Based on mounting evidence of slow but steady melting of continental ice sheets, scientists are now warning that the glaciers in the Alps will be mostly melted by 2050 according to a Jan. 21 AP story. California recently announced plans to reduce carbon emissions by 25% to 1990 levels by 2020, and by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The United States Climate Action Partnership (industry/environmental groups) proposal announced yesterday (Jan. 22) calls for a carbon dioxide emissions drop of only 10 percent to 30 percent from today’s levels within 15 years. Fast enough?
Pricing carbon efficiently and equitably
Carbon Tax Center
Pricing carbon efficiently and equitably
Tom Baldino says
I would like to see more information on how the carbon tax will ultimately lead to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Dan says
Tom – Increased prices generally lead to decreased demand. As a carbon tax raises the prices for gasoline, electricity and other fossil-fuels, we expect demand for those fossil-fuels and related carbon emissions to decrease. How much? That’s a critically important question. You’ll find Energy Demand- How Sensitive to Price? on our "Issues" page. The paper describes the extent to which demand is sensitive to price and includes links to various other reports on the subject. We’ll be expanding upon this paper in the future.