Ireland did not discover climate change in 2007, despite what our Green party would like you to think. We published a beautifully-intentioned but toothless strategy back in 2000. Yet it's only since last summer when Greens got in government that any kind of proper carbon policies (ie taxes) have been talked about and tentatively introduced. Sadly there's more than a hint of the thought about that putting big taxes on big cars is the solution to the whole problem. It's not. Here's five little truths on climate change policy to get you thinking:
1) Rich people are always going to emit more carbon, in the same way that they already drive nicer cars, live in bigger houses and travel more. You might not like this. Get used to it though.
2) A well-designed carbon tax would have roughly the same impact as cap-and-trade at international level, without all the messy negotiations and finger-pointing. Given the immense ethical (never mind practical) problems associated with levying a tax at international level we're going to be stuck with Kyoto and her offspring for some time to come.
3) Prices are generally a reasonably good measure of the importance society puts on various activities. Radiohead like to feel guilty about touring because of its carbon impact. They shouldn't bother. People are obviously choosing to forgo other carbon-producing activity in order to go and watch them instead.
4) It has the vogue within certain European quarters to blame either Americans, their driving habits, or both for climate change. Much of this sentiment is formed in ignorance of the true carbon cost of most activities. Educate yourself. Driving big cars is bad, overheating your house is really bad and eating beef is terrible.
5) The cheapest way to reduce emissions is always the best way, both at the individual and societal level. No abatement strategy is any more noble than any other.
Thursday 3 January 2008
We're back
We have internet at home after a long pause. And because it's cold and dark and it's January outside there's not much else to do except speculate about the world in 2008.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)