Abstract

CERDA, Arcadio; GARCIA, Leidy; BAHAMONDEZ, Alejandra  and  POBLETE, Viviana. Comparison of Willingness To Pay (WTP) for an Improvement in Air Quality between Users and Nonusers of Firewood in the City of Talca (Chile). Lect. Econ. [online]. 2010, n.72, pp.195-211. ISSN 0120-2596.

The objective of this study is to analyze the difference in the willingness to pay (WTP) for an improvement in air quality between users and nonusers of firewood at the locality of Florida in Talca (Chile). This analysis applied a contingent valuation approach, with a doubled-bound dichotomous choice format. By creating a certifying institution of dry firewood and assuming a linear and a logistic distribution function, this method calculates the WTP of an improvement in local air quality. The obtained value suggests the feasibility of financing the certifying institution's operation costs via an environmental municipal fee. Additionally, the findings imply that Florida's inhabitants using firewood are willing to pay a smaller amount than those who are not.

Keywords : willingness to pay; air pollution costs; contingent valuation.

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