Working Paper: NBER ID: w8585
Authors: Hilary Sigman
Abstract: Transboundary spillovers may degrade environmental quality if countries free ride. This paper examines the extent of such degradation in water quality in international rivers. Using data from river monitoring stations in the UN's Global Emissions Monitoring System (GEMS), it compares pollution levels in international and domestic rivers. The results suggest that free riding may substantially increase pollution in international rivers, but the estimates are sensitive to the inclusion of country effects.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: Q2
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| free riding behavior among countries (H40) | increased pollution levels in international rivers (Q53) |
| presence of international rivers (F55) | higher pollution levels (Q53) |
| country-specific effects (O57) | mediation of relationship between international cooperation and pollution outcomes (F64) |