Measuring natural resource scarcity: theory and practice. [Evaluation of Barnett-Morse methodology]

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · J. Environ. Econ. Manage.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0095-0696(78)90024-4· OSTI ID:6796466

Smith, V K

Concern over the implications of natural-resource availability for economic well-being has been among the most long-lived policy issues involving economists. Scarcity and Growth by Barnett and Morse (Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1963) has remained the most-influential evaluation of these issues. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Barnett-Morse methodology. Using the results from comparative static and dynamic models, three scarcity indexes are evaluated for their consistency in signaling changes in the availability of natural resources. In addition, the paper reports a reconsideration of the movements in the relative prices of extractive outputs to 1973. This analysis indicates that the empirical evidence alone is not sufficient to arrive at a conclusion as to whether there is increasing scarcity of natural resources. 53 references.

• Research Organization: Resources for the Future, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6796466
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Econ. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Econ. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 5:2; ISSN JEEMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290100 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Analysis & Modeling
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
AVAILABILITY
CHARGES
COMMODITIES
DECISION MAKING
DEMAND FACTORS
ECONOMICS
EVALUATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MEASURING METHODS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PRODUCTION
RAW MATERIALS
RESOURCE DEPLETION
RESOURCES
SIMULATION
USA