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Analyzing the effectiveness of international environmental policies: The case of the Kyoto Protocol

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  • Almer, Christian
  • Winkler, Ralph

Abstract

We study the effectiveness of emission targets under the Kyoto Protocol with respect to reducing CO2 emissions. Using country-level and US state-level panel data and employing the synthetic control method, we find very little evidence for an emission reduction effect for the major emitters among the Annex B countries with binding emission targets. More generally, we also show that evaluating the effectiveness of international environmental policies at the country level comes with a number of empirical challenges that may invalidate findings based on more traditional panel data approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Almer, Christian & Winkler, Ralph, 2017. "Analyzing the effectiveness of international environmental policies: The case of the Kyoto Protocol," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 125-151.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:82:y:2017:i:c:p:125-151
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2016.11.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Climate policy; International environmental agreements; Kyoto Protocol; Synthetic control method;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K33 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - International Law
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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