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If carbon tax is dead, what's the alternative? Is there one? I certainly can't think of one. Ultimately the problem is that people aren't going to vote for thi
by leoedin 5y ago
If carbon tax is dead, what's the alternative? Is there one? I certainly can't think of one.
Ultimately the problem is that people aren't going to vote for things that make their life worse. And reducing fossil fuel usage currently makes your life worse. So it's unpopular.
I think sadly the answer is that we won't do anything meaningful about climate change until it's really, really bad - and then the mild life-worsening of a carbon tax will feel minor compared to the alternatives. Sadly it might be too late by then.
- dpweb 5y agoPeople will sometimes vote for things that make their life worse, with the right convincing. For instance, could say the unwillingness to tax billionaires leaves more of a tax burden on middle income people. It’s too bad bc financial incentives like a carbon tax would almost certainly work. But needs better PR. For instance, a tax credit for electric cars can also be considered a tax on combustion engines, but it’s not presented that way.
- nradov 5y agoOne alternative would be a cap and trade system. That would be worse than a carbon tax from an economic efficiency standpoint, but possibly more politically viable.
- aeternum 5y agoWhat's wrong with cap and trade? It worked amazingly well in ending particulate pollution.