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The polluted ecosystem game

The polluted ecosystem game Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of optimal management of ecosystems by developing a dynamic model of strategic behavior by users/communities of an ecosystem such as a lake, which is subject to pollution resulting from the users. More specifically, it builds a model of two ecosystems that are spatially connected.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the techniques of optimal control theory and game theory.Findings – The paper uncovers sufficient conditions under which the analysis of the dynamic game can be converted to an optimal problem for a pseudo authority. It is shown that if the discount rate on the future is high enough relative to ecological self‐restoration parameters then multiple stable states appear. In this case, if the pollution level is high enough it is too costly in terms of what must be given up today to restore the damaged system. By using computational methods, the paper evaluates the relative strengths of lack of coordination, strength of ecosystem self‐cleaning forces, size of discount rates, etc.Originality/value – The methodology as well as findings can help to devise an optimal management strategy over time for ecosystems. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Indian Growth and Development Review Emerald Publishing

The polluted ecosystem game

Brock, W.A.; Dechert, W.D.
Indian Growth and Development Review , Volume 1 (1): 25 – Apr 18, 2008
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References (30)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
1753-8254
DOI
10.1108/17538250810868116
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of optimal management of ecosystems by developing a dynamic model of strategic behavior by users/communities of an ecosystem such as a lake, which is subject to pollution resulting from the users. More specifically, it builds a model of two ecosystems that are spatially connected.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the techniques of optimal control theory and game theory.Findings – The paper uncovers sufficient conditions under which the analysis of the dynamic game can be converted to an optimal problem for a pseudo authority. It is shown that if the discount rate on the future is high enough relative to ecological self‐restoration parameters then multiple stable states appear. In this case, if the pollution level is high enough it is too costly in terms of what must be given up today to restore the damaged system. By using computational methods, the paper evaluates the relative strengths of lack of coordination, strength of ecosystem self‐cleaning forces, size of discount rates, etc.Originality/value – The methodology as well as findings can help to devise an optimal management strategy over time for ecosystems.

Journal

Indian Growth and Development Review – Emerald Publishing

Published: Apr 18, 2008

Keywords: Ecology; Pollution; Economic sustainability; Lake pollution

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