This workshop is intended for researchers and doctoral students in economics who are interested in resource and environmental economics. The webinar is led by a team of researchers composed of Geir B. Asheim (Oslo University), Hassan Benchekroun (McGill University), Sophie Bernard (Polytechnique Montréal), Etienne Billette de Villemeur (Université de Lille, UQAM), Robert Cairns (McGill University), Justin Leroux (HEC Montréal), and Charles Séguin (UQAM).

This workshop on natural resource and environmental economics will host Frikk Nesje (University of Copenhagen) et Anderson Camille, PhD candidate at the University of Lille.

→ This event will be in English.

• Frikk Nesje (University of Copenhagen)
  Does Axiological Longtermism Require Deontic Shorttermism?
   

Abstract

We assume that (i) the good is determined by an axiology satisfying impartiality (anonymity) and sensitivity (Pareto), thus leading in productive societies to Weak Longtermism in the sense of non-decreasing well-being, and that (ii) society seeks to implement such sustainable development by generations behaving right according to deontological ethics. Hence, in deontological terms, each generation must ensure that the next generation is as well off as itself, taking into account that the next generation has the same duty, by trading off their own selfish interests against an altruistic component that depends on the interests of future generations. We ask whether such altruism for the future should extend far and wide or near and narrow, and refer to near-and-narrow concerns as Deontic Shorttermism. Our findings indicate that the interests of future generations are most easily taken care of if altruism concerns only the immediate descendants of the same dynasty, as this minimizes the total weight on the altruistic component.

• Anderson Camille, PhD candidate at the University of Lille
  Fueling the Future : The Impact of producing Suatainable aviation fuel from agricultural residues

Abstract

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector. This paper, within the context of the ReFuelEU Aviation policy, examines the economic implications of SAF production, particularly through the use of agricultural residues. The core objective is to identify the optimal share of SAF that maximizes welfare in the aviation sector, while accounting for indirect impacts on agricultural production, environmental sustainability, and CO₂ reduction targets. Using a partial equilibrium framework, the study first assesses the economic viability of converting these residues into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It then examines the impact of the SAF blending mandate on aviation fuel consumption, agricultural production, and land use. Finally, the study identifies key thresholds and regulatory controls, emphasizing that if SAF prices rise too significantly, the resulting pressure could lead to increased agricultural production, primarily aimed at boosting residue output. Our results suggest that while SAF blending mandates may initially stimulate agricultural production, their effects may be counterproductive if SAF blending mandates become excessive. Under extreme production scenarios, second-generation biofuels have impacts on agricultural commodity prices and land use that are similar to those of first-generation biofuels, undermining the intended benefits of the mandates.