Effect of change in environment on the types of goods and services?
The objective of the present discourse is to discuss various methods that are suggested or applied to find a pecuniary measure of the worth of environmental goods and services and evaluate them from the viewpoint of institutionalism. In a larger perspective, the preoccupation of obtaining a pecuniary measure of something tangible or intangible suffers from many drawbacks, but (traditionally) economists have chosen to stick to that. Moreover, the methods that we are going to discuss suffer from an additional flaw of assuming that “the desired” and “the desirable” are identical. This is a serious flaw that we inherit from the Benthamites, J S Mill in particular. We must keep aware of these (cultural, ideological and methodological) biases of economists in the back of our mind while discussing what follows.Alternative Methods of valuation of Environmental Goods and Services: Methods of valuation of environmental goods and services may broadly be classified into two categories: Pecuniary, and non-pecuniary. Pecuniary valuation methods obtain the ‘money equivalent’ of these goods and services – money is used as the numeraire, while non-pecuniary methods, more general in nature, may use any numeraire for valuation. Our primary concern here is to discuss only the methods of pecuniary valuation. These (pecuniary) methods may again be classified into three:based on Market Prices or Revealed Willingness to Pay, (ii) based on Circumstantial Evidence or Imputed Willingness to Pay, and based on survey of Expressed Willingness to Pay. In each category, there are several alternative methods.
Effect of change in environment on the types of goods and services?
Introduction:
Changes in the environment can have a significant impact on the types of goods and services that are demanded by consumers. The environment refers to the external factors that influence the behavior and preferences of individuals, such as social, economic, technological, and cultural factors. These changes can create new opportunities for businesses to offer innovative products and services, or they can render existing goods and services obsolete.
1. Economic Factors:
Changes in the economic environment, such as shifts in income levels, employment rates, and inflation, can greatly influence the types of goods and services demanded by consumers. For example:
- During a recession, consumers tend to reduce their spending on luxury goods and services and focus more on essential items.
- In times of economic growth, there may be an increase in demand for higher-end products and services as disposable income rises.
2. Technological Advances:
Technological advancements have a profound impact on the types of goods and services available in the market. These advancements can lead to the development of new products and services, as well as the obsolescence of existing ones. For instance:
- The rise of e-commerce has significantly transformed the retail industry, leading to increased demand for online shopping platforms, digital payment systems, and doorstep delivery services.
- The advent of smartphones and mobile applications has created a new market for various apps and digital services, such as ride-sharing, food delivery, and streaming platforms.
3. Social and Cultural Changes:
Changes in social and cultural norms can also drive shifts in the types of goods and services demanded by consumers. These changes are often influenced by demographic factors and evolving societal values. For example:
- Increasing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability have led to a growing demand for eco-friendly products and services, such as renewable energy solutions, organic food, and sustainable fashion.
- Changing demographics, such as an aging population, can create new opportunities for businesses to provide healthcare services, retirement planning, and age-friendly products.
4. Regulatory Environment:
Changes in the regulatory environment, including laws and regulations imposed by governments, can also impact the types of goods and services available in the market. For instance:
- Introduction of stricter environmental regulations may drive demand for products and services that help companies comply with these regulations, such as energy-efficient appliances or waste management solutions.
- Changes in healthcare policies can influence the demand for healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, changes in the environment have a profound impact on the types of goods and services demanded by consumers. Economic factors, technological advancements, social and cultural changes, and the regulatory environment all play a role in shaping consumer preferences and creating new market opportunities. Businesses that can anticipate and adapt to these changes are more likely to succeed in meeting the evolving needs and demands of consumers.