A TALE OF 2 COLLECTIVES - SULFUR VERSUS NITROGEN-OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION IN EUROPE

A theoretical model of emission reductions is specified that accounts for voluntary and non-voluntary behaviour regarding the adherence to t he Helsinki and Sofia Protocols, which mandated emission reductions fo r sulphur (S) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), respectively. From this model , we derive an econometric specification for the demand for emission r eductions that adjusts for the spatial dispersion of the pollutant. Wh en tested for 25 European nations, the model performs well for sulphur cutbacks. Less satisfying results are obtained for NOx, because the m odel's assumption of a unitary actor at the national level is less des criptive. Collective action considerations indicate that sulphur emiss ions are easier to control than those of NOx.