Environmentally motivated energy taxes in Scandinavian countries
Author:  Michał PTAK, Wrocław University of Economics, Poland

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Abstract: The article contains a review of energy taxes used in four Northern European countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) since the 1990s2000s. These countries pioneered the introduction of carbon taxes. Some of these taxes were used as parts of national environmental tax reforms. The author discusses environmental considerations in carbon-energy taxation schemes in the Nordic countries. Attention is also paid to the problem of simultaneous use of different climate policy instruments: energy taxes and the emissions trading scheme.

Keywords: environmental protection, energy taxes, Nordic countries, environmental tax reform

Calculating genuine saving for Kazakhstan
Author:  Yergali DOSMAGAMBET, RAKURS Center for Economic Analysis (Almaty, Kazakhstan)

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Abstract: Economic literature (Hamilton and Clemens, 1999; Dasgupta and Maler, 2000; World Bank, 2006) argues that non-negative rates of genuine saving correspond to sustainability of economic development. The values of genuine saving depend on the methods of its estimation particularly for oil-producing countries. By generalizing the methodology, presented in Bolt et al., (2002), we provide two extensions of calculating genuine saving on the basis of the national statistical data of Kazakhstan. Although the results are sometimes contradictory, the economy is apparently on an unsustainable path and therefore, loses its value of welfare with time.

Keywords: Non-renewable resource, genuine saving, Kazakhstan, economic development, sustainable development

Global Policy Supporting the Development of LDCs – an attempt of synthetic assessment
Author:  Karol KOCISZEWSKI, Wroclaw University of Economics

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Abstract: The paper’s goal is the assessment of the effectiveness of the most important programs aimed at support for developing countries projected and organized by global institutions such as United Nations agendas, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and highly developed states. Assessment is made in the context of the so-called Washington Consensus. This paradigm seems to be inadequate to developing countries social and economic situation, in some cases even leading to larger problems. New programmes, such as the Millennium Development Goals, also seem not to lead to development of Less Developed Countries.

Keywords: Economic development, international development assistance, Millennium Goals, less developed countries, UN, Washington Consensus

The potential of project finance for financing public tasks
Author:  Anna PYKA, Karol Adamiecki University of Economics in Katowice, Poland

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Abstract: Project finance is a kind of financing method connected with industrial and infrastructural projects. A specific element of project finance is the necessity of creating special purpose vehicle (SPV). A guarantee for return of capital used to finance project are the SPV’s assets. Moreover the return of capital depends on the project’s cash flow. Thanks to project finance public tasks can be financed by private capital, and develop new economic relationships between the private and public sector. This article presents the main issues of project finance and discusses opportunities for using this kind of financing method for industrial and infrastructural development as well as advantages and limitations of applying this financing method.

Keywords: Public entity, private entity, public-private partnership (PPP), public project, regional development

Agricultural activity and the environment – a survey from the Wielkopolska region in Poland
Author:  Hanna PONDEL Poznan University of Economics, Poland

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Abstract: Environmental issues seem to receive priority in sustainable development. It embraces on the one hand a reduction in resource use in production, while on the other hand focusing on environmental protection and prevention of environmental decay. In this context, the aim of this paper is to present and analyse opinions of agricultural producers in the Wielkopolska region in Poland regarding the functions of agriculture, the influence of agriculture on the environment, pro-environmental activities undertaken during the last few years and interest in organic production. Surveys carried out in 2005, 2007 and 2009 are compared.

Keywords: agriculture functions, environmentally-friendly production methods, pro-environmental actions, agricultural-environmental programme