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Structural Decomposition Analysis of Physical Flows in the Economy

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Abstract

Many environmental problems can be attributedto the extraction and emissions of physicalsubstances. Increasing our understanding of theeconomic and technological driving forcesbehind these physical flows can contribute tosolving the environmental problems related tothem. The input-output framework is a usefulsetting in which to integrate detailedinformation about economic structure andphysical flows. In this article a specificmethod in input-output analysis is reviewed,namely Structural Decomposition Analysis (SDA).It is based on comparative static analysis,which decomposes historical changes of a policyvariable into determinant effects. SDA has beenapplied, for example, to analyze the demand andtechnological driving forces of energy use,CO2-emissions and various other pollutantsand resources. This article examines thetheoretical aspects of structuraldecomposition, in particular those concerningphysical flows and environmental issues.Furthermore, the article includes an extensivesurvey of empirical studies.

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  1. Department of Spatial Economics, Free University, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Rutger Hoekstra & Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh

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  1. Rutger Hoekstra
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  2. Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh
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Hoekstra, R., van den Bergh, J.C. Structural Decomposition Analysis of Physical Flows in the Economy. Environmental and Resource Economics 23, 357–378 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021234216845

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