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Measuring the Carbon Content of the South African Economy

Author

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  • Channing Arndt
  • Rob Davies
  • Konstantin Makrelov
  • James Thurlow

Abstract

We estimate the carbon intensity of industries, products, and households in South Africa. Direct and indirect carbon usage is measured using multiplier methods that capture inter-industry linkages and multi-product supply chains. Carbon intensity is found to be high for exports but low for major employing sectors. Middle-income households are the most carbon-intensive consumers. These results suggest that carbon pricing policies (without border tax adjustments) would adversely affect export earnings, but should not disproportionately hurt workers or poorer households.

Suggested Citation

  • Channing Arndt & Rob Davies & Konstantin Makrelov & James Thurlow, 2011. "Measuring the Carbon Content of the South African Economy," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2011-045, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2011-045
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2011-045.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Robbie Andrew & Glen Peters & James Lennox, 2009. "Approximation And Regional Aggregation In Multi-Regional Input-Output Analysis For National Carbon Footprint Accounting," Economic Systems Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(3), pages 311-335.
    4. Leontief, Wassily, 1970. "Environmental Repercussions and the Economic Structure: An Input-Output Approach," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 52(3), pages 262-271, August.
    5. World Bank, 2010. "World Development Indicators 2010," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 4373, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Danielle Resnick & Finn Tarp & James Thurlow, 2012. "The Political Economy of Green Growth: Illustrations from Southern Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2012-011, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    2. Danielle Resnick & Finn Tarp & James Thurlow, 2012. "The Political Economy Of Green Growth: Cases From Southern Africa," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 32(3), pages 215-228, August.

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