POLSCI 160 Lecture Notes - Lecture 25: Cites, Externality, Overfishing
Document Summary
Environment has public goods, as you can"t exclude people who do not participate. Costs are specific and larger than an individual"s contribution. Public goods, such as protection of fisheries, have these two characteristics. One party benefits that impose costs on another. Actors may disagree ab how public goods should be provided. Since its over long period of time, bargaining over distribution is harder. Institutions created at int level focus on understanding first. All might agree on public good, but have incentive not to participate. Oil pollution: restrictions on emissions of ballasts vs segregated ballast tanks and crude oil washing. Raises in rates convinced owners to change tanks. Wash out w crude oil self enforcing. Red snapper and sea bass the same. Cost is that fisher has to catch less than capable to catch. Chemical companies ended up flipping to control market of alternatives. Economic cost of a solution unclear and difficult. Enforcement: no reciprocity, and can"t stop defecting.
