Essays in energy and natural resource economics

Jones, Benjamin Lee Wyn (2016). Essays in energy and natural resource economics. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis is concerned with macroeconomic and fiscal implications of fossil fuel combustion. Despite an emerging focus among economic policy makers on the problem of curbing greenhouse gas emissions, much remains to be learned about this complex issue.

Fossil fuel related pollution, for example, is likely to impose a range of societal costs – including, potentially, on productivity, human health and household consumption patterns – which are typically not reflected in economic simulations aimed at informing the climate debate.

Analysis of a broader set of potential energy-environmental spillovers here highlights new insights on the importance of theoretical assumptions, including in relation to savings behaviour, welfare aggregation and potential consumption externalities for the macroeconomy and fiscal policy.

Distributional issues associated with potential energy tax reforms designed to control externalities and raise revenues are also studied in an effort to inform decision makers in the UK on the consequential risks - and mitigating strategies - to the well-being of societal groups, including lower income households.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):