Mette Wier

Bio: Mette Wier is an academic researcher from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The author has contributed to research in topics: Consumption (economics) & Purchasing. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 36 publications receiving 2228 citations.

Market potential for organic foods in Europe

Abstract: Examines the potential of organic foods in European markets, focusing on consumer demand for organic foods and the possibilities for market expansion. Aims to assess potential sales, to identify the factors determining buying propensity, and to identify the main market barriers. Identifies the types of consumers who purchase organic foods, classifying them according to socio‐economic and demographic characteristics. Elucidates the motives for purchasing and the willingness to pay. Identifies the main market barriers and bottlenecks, and examins the potential for future expansion.

Effects of Household Consumption Patterns on CO2 Requirements

Abstract: In order to evaluate the relation between the consumption pattern of various household types and their CO2 requirements, we combine input-output tables energy flow matrices, CO2 emissions factors, and national consumer survey statistics into an integrated modelling framework, and relate differences in household types to differences in private consumption and again to differences in CO2 emissions. We identify household characteristics with a significant influence on CO2 emissions. Comparing our results with those of other studies reveals that national differences in climate and population density cause differences in the contribution to CO2 emissions. Finally, national differences in income and expenditure elasticities of both energy and CO2 are due to differences in the disparity in CO2 intensities amongst commodities and to the model's assumptions on foreign technology.

Who are organic food consumers? A compilation and review of why people purchase organic food

Abstract: This paper integrates and synthesizes the findings of published research on organic food consumption. We identify several themes that reflect the various rationales used by consumers when deciding to purchase organic food. The literature clearly indicates that the word "organic" has many meanings, that consumers of organic foods are not homogeneous in demographics or in beliefs, and that further research could help better describe the various constituencies that are often lumped together as "organic food consumers". The organic and broader food industries must better understand the variety of motivations, perceptions, and attitudes consumers hold regarding organic foods and their consumption if their own long-term interests, as well as those of other stakeholders of food marketing, are to be best served. We conclude with implications and suggestions for further research.

Carbon Footprint of Nations: A Global, Trade-Linked Analysis

Abstract: Processes causing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions benefit humans by providing consumer goods and services. This benefit, and hence the responsibility for emissions, varies by purpose or consumption category and is unevenly distributed across and within countries. We quantify greenhouse gas emissions associated with the final consumption of goods and services for 73 nations and 14 aggregate world regions. We analyze the contribution of 8 categories: construction, shelter, food, clothing, mobility, manufactured products, services, and trade. National average per capita footprints vary from 1 tCO2e/y in African countries to ∼30t/y in Luxembourg and the United States. The expenditure elasticity is 0.57. The cross-national expenditure elasticity for just CO2, 0.81, corresponds remarkably well to the cross-sectional elasticities found within nations, suggesting a global relationship between expenditure and emissions that holds across several orders of magnitude difference. On the global level, 72% of greenhouse ...

The material footprint of nations.

Abstract: Metrics on resource productivity currently used by governments suggest that some developed countries have increased the use of natural resources at a slower rate than economic growth (relative decoupling) or have even managed to use fewer resources over time (absolute decoupling). Using the material footprint (MF), a consumption-based indicator of resource use, we find the contrary: Achievements in decoupling in advanced economies are smaller than reported or even nonexistent. We present a time series analysis of the MF of 186 countries and identify material flows associated with global production and consumption networks in unprecedented specificity. By calculating raw material equivalents of international trade, we demonstrate that countries’ use of nondomestic resources is, on average, about threefold larger than the physical quantity of traded goods. As wealth grows, countries tend to reduce their domestic portion of materials extraction through international trade, whereas the overall mass of material consumption generally increases. With every 10% increase in gross domestic product, the average national MF increases by 6%. Our findings call into question the sole use of current resource productivity indicators in policy making and suggest the necessity of an additional focus on consumption-based accounting for natural resource use.