This paper elaborates on the recent race to sequence the human genome. Starting from the debate on public vs. private research arising from the genome case, the paper shows that in some fundamental research areas, where knowledge externalities play an important role, market and non-market...

In this paper, the reaction of firms to the introduction of environmental charges in a given industry is analysed. Firms may decide either to relocate their plants abroad or to adopt a new environmental-friendly technology. The latter can be either developed by investing in R&D or obtained by...

This paper introduces to the main policy research issues that the interrelationship between environmental and economic problems has recently emphasised. Economists have traditionally encouraged the use of incentive-based instruments in place of command and control regulation. The starting point...

The present stalemate in climate negotiations has led policy analysts and economists to explore the possible emergence of alternative climate regimes. This paper explores the idea of replacing international cooperation on greenhouse gas emission control with international cooperation on...

In this paper a simple model is used to analyse the strategic behaviour of countries that bargain over CO2 emission reductions. Five main world regions are considered and their incentives to sign an international agreement on climate change control are analysed. A non-cooperative approach to...

This paper surveys recent advances in climate models by emphasising how quantitative instruments can answer the main crucial questions addressed by the policymakers involved and therefore aid the formulation of effective global climate policies. The limits of existing models are highlighted and...