• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.123-159
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• 2013

We use a multi-regional dynamic computable general equilibrium model to explain an economic effect of $CO_2$ tax on the national and regional economy of Korea. First, we compare two $CO_2$ taxes: a region-specific $CO_2$ tax and a uniform $CO_2$ tax. In the region-specific tax, the $CO_2$ tax rate in the capital area and the south-eastern region is much greater than those in other regions. GDP loss resulting from the region-specific tax is bigger than that in the uniform tax. Second, we consider three options for tax recycling: consumption tax recycling, labor-income tax recycling, and corporate-income tax recycling. The corporate-income tax recycling has the least GDP-loss effect over the three options. These results support that it is more efficient to use a uniform $CO_2$ tax rate than a region-specific $CO_2$ tax rate and that the corporate-income tax recycling is more desirable in a sense of efficiency than the consumption and labor-income tax recycling options.

• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.371-416
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• 2012

This study has developed Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model reflecting endogenous growth economic theory, with the aim of analyzing double dividend hypothesis. This study analyzes possibility of economic growth and environmental improvement at the same time when government recycles the revenue of carbon tax to reduce existed taxes such as consumption tax, labor income tax, corporate tax. It also assesses the case of subsidy on R&D investment of renewable energy. With new and renewable generation technology adopted and disseminated, GDP loss would be lessened to a great degree. Tax recycling would provide economic gain by reducing distortion existed in the existing fiscal structure. The magnitude of economic gains from carbon tax recycling is biggest for recycling into corporate tax, and labor income tax, and then consumption tax in this order. It is also shown that double dividend effects occur in dynamic terms when government uses a carbon tax revenue to subsidize on R&D investment. At the end of the analysis period, emissions reduction would not result in GDP loss but in GDP gain. In particular, recycling into R&D increase would produce the largest and fastest GDP gain. Thus, implementing emissions reduction target would require careful consideration of economic effects by various policy instrument, including carbon tax.

• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-32
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• 2024

The emissions trading system stands as a pivotal climate policy in Korea, incentivizing abatement equivalent to 87% of total emissions (as of 2021). As the system likely has a far-reaching impact, it is crucial to understand how the real economic activity, energy sector, as well as environment would be influenced by its implementation. Employing a macroeconometric model, this paper is the first study analyzing the effects of the Korean emissions trading policy. It interconnects the Korean Standard Industrial Classification (Economy), Energy Balance (Energy), and National Inventory Report (Environment), enhancing its real-world explanatory power. We find that a 50% increase in emission permit price over four years results in a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions (-0.043%) and downward shifts in key macroeconomic variables, including real GDP (-0.058%), private consumption (-0.003%), and investment (-0.301%). The price increase in emission permit is deemed crucial for achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. To mitigate transition risk associated with price shocks, revenue recycling using auction could ensure the sustainability of the economy. This study confirms the comparative advantage of expanded current transfers expenditure over corporate tax reduction, particularly from an economic growth perspective.