We started Env-Econ almost 2 years ago. Not long after the launch we installed an answer desk feature with the intent of me answering questions as they were submitted. Honestly it was an attempt to mooch off our readers for ideas for posts if we ran out. Turns out we are far smarted and more creative with post ideas than we ever imagined and we haven't had to use you as a crutch nearly as much as we thought. But that also means that I have completely ignored the answer desk for almost a year. So I thought I would try to catch up and cram a year's worth of answers into one post--which of course means all of these answers will be short and virtually void of content. Questions have been selected and edited for no real reason other than to amuse myself--and really, what more could matter. My responses are in italics.
On 4/26/06 Ed asked: I am teaching environmental economics at Goucher College for the first time- I'm a week ahead of the students. I'm looking for a simple analysis at the principles to intermediate level for trach collection by weight or by-the-bag. I'd normally keep searching myself but am running out of time.
That'll teach you to rely on me for a timely response.
On 4/26/06 Franc asked: My question concerns what economists predict will happen after world oil production peaks, ie. Hubbert Curve. I have read alot of speculation of doom and gloom, and would like to hear the economists point of view.
Frankly Franc, peak oil is nonsense. There is no reason to fear the peak, or the decline. All of my economic training tells me that prices will force us to adapt as needed. We might be better off or worse off, but we'll get by. Either that, or we're screwed and I'm wasting my time.
On 5/04/06 Jay asked: Does the Marine Stewardship Council have a listing of restauraunts,fish markets, etc. that carry fish with it's seal of approval?
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Seal of Approval.
On 5/9/06 Daria asks: Can you explain how Pres Bush's plan to decrease the amount of gas going to the National Reserve will lower gas prices for the summer? Wouldn't we still need to fill the National Reserve at some point, causing a pinch in supply?
I was tempted to make a joke about the futility of trying to explain any Bush plan--but then decided that Bush jokes are played out, so here's a real answer: Decreasing the National Reserve is a short-term price smoothing solution to sudden gas price spikes. You're exactly right, if the Reserve is refilled then that will increase the demand for gas and lead to higher prices (or at least maintain prices at a level higher than normal). The thinking is that a stable-somewhat predictable price path at a slightly higher level is better than lower prices with short-term volatility.
On 5/11/06 Jen asked: Why are cost benifit analyses used by propontents and opponents of selected energy policies?
I'm going out on a limb and assuming that Jen failed whatever class she was trying to get this answer for.
On 5/12/06 Jacob asks: Are you aware of any serious legislative efforts (now or in the past) to enact any kind of green tax shift? Are any organizations doing more than academic research?
This reminds me of the time I went back home after I had been a somewhat productive faculty member at a D-I research university for a few years. I had a number of publications, was fairly successful at attracting grant money to do somewhat reasonable applied work, had started doing some consulting on the side and was well on my way to establishing myself as a somewhat respectable environmental economist when a high school friend of mine asked "When are you going to start doing real economics?"
On 6/6/06 Keith asked: What is the difference between environmental economics and ecological economics? Having done an environmental economics class several years ago, I was of the opinion that there was no real difference, but am now being told that they are quite different.
I don't think it's a coincidence that Keith asked the devil's question on the day of the beast.
In short, environmental economists use economics to study environmental issues and ecological economists don't use economics to study environmental issues.
Calm down EcolEconers, I'm kidding. John is far more diplomatic in this debate, so to avoid alienating myself even further from a group of well-intentioned but misinformed researchers, I refer you to his answer. Again, I'm JOKING! I have nothing but respect for the misguided.
On 6/12/06 Wy asked: "Drive Less" on a bumper sticker would be very hypocritical. =) The more exposure said sticker will see, the more the car would be driven (for typical use of a bumper sticker), after all. (Assumption is that the sticker will not be seen in a parking lot).
On 7/4/07 Nicole asked: Hello, I am thinking about pursuing a career in environmental economics. I have already obtained a B.S. in Biology. I have never been educated in the field of economics. I was wondering what would be the next step to take towards becoming an economist.
First step to becoming an economist: stop thinking about economics on the 4th of July. Sheesh, relax, have a burger and a beer and watch the fireworks--economics can wait till the 5th to solve the world's problems. Second step to becoming an economist: Learn common sense. After all, economics and common sense are synonymous.
On 7/14/06 Ben asked: I'm still hoping ya have an official "dismal science" answer to my question about the effect of war on the environment which I posted here... I've only found a few articles in the economist on the subject, and one econ paper that mentions it in passing, but not much else...But that got me to thinking, about an objective goal of environmentalism, which I think should be: uncouple the historical inverse relationship of the GDP and BIODIVERSITY curves My reasoning being "GDP" and "BIODIVERSITY" can be defined in simple mathmatical terms and graphed so a relationship can be understood by the so called man on the street. Does this make sense???????
No??????
On 7/26/06 aji asked: how we will prepare a quwstionnaire on contingent valuation of mangrove?
With some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
On 8/13/06 Gabe asked: My wife and I are in the market for a minivan and have been debating the relative environmental merits of buying the new, more fuel-efficient Mazda5 (average of 23 mpg) vs. a used Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey (averge of 19 mpg). Is it generally more environmentally friendly to buy a used car rather than a new car, and how is the answer to this question affected when you introduce the variable of fuel consumption?
Is this what marriage has come to? Debating the environmental friendliness of minivans? I can imagine how this conversation goes:
"Look, hunnybun, the ecological footprint of the Mazda5 is smaller."
"Yes, sweetums, but when you incorporate the fuel consumption variable, the Odyssey factors out favorably in terms of various measures of both biodiversity and sustainability."
"Yeah, well your mother's an intrusive bitch."
On 8/18/06 Jon asked: I'm looking for an economics consulting firm that could conduct a contingent valuation or stated preference study of a transportaiton- related environmental impact. The study would probably have to be done in 3-6 months duration and would be focused on a West Coast location. A western states location for the consulting firm would be an advantage.
For future reference, John and I are both available for lucrative consulting work, and although I can't speak for John, I am willing to sell-out for the right price.
On 8/30/06 Robert Hurley asked: I'd greatly appreciate hearing any suggestions you might have about finding internships in the Boston area for an undergraduate majoring in environmental studies and economics. Thanks in advance.
I've always wondered what happens to washed up ex-Duke basketball players?
On 9/15/06 Katherine asked: what is the truth about mining pollution and possible solutions in todays world?
Where would one find a pollution mine?
On 9/22/06 Colleen asked: I would like if you can describe to me what a anthropocentrist, biocentrist, ulitarian, and a preservationsist would stand on toxic colonialism?
Seriously, who comes up with this crap? An anthropocentrist, biocentrist, ulitarian, and a preservationsist walk into a toxic colonial bar...
On 10/15/06 Peggy asked: Can you give me some analysis and/or projections for gas prices in 2007.
Sure, I think gas prices will be $2.71 at the Speedway on E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio on April 25, 2007. Afraid I can't give you specifics though.
On 10/23/06 Annie St. John asked: I study international ocean issues and have been wondering how dead zones in international ocean waters effect the world economy negatively?
Ummmm...they're dead...that can't be good, right?
Alright...enough stupidity for today. I'll catch up on the rest some other time. Have a good one.
The irony is the beauty of the idea. I want every Hummer to have a sticker.