Transport and Low-carbon fuel: A study of Public Preferences in Spain
Loureiro, M.L., Labandeira, X., Hanemann, M. (2013) “Transport and Low-carbon fuel: A study of Public Preferences in Spain” Energy Economics, 40(1):126-133.
Abstract
Transport is essential for the control of future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and thus a target for active policy intervention in the future. Yet, social preferences for policies are likely to play an important role. In this paper we first review the existing literature on preferences regarding low-GHG car fuels, but also covering policy instruments and strategies in this area. We then present the results of a survey of Spanish households aimed at measuring preferences for climate change policies. We find a positive willingness to pay (WTP) (in the form of higher car fuel prices) for a policy to reduce GHG emissions through biofuels. There is, however, significant heterogeneity in public preferences due to personal motivations (accounted for via factor analysis of responses to attitudinal questions) and to socio-demographic variables
International Public Preferences and Provision of Public Goods: Assessment of Passive Use Values in Large Oil Spills
Loureiro, M.L., Loomis, J. (2013) “International Public Preferences and Provision of Public Goods: Assessment of Passive Use Values in Large Oil Spills” Environmental and Resource Economics, 56: 521-543.
Abstract
With global media reporting major environmental disasters, environmental damages linked to large oil spills may go well beyond the territorial limits of affected countries, particularly in the case of passive use values. In this analysis, we compare environmental damages linked a large oil spill off the coast of Spain using an online contingent valuation survey in three different European countries: Spain, UK, and Austria. Our results show that mean willingness to pay in Spain is about 124.37€/household, 80.87€/household in the UK, and 89.08€/household for Austria (expressed in 2009 prices). Conclusions and implications of our results suggest policy makers should consider the potential importance of passive use values in the compensation process of environmental damages caused by large international oil spills, especially within the European Union.
Do Experimental Auction Estimates Pass the Scope Test?
Loureiro, M.L., Gracia, A., Nayga, Jr, R.N. (2013) “Do Experimental Auction Estimates Pass the Scope Test?” Journal of Economic Psychology, 37(2013), 7-17.
Abstract
Scope insensitivity is a popular anomaly in many valuation studies. Although scope insensitivity is a problem that may be present in any valuation method, most previous literature has focused on evaluating scope sensitivity within the context of contingent valuation applications. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand the demand-revealing properties of experimental auctions since they are increasingly used to value products, such as quasi-public goods. In this paper, we test explicitly whether estimates coming from experimental auctions may pass a scope test. We conduct experimental auctions on products with a subset of attributes (part) and a comprehensive set of attributes (whole) related to animal welfare using two multi-product auction approaches: sequential and simultaneous. Results show that estimates pass the scope test when multi-product auctions are conducted simultaneously but not when they are conducted sequentially for all valued products. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Comentarios a los arts. 7, 12 y 15
Trigo, B. (2013) “Comentarios a los arts. 7, 12 y 15”
Comentarios a la Ley de sociedades profesionales. Régimen fiscal y corporativo (3 ªedición) Aranzadi, 311-371, 591-639, 699-748 ISBN 978-84-9014-302-5.
EspañolEstimating a Meta-damage Regression Model for Large Accidental Oil Spills
Alló, Maria, Loureiro, M.L. (2013) “Estimating a Meta-damage Regression Model for Large Accidental Oil Spills” Ecological Economics, 86, 167-175.
Abstract
Oil spills cause major damage to both a wide range of economic sectors and the environment. It is therefore important to anticipate the potential damage caused by these types of disasters, which can occur under many different and unpredictable circumstances. In this paper we study the main determining factors of the damage caused by oil spills, focusing in particular on the role played by the legislation applied in preventing these accidents. We find that more restrictive legislation reduces the economic damage caused by vessel oil spills. Based on the results of this international meta-regression, we are able to predict the marginal contributions to the damage function of the most relevant causing factors. These estimated damages can be used for rapid evaluations in the future, in cases where a direct damage assessment is not possible.
Environmental Accidents and Stigmatized Fish Prices: Evidence from the Prestige Oil Spill in Galicia
Dominguez, R., Loureiro, M.L. (2013) “Environmental Accidents and Stigmatized Fish Prices: Evidence from the Prestige Oil Spill in Galicia”
Economía Agraria y Recursos Naturales, 13(2): 103-126.
