As abatement efforts increase (pollution is reduced), the marginal benefits from abatement _____, and the marginal costs of abatement _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As pollution is reduced, the additional benefits of removing a little more pollution (marginal benefits) decrease because the most critical pollution has already been addressed. Meanwhile, the costs of removing additional pollution (marginal costs) increase because the easiest and cheapest options for pollution reduction are used first, and more expensive methods are needed as pollution levels decrease.

As Abatement Efforts Increase (Pollution Is Reduced), the Marginal Benefits