In which of the following situations is the Coase theorem likely to apply? Explain.

a. The neighbour who lives below you in the apartment building loves to play old John Denver records at loud volume early in the morning. In fact, his favourite song seems to be “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” You hate old John Denver songs and this one in particular.

b. You have just moved to Beijing and quickly discover that you are allergic to smog. It causes you great pain in breathing and limits your ability to work. Furthermore, you have medical expenses related to treatment for its health effects on you.

c. Medical research in the 1990s has revealed a specific cause of birth defects related to a certain drug prescribed for pregnant women in the 1960s (thalidomide).

d. The water in the huge underground Ogalalla aquifer in the Great Plains region of the United States is being nitrate contaminated due to agricultural fertilizer use throughout the region. As a homeowner in this region, you find that your water must be treated in order to be safe for drinking.