Kathy K Dhanda

A Model of Consumption and Environmental Degradation: Making the case for sustainable consumer behaviour

This paper develops and examines a model of the relationship between consumption and environmental degradation, using the per-capita Gross Domestic Product as the proxy for consumer behaviour and per-capita carbon dioxide emissions as the indicator of pollution. The time path of emissions and consumption are modelled within a dynamic framework, and the result is expressed as an optimization problem from which Hamiltonian conditions are derived. These conditions are analysed through the use of a phase diagram, and the empirical section of the paper reveals the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and Gross Domestic Product values across nation-states as well as the United Nations classifications for development among countries. The paper closes with an examination of sustainable consumer behaviour that has global policy implications.

Carbon Offset Markets: A Viable Instrument?

In this article, we explore the realm of carbon offset markets that have been set up to enable consumers to offset their share of carbon emissions. Though the market is a relatively new one, it has quickly spawned countless offset providers under both regulated and voluntary schemes. Our research points out that the market is widely unregulated and, furthermore, there is no common quality or certification structure for the offset providers. At this point in the evolution of the market, only a handful of offset provider ratings schemes exist; and even these schemes leave a vast void for consumers.