Hi Lisa,
--- [log in to unmask] wrote:
> I have heard environmental groups say, that strong effective policy
> is needed. However, I think there is a MAJOR problem with this.
> If anyone has been following the Kyoto-- there has been a push for
> trading permits. I am not tottally against this but I think it is a
> careful
Well if you agree with James Hansen Kyoto isn't going to do anything even
if it works.
> line to draw. It seems to me, that they won't accomplish much push for
> more sustainable technologies. Because what I see happening is poor
> countries will sell their permits to major countries-- but who gets the
> money-- often unstable governments who put no focus on their people,
> while things just continue as business as usual, (A worse case happening
> but possible). So if anyone has brighter analysis, I would be happy to
> listen on the subject.
Well, not totally correct. The trading permits will raise the costs of
using fossil fuels and hence there will be a reduction in the usage of
these fuels. I imagine that, assuming the trading permits scheme works
(huge assumption here), that there would be a subsititution effect. That
is, there would be an increased demand for energy from renewable sources.
So in that sense it would help promote sustainability. However, the
trading permits goal is not to promote sustainability per se, but to
result in a reduction of CO2 emissions. Now, a sustainable policy might
also incorporate reductions in CO2 emissions, but you are right that any
policy that results in less CO2 emissions is sustainable.
Steve
=====
"In a nutshell, he [Steve] is 100% unadulterated evil. I do not believe in a 'Satan', but this man is as close to 'the real McCoy' as they come."
--Jamey Lee West
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