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332. The Case against a Carbon Tax
- Author:
- Robert P. Murphy, Patrick J. Michaels, and Paul "Chip" Knappenberger
- Publication Date:
- 10-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Cato Institute
- Abstract:
- A vigorous campaign aimed at American policymakers and the general public has tried to create the perception that a federal carbon tax (or similar type of “carbon price”) is a crucial element in the urgently needed response to climate change. Within conservative and libertarian circles, a small but vocal group of academics, analysts, and political officials are claiming that a revenue-neutral carbon tax swap could even deliver a “double dividend” — meaning that the conventional economy would be spurred in addition to any climate benefits. The present study details several serious problems with these claims. The actual economics of climate change — as summarized in the peer-reviewed literature as well as the U.N. and Obama Administration reports — reveal that the case for a U.S. carbon tax is weaker than the public has been told.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Economics, Energy Policy, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
333. The 2015 Survey of Progress in International Economic Governance
- Author:
- Domenico Lombardi and Kelsey Shantz
- Publication Date:
- 11-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
- Abstract:
- The annual CIGI Survey of Progress in International Economic Governance assesses progress in five areas of international economic governance: macroeconomic and financial cooperation; cooperation on financial regulation; cooperation on development; cooperation on trade; and cooperation on climate change. In this year’s survey, 31 CIGI experts conclude that international economic arrangements continue to show a level of “status quo,” averaging a score of 50% across all five areas. The 2015 survey indicates a slight improvement to the result of last year’s survey, which suggested a minimal regression overall. The experts’ assessment of progress was most promising in the area of climate change cooperation, with an average score of 57%, whereas the least promising area was macroeconomic and financial cooperation, with a score of 44%, indicating minimal regression. The remaining three areas polled all fell within the “status quo” range, with trade at 46%, development at 48% and international cooperation on financial regulation at 53%. Interestingly, in the area of cooperation on development, CIGI’s experts provided a relatively mixed assessment. Responses varied based on experts’ perception of the effectiveness of current rhetoric, from 70% (indicating some progress) to 10% (suggesting major regression). Compared to last year, climate change governance has made the greatest improvement, but the remaining three areas (with the exception of development, which was not included in the 2014 survey) have all, on average, regressed further or remained stagnant. This trend is cause for concern.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, Economics, International Cooperation, and International Trade and Finance
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
334. On the Road to Paris: How Can the EU Avoid Failure at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21)?
- Author:
- Lisanne Groen
- Publication Date:
- 09-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- At the 15th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting in Copenhagen in 2009, the European Union (EU) failed to achieve most of its objectives. In 2011, at the 17th COP meeting in Durban, the EU was crucial in bringing about a deal on a roadmap towards a new global climate change agreement, to be adopted in December 2015 at the 21st COP meeting in Paris. This paper examines the lessons the EU has learned and can learn from its experience in Copenhagen in the run-up to Paris. It considers, first, the EU’s relative bargaining power; second, the relative position of its objectives/interests mapped against those of other negotiating parties; and third, how the EU can leverage its relative power through strategic action in pursuit of its objectives. The paper recommends that the EU focus on building a broad alliance with other progressive negotiating parties on mitigation in order to avoid a lowest common denominator outcome.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Diplomacy, Industrial Policy, Treaties and Agreements, and European Union
- Political Geography:
- Europe
- Publication Identifier:
- 978-88-98650-57-6
- Publication Identifier Type:
- DOI
335. Eco-Competitiveness and Eco-Efficiency: Carbon Neutrality in Latin America
- Author:
- René Castro
- Publication Date:
- 11-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
- Abstract:
- In 2014, world per capita greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent terms (CO2e), exceeded 7 tons. Per capita emissions for Latin America and the Caribbean were even higher, at 9 tons CO2e. To achieve international goals for the stabilization of atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is calling for annual emissions to fall to 2 tons per capita by the year 2050 and 1 ton per capita by the year 2100. It is clear that we face a moral problem: everyone needs to, and can contribute to, the fight against climate change (Pope Francis, 2015). Improvements in eco-efficiency—defined as a combination of reducing waste and reducing the use of raw inputs—offer one strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering production costs. In addition, changes in culture—at the level of individual businesses, countries, or both—can enhance the eco-competitive position of these businesses and countries. This paper describes three examples from Costa Rica and shows how the goal of achieving carbon neutrality can provide incentives for improving eco-efficiency and eco-competitiveness.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Industrial Policy, International Cooperation, Treaties and Agreements, and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Latin America
336. Renewable Energy’s Coming of Age: A Disruptive Technology?
- Author:
- Robert A. Manning
- Publication Date:
- 12-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- The eyes of the world are on the United Nations Climate Conference, also known as COP21. Leaders from around the world are gathered in Paris in an effort to combat the effects of climate change. One of the best chances we have to mitigate these harmful effects are renewable technologies.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Industrial Policy, International Cooperation, Treaties and Agreements, and United Nations
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
337. The 2015 Survey of Progress in International Economic Governance
- Author:
- Domenico Lombardi and Kesley Shantz
- Publication Date:
- 11-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
- Abstract:
- The annual CIGI Survey of Progress in International Economic Governance assesses progress in five areas of international economic governance: macroeconomic and financial cooperation; cooperation on financial regulation; cooperation on development; cooperation on trade; and cooperation on climate change.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Economics, Financial Crisis, and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
338. Growth, Innovation and Trade in Environmental Goods
- Author:
- Céline Bak
- Publication Date:
- 10-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
- Abstract:
- Reporting on global trade in environmental goods would provide a comprehensive lens into diversification that will be needed for the transition to low-carbon economies, help countries benchmark the shorter- and longer-term impact of policies such as regulation and fiscal stimulus targeted at green growth, as well as innovation, and strengthen the G20 leaders’ commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth by providing visibility into the pace of investments to address climate change.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and G20
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
339. Global Treaty or Subnational Innovation? Canada's Path Forward on Climate Policy
- Author:
- Sarah Burch
- Publication Date:
- 10-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
- Abstract:
- Canada's position on climate change is deeply contentious and constantly evolving, and presents a challenge of multi-level governance (across sectors, civil society and multiple levels of government). This policy brief describes examples of innovative climate change policy at the subnational level, articulates the roles played by different levels of government, and provides a series of recommendations on pathways to carbon-neutral, resilient communities.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Climate Change, Environment, and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Canada
340. Global Sustainability, Climate Change and Finance Policy: A South African Perspective
- Author:
- Penelope Hawkins and Olaf Weber
- Publication Date:
- 09-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
- Abstract:
- One of the most important and topical discussions within the global multilateral arena is the challenge of meeting the world’s climate finance needs in order to reduce carbon emissions to sustainable levels and support adaptation strategies. The mobilization of finance is key in supporting the transition away from traditional high-carbon or business-as-usual economic pathways toward low-carbon, climate-resilient economic systems. A conference, Global Sustainability, Climate Change and Finance Policy, organized by the Centre for International Governance Innovation and the South African Institute for International Affairs and held in Johannesburg from July 1 to July 3, considered aspects of the debate.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Economics, Environment, and International Trade and Finance
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus