How much does 1 degree Celsius worth? - The economic value of paddy field Heat Sink Effect evaluate by the Contingent Valuation Method

COMBIEN VAUT 1 degrés Celsius? La valeur économique de Rizière DISSIPATEUR EFFET EVALUER PAR LE PROCÉDÉ CONTINGENT D'ÉVALUATION

Ya-Wen Chiueh [1] ; Chih-Hung Tan [2] ; Hsiang-Yi Hsu [3]

ABSTRACT

Facing the global warming problem, the existence of paddy fields may be one of the natural solutions to the regional temperature mitigation. The paddy cultivation, compared with other vegetation, may have more functions such as production, ecology and social lives. This study evaluate the economic valuation of paddy field heat sink effect by contingent valuation method. Through the paddy field heat sink effect and in the face of worsening extreme global climate, the WTP of the general public in Taiwan for the decrease of 1°C with regard to the regional microclimate was evaluated. It was found that the public's total economic value for the temperature decrease of 1°C in the regional microclimate amounted to approximately NTD284 billion, thus indicating the general public's great concern for the issue of rising temperatures. In this regard, the economic value of 1°C must not be underestimated. In conclusion, it need to be more cautious while making decisions in changing paddy fields to other land uses .

Keywords: Paddy Fields, Heat Sink Effect, Contingent Valuation Method