In the tradeoff between economic output and environmental protection, what do the combinations on the protection possibility curve represent?

Short Answer

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The combinations on the Protection Possibility Curve represent the various trade-offs between economic output and environmental protection that can be achieved while maintaining a balanced compromise between these two competing objectives. Each point on the curve corresponds to a different level of economic output and environmental protection, allowing policymakers and stakeholders to visually compare and make informed decisions on the most appropriate balance between these objectives.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to the Protection Possibility Curve

The Protection Possibility Curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between two competing objectives, in this case, economic output and environmental protection. It shows the trade-offs between these objectives and highlights the different combinations of economic output and environmental protection that can be achieved.
02

Understanding Trade-offs

A trade-off is a decision that involves making a compromise between two competing objectives. In this exercise, one objective is to maximize economic output, while the other objective is to protect the environment. In other words, we need to find a balance between these objectives, as completely focusing on one objective leads to neglecting the other. The Protection Possibility Curve represents the various trade-offs that can be made between these two objectives.
03

Identifying Combinations on the Protection Possibility Curve

The combinations on the Protection Possibility Curve represent the different levels of economic output and environmental protection that can be achieved while maintaining a balanced trade-off between the objectives. Each point on the curve corresponds to a different combination of these objectives, allowing us to visually compare the trade-offs between them.
04

Interpreting the Curve

Each point on the curve signifies a particular combination of economic output and environmental protection. Points that are closer to the horizontal axis emphasize more on economic output, while points that are closer to the vertical axis stress on environmental protection. Therefore, the combinations on the Protection Possibility Curve highlight the compromises that can be made between these two objectives, allowing policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the most appropriate balance between these competing objectives. In conclusion, the Protection Possibility Curve demonstrates the trade-offs and compromises made between economic output and environmental protection. Each point on the curve represents a different combination of these objectives, highlighting the various levels of economic output and environmental protection that can be achieved while maintaining a balanced trade-off. This curve helps policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions on how to best balance these competing objectives.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In the Land of Purity, there is only one form of pollution, called "gunk." Table 12.14 shows possible combinations of economic output and reduction of gunk, depending on what kinds of environmental regulations are chosen. $$ \begin{array}{l|l|l} \hline {\text { Combos }} & \text { Eco Output } & \text { Gunk Cleaned Up } \\\ \hline \mathrm{J} & 800 & 10 \% \\ \hline \mathrm{K} & 500 & 30 \% \\ \hline \mathrm{L} & 600 & 40 \% \\ \hline \mathrm{M} & 400 & 40 \% \\ \hline \mathrm{N} & 100 & 90 \% \\ \hline \end{array} $$ a. Sketch a graph of a production possibility frontier with environmental quality on the horizontal axis, measured by the percentage reduction of gunk, and with the quantity of economic output on the vertical axis. b. Which choices display productive efficiency? How can you tell? c. Which choices show allocative efficiency? How can you tell? d. In the choice between \(\mathrm{K}\) and \(\mathrm{L}\), can you say which one is better and why? e. In the choice between \(\mathrm{K}\) and \(\mathrm{N}\), can you say which one is better, and why? f. If you had to guess, which choice would you think is more likely to represent a command-andcontrol environmental policy and which choice is more likely to represent a market-oriented environmental policy, choice \(\mathrm{L}\) or \(\mathrm{M}\) ? Why?

What does a point inside the production possibility frontier represent?

Identify whether the market supply curve will shift right or left or will stay the same for the following: a. Firms in an industry are required to pay a fine for their carbon dioxide emissions. b. Companies are sued for polluting the water in a river. c. Power plants in a specific city are not required to address the impact of their air quality emissions. d. Companies that use fracking to remove oil and gas from rock are required to clean up the damage.

Will a system of marketable permits work with thousands of firms? Why or why not?

Is zero pollution possible under a marketable permits system? Why or why not?

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