Search

Groundwater possesses a natural advantage as a reservoir, making it well-suited for storage. Introducing a water bank to the groundwater market not only reduces storage costs but also revitalizes the groundwater rights market, achieving synergy between the economic and ecological values of regional water resources. This study combines the core functions of a water bank to establish a theoretical framework for mechanisms concerning value appreciation and risk prevention. Approaching the topic from the perspectives of transaction costs and market price mechanisms, we employ the Monte Carlo algorithm for simulation to study the mechanistic impact of a water bank on the efficiency of the water market. It reveals that a water bank, compared to direct transactions between parties, can effectively reduce the number of transactions in the fragmented water rights market. Additionally, it effectively utilizes market transaction information to provide accurate pricing. Furthermore, we alter model parameters to explore the relationship between the average number of transactions in the market and supply–demand equilibrium. We also investigate how changes in the acceptable price range in the supply–demand market affect the pricing strategies of a water bank and open market pricing. These findings substantiate the necessity of developing a water bank in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional trade leads to carbon transfer, which in turn raises the issue of carbon inequality. However, less existing research has focused on carbon inequality within megaregions. Combining multi-regional input-output analysis, carbon Gini coefficients and carbon deviation coefficients, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of carbon equity in inter-provincial trade in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) from the perspective of economic benefits and environmental pressure. The results show that: (1) Carbon emissions from the production and consumption sides of the 11 provinces in the YEB vary considerably. (2) Significant carbon inequality exists in the YEB region. This is manifested in the unequal relationship between the transfer of embodied carbon emissions and economic benefits, as well as the difference in carbon deviation coefficients. Based on the results of our research, this paper can help provide theoretical support and decision-making reference for implementing a differentiated carbon emission reduction responsibility mechanism and establishing a coordinated carbon emission reduction responsibility system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water-use rights trading system fully embodies a new concept of water resources management of the 'water saving priority' and market-oriented governance. The price mechanism is a core component of this system, and the benchmark price is its cornerstone. Accordingly, this paper analyzes the connotation and characteristics of the water-use rights benchmark price (WURBP). Based on the Marxist labor theory of value and land rent theory, it is proposed that the WURBP should be the economic embodiment of the water-use rights value. Considering the case of the Ningxia Yellow River irrigated area, a WURBP calculation model was established using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model to calculate the agricultural WURBP. The obstacle degree model was introduced to analyze the main factors affecting the WURBP. Results show that the WURBP for food crops in the Ningxia Yellow River irrigation area is 0.252 yuan/m3, and 0.652 yuan/m3 for cash crops. Water yield coefficient, runoff coefficient, per capita GDP, farmland irrigation utilization coefficient, and ecological water consumption have gradually become the primary obstacles affecting agricultural WURBP. Water administrative departments should adjust the WURBP according to the actual situation. This paper innovatively puts forward the concept of WURBP. These results have important practical significance for improving China's agricultural water-use rights trading price system. • Proposed the concept of water use rights benchmark price. • Using game theory combination weighting method to calculate weight. • Crops are divided into food and cash crops to calculate the WURBP. • The obstacle degree model is built to analyze the main factors affecting the WURBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]