Consumption, Happiness, and Climate Change

5 Pages Posted: 9 Nov 2008 Last revised: 19 Nov 2012

See all articles by Mark A. Cohen

Mark A. Cohen

Vanderbilt University - Strategy and Business Economics; Vanderbilt University - Law School; Resources for the Future

Michael P. Vandenbergh

Vanderbilt University - Law School

Abstract

In this article, we explore the implications of this literature for understanding the relationship between climate change policies and consumption. We identify a number of ways in which accounting for the implications of the new happiness literature could lead to laws and policies that influence consumption in ways that increase the prospects for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developed and developing countries. We do not examine every nuance of the growing happiness literature, but we provide a brief introduction and observations that we hope will stimulate further efforts by academicians and policymakers.

Keywords: happiness, life satisfaction, subjective well-being

JEL Classification: Q54, I31, D31

Suggested Citation

Cohen, Mark A. and Vandenbergh, Michael P., Consumption, Happiness, and Climate Change. RFF Discussion Paper No. 08-39, Environmental Law Reporter, Vol. 38, December 2008, Vanderbilt Law and Economics Research Paper No. 08-29, Vanderbilt Public Law Research Paper No. 08-54, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1288638

Mark A. Cohen (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Strategy and Business Economics ( email )

Nashville, TN 37203
United States
615-322-0533 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://business.vanderbilt.edu/bio/mark-cohen/

Vanderbilt University - Law School

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States

Resources for the Future ( email )

1616 P Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States
202-328-5000 (Phone)

Michael P. Vandenbergh

Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States

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