Suppose that in 2015, geologists discover large reserves of oil under the tundra in Alaska. These reserves

Question:

Suppose that in 2015, geologists discover large reserves of oil under the tundra in Alaska. These reserves have a market value estimated at $50 billion at current oil prices. Oil companies spend $1 billion to hire workers and move and position equipment to begin exploratory pumping during that same year. In the process of loading some of the oil onto tankers at a port, one company accidentally spills some of the oil into a bay and by the end of the year pays $1 billion to other companies to clean it up. The oil spill kills thousands of birds, seals, and other wildlife. What was the combined effect of these events on GDP for this year? In what ways, if any, does the effect on GDP reflect a loss in national welfare?
Fantastic news! We've Found the answer you've been seeking!

Step by Step Answer:

Related Book For  book-img-for-question

Economics Today

ISBN: 978-0132554619

16th edition

Authors: Roger LeRoy Miller

Question Posted: