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The Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Primer

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  • Stern, David I.

Abstract

The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is a hypothesized relationship between various indicators of environmental degradation and income per capita. As economies get richer environmental impacts first rise but eventually fall. In reality, though some types of environmental degradation have been reduced in developed countries others have not. Furthermore, the statistical evidence for the EKC is not robust and the mechanisms that might drive such patterns are still contested.

Suggested Citation

  • Stern, David I., 2014. "The Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Primer," Working Papers 249424, Australian National University, Centre for Climate Economics & Policy.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ancewp:249424
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.249424
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental Economics and Policy;

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • 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

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