International Spillovers and Water Quality in Rivers: Do Countries Free Ride?
Working Paper 8585
DOI 10.3386/w8585
Issue Date
Transboundary spillovers may degrade environmental quality if countries free ride. This paper examines the extent of such degradation in water quality in international rivers. Using data from river monitoring stations in the UN's Global Emissions Monitoring System (GEMS), it compares pollution levels in international and domestic rivers. The results suggest that free riding may substantially increase pollution in international rivers, but the estimates are sensitive to the inclusion of country effects.
Published Versions
Sigman, Hilary. "International Spillovers And Water Quality In Rivers: Do Countries Free Ride?," American Economic Review, 2002, v92(4,Sep), 1152-1159. citation courtesy of