The Greening of Development Economics: A Survey
December 19, 2007 by amathew , Brian Butler | Filed under: Industrialized vs Developing Economies,Literature Review
Blackman,Mathis,Nelson; The Greening of Development Economics: A Survey; January 2001; Discussion paper 01-08In this paper Allen Blackman and others (Mr. Blackman also authored the “Use of Economic Incentives n Developing Countries: Lessons from International Experience with Industrial Air Pollution” paper earlier reviewed) discuss their findings regarding research on environmental issues as they pertain to economic development. Specifically seven topics have been historically at the heart of these discussions. They are: the role of the state, economic growth, trade and industrialization, relations between rich and poor countries (aid, debt), structural adjustment and stabilization, population change, and the objectives and strategies of development. Blackman (et.al) discuss the history to these seven categories and how they have come to dominant the research. For instance, in particular regarding the category of growth, it is discussed the past historical issues (focused on the process and determinants of economic growth) and the “senior topic experts” (Harrod 1939, Solow 1956). Within that particular category the present day research is outlined including the topic that considers the links between economic growth and environmental impacts thereof. This empirical research studying “Environmental Kuznets Curves” suggests that degradation (of the environment) increases at low levels of income, but declines at higher levels. This argument can be used to bolster the argument that economic growth and environmental quality can go hand in hand – and this has been agreed upon by the World Bank in 1992.
This paper is applicable to the study topic. Once again it provides a good basis or stepping off point for any discussion regarding growing (developing) versus industrialized economies and their environmental impact. The references at the end of this paper provided great help in researching the topic.