5 ms·

Couldn't agree more. That's why simple policies which do not dabble into the how, just the end effect, typically works better (sorry for no references, but AFAI

Couldn't agree more. That's why simple policies which do not dabble into the how, just the end effect, typically works better (sorry for no references, but AFAIK from my Master's on the subject it's pretty well established). That's why carbon tax (especially a global one) is such an attractive policy. Of course, there are issues with that as well, but generally it'll probably (and seems to) have the largest and best effect long term.

kazagistar 7y ago
Only if the carbon tax is applied retroactively, with interest, to make up for the dramatic economic inequality generated by countries who already got ahead economically by wrecking the atmosphere. Otherwise, it's just another way developed countries are using to keep themselves ahead of the rest of the world artificially with inhumane international policy.
- ars 7y ago
  If you're going to do that, you'll also have to figure out a way to "charge" less developed countries for all the technology the developed countries invented. Like the cell phone: Developing countries never bothered with phone wires, they went straight to cell phones. Obviously I think both ideas are bad, but if you're going to advocate for your idea, you need to include everything.
- aaronblohowiak 7y ago
  Baloney. If your line of reasoning held, Venezuela would be in a great place. Obviously, the differences between countries of various levels of economic development go far beyond who can put the most co2 in the air. Additionally, we are already seeing renewables become cheaper than fossil fuels. A great outcome would be leapfrogging - just like with cell phones vs landlines.
  - anthonypasq 7y ago
    > Obviously, the differences between countries of various levels of economic development go far beyond who can put the most co2 in the air. not really. Everything is about energy
chasd00 7y ago
let's say a global carbon tax comes to be. Where does the money go and who decides where it goes? Does it just sit in an account? Does the taxpayer get anything for their money?
- aianus 7y ago
  In Canada the carbon tax revenue is given back to the taxpayers as a credit. If you pollute less than average you end up richer and if you pollute more than average you end up poorer.
- deleted 7y ago
  [deleted]

kazagistar 7y ago

Only if the carbon tax is applied retroactively, with interest, to make up for the dramatic economic inequality generated by countries who already got ahead economically by wrecking the atmosphere. Otherwise, it's just another way developed countries are using to keep themselves ahead of the rest of the world artificially with inhumane international policy.

ars 7y ago
If you're going to do that, you'll also have to figure out a way to "charge" less developed countries for all the technology the developed countries invented. Like the cell phone: Developing countries never bothered with phone wires, they went straight to cell phones. Obviously I think both ideas are bad, but if you're going to advocate for your idea, you need to include everything.
aaronblohowiak 7y ago
Baloney. If your line of reasoning held, Venezuela would be in a great place. Obviously, the differences between countries of various levels of economic development go far beyond who can put the most co2 in the air. Additionally, we are already seeing renewables become cheaper than fossil fuels. A great outcome would be leapfrogging - just like with cell phones vs landlines.
- anthonypasq 7y ago
  > Obviously, the differences between countries of various levels of economic development go far beyond who can put the most co2 in the air. not really. Everything is about energy

chasd00 7y ago

let's say a global carbon tax comes to be. Where does the money go and who decides where it goes? Does it just sit in an account? Does the taxpayer get anything for their money?

aianus 7y ago
In Canada the carbon tax revenue is given back to the taxpayers as a credit. If you pollute less than average you end up richer and if you pollute more than average you end up poorer.
deleted 7y ago
[deleted]