Trade integration, environmental degradation, and public health in Chile: assessing the linkages

John Beghin (), Bradley J. Bowland, S bastien Dessus, David Roland-Holst () and Dominique van der Mensbrugghe

Environment and Development Economics, 2002, vol. 7, issue 02, pages 241-267

Abstract: We use an empirical simulation model to examine links between trade integration, pollution, and public health in Chile. We synthesize economic, engineering, and health data to elucidate this complex relationship and support more coherent policy. Trade integration scenarios examined include Chile s accession to the NAFTA, MERCOSUR, and unilateral opening to world markets. The latter scenario induces substantial worsening of pollution, partly because it facilitates access to cheaper and dirty energy, and has a significant negative effect on urban morbidity and mortality. Damages caused by rising morbidity and mortality are of similar magnitude and substantial. Emissions of small particulates, SO2, and NO2, have the strongest impact on local mortality and morbidity. These three pollutants appear to be complementary in economic activity. Unilateral trade integration combined with a tax on small particulates brings welfare gains, which are 16 per cent higher than those obtained under unilateral trade reform alone.

Date: 2002
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Related works:
Working Paper: Trade Integration, Environmental Degradation, and Public Health in Chile: Assessing the Linkages (1999)
Working Paper: Trade Integration, Environmental Degradation, and Public Health in Chile: Assessing the Linkages (2002)
Working Paper: Trade Integration, Environmental Degradation, and Public Health in Chile: Assessing the Linkages (1999)
Working Paper: Trade Integration, Environmental Degradation, and Public Health in Chile: Assessing the Linkages (1999)
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Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cup:endeec:v:7:y:2002:i:02:p:241-267_00

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