Economic repercussions of sulfur regulations in Poland

 

Abstract

Using applied general equilibrium techniques, it is possible to compute alternative equilibria for different policy regimes and to assess impacts of the changes. We have used these techniques to verify economy-wide effects of SO2 emission reduction in Poland according to international sulfur agreement. Simulation results suggest that future emission reduction may have a positive effect on Polish economic indicators. We should not be afraid of a slump in emitting sectors. Some sectors may increase their SO2 emission and abate it afterwards, rather than decrease their emission at once. The poor households may even gain because their welfare effect will be positive.

Keywords: Computable general equilibrium model; External shocks; International environmental agreement