Proceedings of the 41st International Academic Conference, Venice

THE PROVISION TO PAY TO REMEDY AN ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE. CASE STUDY OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF LA COMARCA LAGUNERA, MEXICO.

ROLANDO RÍOS-AGUILAR

Abstract:

The global climate change (IPCC, 2014) causes unexpected and severe hydrometeorological phenomena, among which are the so-called "waterspouts." These phenomena, because of the rarity of their appearance, strongly impact urban infrastructure which, as is the case of the metropolitan region under study, (located in a semi-desert climatic zone, and therefore lacking in storm drainage) is not prepared for the adequate management of the water flow generated by the extraordinary hydrometeorological phenomenon. The aforementioned causes the vulnerability of the population to house floods, flooding of vehicular traffic routes, automobile accidents, the appearance of disease-transmitting vector pests, and, in general, the disruption of community life over several weeks. Despite sharing resources, productive and academic activities and being a region with its own social identity, until now, this metropolitan area has lacked a common policy on the environment and adaptation to climate change. Taking into account the above, a field investigation was carried out under the contingent valuation method (Cummings, Brookshire and Shultze 1986, Mitchell and Carson, 1989, Riera, 1994) in order to get closer to knowing the willingness to pay a "green tax". "(Riera, 1994, OECD, 2011, ECLAC, 2015) aimed at remedying the impact of the waterspouts and establishing the adequate infrastructure to adapt effectively to climate change. The research consisted of conducting a survey among the population of the metropolitan area where 400 economically active people were asked, their willingness to pay, as well as the amount that would be willing to cover. The results showed that 42% of the surveyed population, regardless of their personal income, level of education or area of the city in which they live, would be willing to pay to remedy the damage caused by extreme hydrometeorological events. This percentage is considered relevant as a basis for the design and execution of a public policy aimed at adapting to climate change in a context of scarcity of resources for municipal public finances and as a principle for the development of metropolitan policies that design and execute, joint and articulated way, policies and measures of adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

Keywords: Contingent valuation, climate change, vulnerability, comarca lagunera.

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2018.041.029

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