The impact of the Kyoto Protocol on environmental efficiency : a sectoral analysis

Abstract

This thesis studies sectoral level environmental efficiency changes in the Kyoto countries over the period 2000-2011. First, sectoral level environmental efficiency indexes for the Kyoto countries are computed by using a hyperbolic measure of technical efficiency in a non-parametric piece-wise linear technology. Second, the role of the Kyoto Protocol on environmental efficiency is empirically examined. The results showed that, sectoral level environmental efficiency is significantly improved, especially in dirty sectors, during the years following the Kyoto Protocol’s entry into force.