Environment

We have published papers on topics ranging from climate policy and corporate behaviour (Commins et al, 2011) and corporate expenditures on environmental protection (Haller & Murphy, 2012); to the returns on public investment in water supply and wastewater treatment ( Lawlor, McCarthy & Scott, JEPM, 2007); and managing household waste (Curtis, Lyons & O'Callaghan-Platt, 2011).   Other research has examined topics such as energy and water use in household appliances, amenity value of forests and cultural heritage; and tourism and the environment.   Search both our working papers series and publications for completed research papers.

With funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, the ESRI is extending its ability to model and project environmental emissions and resource use. Preliminary results from ISus suggest that sectoral value added exceeds the damage done to the environment. Emissions of fluorinated gases and carbon monoxide, and hazardous waste grow faster than the economy, but other emissions and resource use grow slower. Emissions of acidifying gases are falling even as the economy expands ( O'Doherty & Tol, ESR, 2007 ).   Ongoing research will build on this to provide better measurement of the interplay between society and the environment and a more comprehensive assessment of environmental policy. This will involve:

ESRI research in environment is closely linked to research in competition and regulation, energy, health, macroeconomics, taxation, welfare and pensions, and transport and infrastructure.