Environmental taxes have been discussed as one of the main mechanisms to deal with environmental problems. Nonetheless, instruments of this type have rarely been implemented, and the adoption of new or higher environmental taxes has faced resistance in some countries. The purpose of this work is...

This paper analyzes the role of particular social and economic actors in the forest sector, and the impact of existing policies in the region. The aim is to visualize the options that are available to improve forest policies and practices that will in turn generate income and ensure...

This paper attempts to identify the climatic effect on birth outcomes in Brazil and, thus, to predict the potential impact of climate change. Panel data models indicate that excess and lack of rainfall have the most important harmful effects on newborns' health; temperature stresses and low...

Population growth and advances in quality of life in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) will require the region to rapidly increase its energy supply, even if major improvements in energy efficiency are attained. The region is characterized by a low-carbon power matrix and a potential to...

The objectives of this paper are two-fold: to analyze the role of international and domestic policies on the sustainable use of forests in Latin America; and to examine potential financing mechanisms to promote sustainable forest development and a more efficient wood processing industry. The paper...

This paper provides guidance to Bank staff on how to conduct an expanded, comprehensive economic cost-benefit analysis (CBA) in order to measure net benefits from a project taking both project and environmental factors into account, as required under Directives B.5 and B.9 in the Bank's...

This document is a synthesis of the region's most pertinent top priorities, of achievements undergone during recent years, and of the challenges and opportunities the region will face in the near future.Abstract: Los países pertenecientes a la región andina han realizado, durante los últimos...

In addition to the morbidity and mortality concerns of outdoor air pollution, studies have shown that air pollution also generates problems for children`s cognitive performance and human capital formation. High concentrations of pollutants can affect children`s learning process by exacerbating...

To choose better water investments we need to have a better appreciation of what is possible with improved governance, of how to identify improved governance, how to design institutions for it, and how to incorporate it into planning and investments. This paper reviews the theoretical and...

This paper provides a rationale for developing countries to announce future credible commitments to reduce GHG emissions even if these are not to materialize in the short run, and for domestic reasons only. A simple framework is presented in which it is shown that it may be costly for an economy...