Abstract
Assessing the economic damages and their temporal dimension caused by oil spills is very important. In the present paper, we analyze the stigma effect caused in fish markets, in the North West coast of Spain (Galicia) after the Prestige oil spill. Specifically, we focus on pelagic fish species which represent a relevant market share in Galicia. The results show that printed media surrounding the accident had a statistically significant role in the evolution of fish prices. Two types of stigma were found: temporal and geographical stigma. Our results conclude that there is persistence of environmental effects after the spill.
The Impact of Protest Responses in Choice Experiments: An Application to a Biosphere Reserve Management Program
Barrio, M., Loureiro, M.L. (2013) “The Impact of Protest Responses in Choice Experiments: An Application to a Biosphere Reserve Management Program”
Forest Systems, 22(1): 94-105.
Abstract
Aim of study: To identify protest responses and compute welfare estimates with and without the inclusion of such responses using follow-up statements in a choice experiment exercise. To our knowledge, this is one of the first empirical applications that, following the conventional treatment used in contingent valuation methodology, explicitly deals with the treatment and identification of protest responses in choice experiments.
Area of study: the Eo, Oscos y Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve sited between the regions of Galicia and Asturias. We are interested in the influence of such responses on preference elicitation for alternative management actions in this Reserve.
Materials and methods: A face-to-face survey conducted in a sample of residents and non-residents of this Reserve. In total, more than 450 surveys were collected.
Main results show that protest responses are fairly common in choice experiments, and their analysis affects the statistical performance of the empirical models as well as the valuation estimates. In fact, when the sample is corrected by protest responses, its size decreases to 303 individuals. Furthermore, we can observe that protest responses are triggered by a less positive attitude towards the wolf.
Research highlight: Protest responses are a common issue in choice experiments and, therefore, future exercises should consider them explicitly, as earlier contingent valuation studies have.
Estudio de la causalidad de los incendios forestales en Galicia
Barreal, J., Loureiro, M.L., Picos, J. (2012) “Estudio de la causalidad de los incendios forestales en Galicia” Revista de Economía Agraria y de los Recursos Naturales, 12(1), 99-114.
Abstract
The goal of this research is to analyze the importance of the main factors contributing to the occurrence of wildfires in Galicia. The econometric models are specified taking into account as a dependent variable the number of fires and affected area, while these depend on a number of explanatory variables, including climatic and socio-economic characteristics. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that public policies should be oriented to re-structuring the agro-livestock sector, considering the evolution of the population pyramid, and new land uses. Such policies can help to reduce wildfires in Galicia.
Assessing the Impact of Biodiversity on Tourism Flows: an Econometric Model for Tourist Behavior with Implications for Conservation Policy
Loureiro, M. L., Macagno, G., Nunes, P.A.L.D., Tol, R. (2012) “Assessing the Impact of Biodiversity on Tourism Flows: an Econometric Model for Tourist Behavior with Implications for Conservation Policy” Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy, 1(2), 174-194.
Abstract
This analysis provides an example of how biodiversity can be measured by means of different indicators, and how the latter can be used to assess the influence of the biodiversity profile of a region on the tourism flows towards it. Domestic Irish tourist flows have been chosen as a case study. Results show that most of the biodiversity and landscape indicators included in the analysis turn out to be statistically significant in determining tourists’ choices regarding the duration of their trip. As a result, policies pursuing biodiversity conservation appear to have a positive impact on the regional tourism.
Stigma, Ex-convits and Labour Markets
Dominguez, R., Loureiro, M.L. (2012) “Stigma, Ex-convits and Labour Markets” German Economic Review, 13(4): 470-486.
Abstract
Rasmusen (1996) has shown that inmates not only suffer public penalties but also economic and social stigma. In this article, we analyse the economic consequences of imprisonment which can be identified as lower wages and difficulty in re-entering the labour market. Analysing data from a German survey, we find that having been in prison reduces the probability of finding a job and that the total time sentenced to imprisonment reduces both labour market opportunities and earnings. The penalty is worst for those who have committed murder.
