Microeconomics Chapter 9 Flashcards

Study Notes

The Economics of Pollution

Pollution arises as a byproduct of activities that generate societal benefits, such as electricity generation and agricultural production.
It is acknowledged that the optimal level of pollution is not zero, suggesting a balance between production benefits and environmental costs.

Costs and Benefits of Pollution

Marginal social cost of pollution: The additional cost to society from one more unit of pollution.
Marginal social benefit of pollution: The added benefit to society from one more unit of pollution.
Socially optimal quantity of pollution: The pollution level society would choose when all associated costs and benefits are accounted for.

External Costs and Benefits

External cost: An uncompensated cost imposed on others by an individual or firm.
External benefit: A benefit provided to others by an individual or firm without compensation.
Externalities: The combination of external costs and benefits that affect third parties not involved in economic transactions.

Pollution as an External Cost

Pollution is categorized as an external cost, representing a negative externality.
Activities generating external benefits are considered positive externalities.
Markets, if left unregulated, typically produce excessive pollution as firms do not factor in the costs imposed on others.

Private Solutions to Externalities

Ronald Coase proposed that the private sector could resolve externalities in an ideal situation.
Coase theorem: Efficient solutions can be reached despite externalities if transaction costs are low.
Internalizing externalities: Individuals factor external costs into their decision-making, leading to mutually beneficial agreements.
Transaction costs can hinder the internalization of externalities, examples include:
- Communication costs among parties involved.
- Expenses related to legal agreements.
- Delays caused by bargaining processes.

Policies Toward Pollution

Environmental standards: Rules enforcing environmental protection via producer and consumer actions; often inefficient due to rigidity.
Emissions tax: A tax linked directly to the pollution output of firms.
Pigouvian tax: A tax matching the marginal external cost of pollution.
Tradable emissions permits: Licenses that allow firms to emit limited pollutants, which can be traded among emitters.

Description

Explore key terms and concepts from Chapter 9 of Microeconomics, focusing on the economics of pollution. Understand how pollution arises as a byproduct of essential economic activities and the implications of managing it effectively.