Considering the consequences, we should have a greater fear of inaction than the potential costs of actually curbing global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has estimated that by simply putting a tax of about $80 on each metric ton of carbon dioxide, we could completely halt global warming by mid-century. More recent reports suggest that $80 might be a little low; a sum of about $300 would be more appropriate. This tax would make it such that prices would rise in accordance to a good's carbon footprint.
While this might mean pricier gas, and heaven forbid, ditching the car to take public transportation on occasion, the benefits far outweigh the costs. While it might seem "inconvenient," I would much rather have to pay $10 more for gas than live on a planet that is 10 degrees hotter than it should be. Passing legislation to allow this kind of tax would be next to impossible of course, especially considering certain conservative members of congress who still deny that humans are actually the cause of global warming. But, wouldn't it be nice if we actually took a proactive step to stop global warming? There isn't going to be an easy, cost free solution. And honestly, we are running out of time.
4 comments:
I find it shocking, though not unexpected, that our government is willing to shell out millions of dollars to at-fault bankers but unwilling to spend the money to try to stop global warming. Trying to halt the climate change is not going to be cheap and there is just no way around that. But, if we think of the opportunity cost of not taking proactive steps, which is the thousands of animals, plants and humans that might die in the future due to global warming, everyone should be more than happy to put in the money or make the effort to stop it. I think a lot of the unwillingness is merely due to ignorance on the topic, so I think an effort to educate American citizens would be highly beneficial.
Global warming has increasingly become a significant issue and we must address this problem before time runs out. The tax seems like a good solution to help the environment. Even though the gas prices may rise, we have to pay for our actions. The rise in gas prices may force people to take public transportation which has some benefits. However, public transportation may be difficult for some people depending on where they live.
I suppose since unemployment is so long now and less people need drive to their workplace everyday, we are actively contributing. ;( Pricier gas I believe will only cause more pain on those who still have a job they have to get to as our dependency won't just disappear. Sure, there are people who can manage public transportation but this could mean less hours of sleep (as they would have to get up earlier in order not to be late) and face other problems. On that note, there aren't many people who would switch to public transportation now as those who would probably already have. The car takes a toll on the money bags.
What's the chances Congress will actually pass a tax increase in the current economic situation when "Under such a tax, the prices of goods would rise in proportion to their carbon footprints — in the case of gasoline, for example, by roughly $2.60 a gallon."
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