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Discounting and welfare analysis over time: Choosing the [eta]

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  • Buchholz, Wolfgang
  • Schumacher, Jan

Abstract

Based on the Ramsey equation and the rejection of pure utility time discount, the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change concentrates on the use of the elasticity of marginal utility [eta] in the intergenerational social welfare function (and not on the pure rate of time preference [rho] as most of the existing literature) in order to avoid excessive saving. In this paper we first show that also from the viewpoint of sustainability, it is preferable to make ethically motivated decisions on the distribution across generations by the use of [eta] and not of [rho]. In addition, we examine how different specific values of [eta] correspond to ethically relevant properties as "circumstance solidarity" and "no-envy". Finally, we discuss the fundamental critique that has been raised against Stern's ethically based welfare theoretic approach to valuation across time.

Suggested Citation

  • Buchholz, Wolfgang & Schumacher, Jan, 2010. "Discounting and welfare analysis over time: Choosing the [eta]," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 372-385, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:26:y:2010:i:3:p:372-385
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    2. Koji Tokimatsu & Louis Dupuy & Nick Hanley, 2019. "Using Genuine Savings for Climate Policy Evaluation with an Integrated Assessment Model," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 72(1), pages 281-307, January.
    3. Yamaguchi, Rintaro & Shah, Payal, 2020. "Spatial discounting of ecosystem services," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    4. Buchholz, Wolfgang & Schymura, Michael, 2012. "Expected utility theory and the tyranny of catastrophic risks," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 234-239.
    5. Malakhov, Sergey, 2014. "Money flexibility, price elasticity, and elasticity of marginal utility of consumption," MPRA Paper 55928, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Tomáš Želinský, 2015. "Nekonzistentnosť časových preferencií ľudí z arginalizovaných rómskych komunít [On inconsistency of time preferences of people from the marginalised roma communities]," Politická ekonomie, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2015(2), pages 204-222.

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