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The optimal time path for carbon abatement and carbon sequestration under uncertainty: The case of stochastic targeted stock

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  • Haim, David
  • Plantinga, Andrew J.
  • Thomann, Enrique

Abstract

We explore the optimal time path of carbon sequestration and carbon abatement in stabilizing CO2 levels under uncertainty of climate impacts. Using a two-period sequential decision making model, we analytically derive optimal rates for the two control variables, abatement and sequestration rates. Uncertainty is assumed to affect the desired future stabilization level of the CO2 stock but is resolved prior to the decision on how much to control the stock in the second period. Contrary to recent numerical studies, we find that uncertainty can make it optimal to use carbon sequestration either earlier or later depending on the relative rates of change in both marginal cost curves and on the amount of land that can be converted to forest. Comparative statics suggest that an increase in the discount factor could either increase or decrease the optimal rate of sequestration in the first period depending on the expected rate of change of the marginal cost of sequestration in the second period and on future benefits of current sequestration.

Suggested Citation

  • Haim, David & Plantinga, Andrew J. & Thomann, Enrique, 2014. "The optimal time path for carbon abatement and carbon sequestration under uncertainty: The case of stochastic targeted stock," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 151-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:resene:v:36:y:2014:i:1:p:151-165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.reseneeco.2013.11.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vincent Gitz & Jean Charles Hourcade & Philippe Ciais, 2006. "The timing of biological carbon sequestration and carbon abatement in the energy sector under optimal strategies against climate risks," Working Papers halshs-00009338, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Baker, J.S. & Wade, C.M. & Sohngen, B.L. & Ohrel, S. & Fawcett, A.A., 2019. "Potential complementarity between forest carbon sequestration incentives and biomass energy expansion," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 391-401.
    2. Gren, Ing-Marie & Zeleke, Abenezer Aklilu, 2016. "Policy design for forest carbon sequestration: A review of the literature," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 128-136.
    3. Man, Cosmin D. & Lyons, Kevin C. & Nelson, John D. & Bull, Gary Q., 2015. "Cost to produce Carbon credits by reducing the harvest level in British Columbia, Canada," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 9-17.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Carbon sequestration; Uncertainty; Dynamic optimization; Economics; Climate change;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • Q23 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Forestry
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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