Voluntary emission reductions, social rewards, and environmental policy

Arbeitspapier

Social norms and intrinsic motivations lead to voluntary environmentally responsible behaviour even in the absence of environmental policy. The paper shows that the introduction of environmental policy may lead to a reduction of voluntary abatement and sometimes may increase emissions and environmental damage. The explanation is that voluntary abatement is socially rewarded and the reward depends on the general attitude of society towards voluntary abatement. So, if the government tightens environmental standards, the voluntary component of abatement is reduced and the social reward is negatively affected. Some considerations concerning optimal environmental policies are discussed towards the end of the paper.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Nota di Lavoro ; No. 45.1997

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Relation of Economics to Social Values ; Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents: General ; Renewable Resources and Conservation: Government Policy

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Rauscher, Michael
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)
• (where): Milano
• (when): 1997

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/154808
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET