Quote by James Hansen

Consider the perverse effect cap and trade has on altruistic actions. Say you decide to buy a small, high-efficiency car. That reduces your emissions, but not your country's. Instead it allows somebody else to buy a bigger S.U.V. - because the total emissions are set by the cap.


Consider the perverse effect cap and trade has on altruistic

Summary

This quote highlights a potential flaw in the cap and trade system, particularly in its impact on individual environmentally-friendly choices. It suggests that when an individual decides to reduce their emissions, such as by purchasing a small, high-efficiency car, it may not necessarily contribute to reducing the overall emissions of the country. Instead, the quote argues that this merely allows someone else to compensate for the emissions saved by the first individual, favoring larger and more polluting vehicles. This perspective emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling emissions rather than solely relying on individual actions within a capped system.

Topics

Car
By James Hansen
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