Maximizing minimal rights for sustainability: a viability approach

Vincent Martinet

No 2007-20, EconomiX Working Papers from University of Paris Nanterre, EconomiX

Abstract: This paper examines how the viability approach can be used to define sustainability goals. In an economic model with a non renewable natural resource, we define minimal rights to be guaranteed for all generations. These rights can include a minimal consumption (economic goal) and the preservation of natural resources (environmental goal). From a given economic state, it is possible to define the set of minimal rights that can be provided for all generation. To address the intergenerational equity issue, we propose to use a criterion that define the set of minimal rights that provide the maximal utility, in a Rawlsian perspective (Rawls, 1971). We describe how this criterion can be applied and computed, and discuss it with respect to usual criteria, including the maximin criterion, the Green Golden Rule, the Chichilnisky approach and the Mixed Bentham-Rawls criterion.

Keywords: sustainability; intergenerational equity; minimal rights; viability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C61 O13 Q01 Q32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 29 pages
Date: 2007
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-env and nep-upt
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Working Paper: Maximizing minimal rights for sustainability: a viability approach (2007)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:drm:wpaper:2007-20

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