Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Consumer choices play a crucial role in the intersection of economics and ethical concerns for the environment. This research project aims to explore the dynamics between economics and ethics in shaping consumer behavior towards more environmentally friendly options. The current global economic system often prioritizes profit maximization and resource exploitation, leading to negative environmental impacts such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. However, consumers have the power to influence the market through their purchasing decisions. Ethical considerations come into play when consumers deliberate on the environmental consequences of their choices. Factors such as sustainability, carbon footprint, and ethical sourcing of products are increasingly important to a growing number of consumers. This shift in consumer preferences has prompted companies to adopt more environmentally friendly practices to meet the demand for sustainable products and services. On the economic front, businesses are recognizing the importance of incorporating environmental sustainability into their operations. This can lead to cost savings through resource efficiency, as well as access to new markets and improved brand reputation. However, implementing sustainable practices may also come with upfront costs and potential trade-offs in terms of profitability, which poses a challenge to businesses seeking to balance economic interests with environmental responsibilities. Policy interventions can also influence consumer choices by incentivizing sustainable behavior through regulations, subsidies, and taxes. Governments play a key role in setting the framework for environmental protection and sustainability, which can guide both businesses and consumers towards more ethical and environmentally conscious decisions. In conclusion, the relationship between economics and ethical concerns for the environment in consumer choices is complex and multifaceted. Consumer preferences, business practices, and government policies all interact to shape the market dynamics towards more sustainable outcomes. By understanding these interactions, stakeholders can work together to promote a more environmentally friendly economy that balances economic prosperity with ethical considerations for the well-being of the planet and future generations.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

The article examines individual action informed by ethical concerns for the environment as a strategy for moving toward more sustainable consumption. The article first employs a model of rational choice to analyze independent consumer choices among the usually assumed self- and welfare-centered consumers and then expands the model to analyze the implications of other than self- and welfare-centered motivations for consumer choice.

The article next analyzes interdependent consumer choices informed by self- and welfare-centered values with the help of a simple game-theoretic model and then moves on to examine the implications of nonutilitarian environmental concerns for interdependent consumer choice in the same game-theoretic framework. The article concludes that although a strategy based on individual action may have limited promise when environmental concerns are widely shared, the case for collective action remains strong because of both efficiency and equity reasons.