We characterize the location, stability and approach-time of optimal steady states in single-state, infinite-horizon, autonomous models by means of a simple function of the state variable, defined in terms of the model's primitives. The method does not require the solution of the underlying...

The adaptation vs. mitigation dilemma is considered by analyzing a simple dynamic model of managing a polluting process subject to the risk of abrupt occurrences of harmful events. The occurrence hazard can be mitigated by reducing the polluting emissions, while the occurrence damage can be...

We develop a simple model of managing a system subject to pollution damage, such as climate change, under the risk of an abrupt and random jump in the damage function. The model allows the full dynamic characterization of the optimal emission policies under uncertainty. The results imply...

Exploitation diminishes the capacity of renewable resources to withstand environmental stress, increasing their vulnerability to extreme conditions that may trigger abrupt changes. The onset of such events depends on the coincidence of extreme environmental conditions and on the resource state...