Giles Atkinson

Using a representative sample of the UK population, the authors of this paper use a discrete choice experiment to explore the way in which distributional considerations drive respondent decisions in two dimensions: (a) among recipients of adaptation finance in recipient developing countries, and (b) among those who contribute to this finance (via taxation). Read more

This paper examines the significance of the ownership of natural capital in the context of natural capital accounting, illustrated with regard to two ecosystem services – carbon sequestration and air pollution removal – and a range of ecosystem types and land ownership in Scotland. Read more

The fact that a carbon tax is an environmentally and economically efficient instrument for reducing emissions is often highlighted, but the equity story is also of importance. This paper addresses the question of the distributional burden of a carbon tax across different income groups and the role played by income inequality. Read more

The unprecedented advances in economic development witnessed over the past decades cannot continue if economic progress comes at the expense... Read more

Evidence that the UK may possess sizable resources of shale gas and oil has instigated a debate about whether a sovereign wealth fund would be an effective way to use tax revenues from their exploitation. Analysis in this paper explores the implications the sovereign wealth fund model for managing past and future UK oil and gas resources. Read more

Paper considers the practical trade-offs policy makers and practitioners must navigate when utilizing the concept of well-being in environmental interventions. Read more

Focusing on the most impoverished populations, we critically review and synthesise key themes from dominant frameworks for assessing the relationship... Read more

This Handbook takes stock of progress made in our understanding of what sustainable development actually is and how it can be measured and achieved. Read more

Governments and businesses are beginning to account for natural capital, but must collaborate to promote sustainability, combat climate change and improve decision-making. Read more

Working Paper 117 Abstract Questions about the ultimate size of mineral and energy resource endowments, and the degree of fiscal... Read more

Abstract The fact that developing countries do not have carbon emission caps under the Kyoto Protocol has led to the... Read more

Abstract The design of environmental policy raises several equity issues, in particular the distribution of benefits and costs. At the... Read more

Abstract Arguments about the appropriate discount rate often start by assuming a Utilitarian social welfare function with isoelastic utility, in... Read more

Abstract Environmental cost-benefit analysis, or CBA, refers to the economic appraisal of policies and projects that have the deliberate aim... Read more

The unprecedented advances in economic development witnessed over the past decades cannot continue if economic progress comes at the expense... Read more

This Handbook takes stock of progress made in our understanding of what sustainable development actually is and how it can be measured and achieved. Read more

Giles Atkinson has become a member of the Committee at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Natural Capital... Read more

Staff, students and members of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment have contributed to this report, which provides an analysis of the UK's natural environment in terms of the benefits it provides to society and continuing economic prosperity. Read more