| Author | Gautam, Tana |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. NR-95-01 |
| Subject(s) | Natural resources
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environmant, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-95-01 |
| Abstract | This study develops a system dynamics behavioral model underlying the mechanism of growth and natural resource depletion in an open economy of a developing country. The model integrates utility maximization behavior of consumers, profit maximization behavior of producers and resource managers and preferences of people in general. The model shows that an open economy engaged in free trade for imports of capital goods oversupplies natural resources and the world not only overconsumes underpriced natural resources but also depletes natural capital stock and its regenerative capacity. While operationalisation of severance tax and subsequent resource augmenting technological change and continuous selection of resource mix to match the consumption needs ensure sustained availability of resources, the investment policies affecting endogenous mechanism of industrialization and technological change towards increasing service efficiency appear to improve the economic health of an economy. However, technological change designed for the purpose of improving economic health does not guarantee to maintain the resource base intact. Combination of these policies fundamentally generate the optimal model behaviour. The policies affecting commodity price stabilization and control on imports of luxury goods facilitate to postpone the problem of natural resource depletion for future consideration. The extensive data base on geological information about resources is essential for the implementation of policies suggested in this study. |
| Year | 1995 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-95-01 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Saeed, Khalid; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Ram M.;Remigio, Amador A.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Germany; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1995 |