: RePEc:old:dpaper:346
    as

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    File URL: http://www.vwl.uni-oldenburg.de/download/V-346-12.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christoph Böhringer & Jared C. Carbone & Thomas F. Rutherford, 2018. "Embodied Carbon Tariffs," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 120(1), pages 183-210, January.
    2. Fischer, Carolyn, 2001. "Rebating Environmental Policy Revenues: Output-Based Allocations and Tradable Performance Standards," Discussion Papers 10709, Resources for the Future.
    3. Böhringer, Christoph & Fischer, Carolyn & Rosendahl, Knut Einar, 2014. "Cost-effective unilateral climate policy design: Size matters," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 67(3), pages 318-339.
    4. Hoel, Michael, 1991. "Global environmental problems: The effects of unilateral actions taken by one country," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 55-70, January.
    5. James R. MARKUSEN, 2021. "International Externalities And Optimal Tax Structures," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: BROADENING TRADE THEORY Incorporating Market Realities into Traditional Models, chapter 16, pages 341-355, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    6. Christoph Böhringer & Carolyn Fischer & Knut Einar Rosendahl, 2011. "Cost-Effective Climate Policy Design: Size Matters," Working Papers V-339-11, University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics, revised Jul 2011.
    7. Stef Proost & John B. Braden (ed.), 1998. "Climate Change, Transport and Environmental Policy," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 1276.
    8. Christoph Bohringer & Jared Carbone & Thomas F. Rutherford, "undated". "Embodied Carbon Tariffs," Working Papers 2013-24, Department of Economics, University of Calgary, revised 11 Oct 2013.
    9. Christoph Böhringer & Thomas Rutherford, 2002. "Carbon Abatement and International Spillovers," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 22(3), pages 391-417, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

    Unilateral Climate Policy; Leakage; Efficiency; Equity;
    All these keywords.

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