Optimal trading ratios for pollution permit markets

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Stephen P. Holland, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: We demonstrate a novel method for improving the efficiency of pollution permit markets by optimizing the exchange of emissions through trade. Under full-information, it is optimal for emissions to exchange according to the ratio of marginal damages. Under asymmetric information, we derive necessary conditions for the marginal damage trading ratios to be optimal, illustrate that the marginal damage trading ratios are generally not optimal, and show how to improve efficiency using optimal trading ratios. We calculate the optimal trading ratios for a global carbon market. The gains from using optimal trading ratios rather than marginal damage trading ratios range from substantial to trivial, which suggests the need for careful consideration of asymmetric information when designing permit markets.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Public Economics
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
Pollution markets, Asymmetric information, Trading ratios

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