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Positive Vs. Negative Externalities

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Positive vs. Negative Externalities An externality exists when a third party who is not directly involved in a transaction (as a buyer or seller of the goods or services) incurs a cost or benefit. In other words, an externality arises when a third party to a transaction experiences side effects (which can be negative or positive to them) due to transactions between buyers and sellers. When the third party benefits from this, it is called a positive externality and when the third party suffers a loss or incurs a cost it is known as a negative externality. The article offers clear explanations on each concept and outlines the similarities and differences between Positive and Negative Externalities.
What is Positive Externality?
A positive …show more content…

A more recent scenario is the economic downturn experienced as a result of the collapse of the mortgage lending market and banking system which occurred as a result of moral hazards. The best way to reduce negative externalities is to impose regulations or penalties against organizations or individuals who participate in such acts that result in higher losses to the general public.
What is the difference between Positive and Negative Externalities?
Externalities are costs or benefits that affect third parties who are not participants in the production or consumption of goods and services in a market place. A positive externality as its name suggests is a benefit that third parties enjoy as a result of a transaction, production, or consumption between the buyer and the seller.
A negative externality, on the other hand, is the cost that a third party has to bear as a result of a transaction in which the third party has no involvement. Negative and positive externalities both occur as a result of economic activity and an economy must always strive to reduce its negative externalities through regulations and penalties while increasing its positive externalities by giving incentives to train individuals, research on new technology, etc.
Summary:
• An externality exists when a third party who is not directly involved in a transaction (as a buyer or

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