The Case for a Carbon Tax
Getting Past Our Hang-ups to Effective Climate Policy
248 pages
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Figures, references, index
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6 x 9
There's a simple, straightforward way to cut carbon emissions and prevent the most disastrous effects of climate change-and we're rejecting it because of irrational political fears. That's the central argument of The Case for a Carbon Tax, a clear-eyed, sophisticated analysis of climate change policy.
Shi-Ling Hsu examines the four major approaches to curbing CO2: cap-and-trade; command and control regulation; government subsidies of alternative energy; and carbon taxes. Weighing the economic, social, administrative, and political merits of each, he demonstrates why a tax is currently the most effective policy. Hsu does not claim that a tax is the perfect or only solution-but that unlike the alternatives, it can be implemented immediately and paired effectively with other approaches.
In fact, the only real barrier is psychological. While politicians can present subsidies and cap-and-trade as "win-win" solutions, the costs of a tax are immediately apparent. Hsu deftly explores the social and political factors that prevent us from embracing this commonsense approach. And he shows why we must get past our hang-ups if we are to avert a global crisis.
Shi-Ling Hsu examines the four major approaches to curbing CO2: cap-and-trade; command and control regulation; government subsidies of alternative energy; and carbon taxes. Weighing the economic, social, administrative, and political merits of each, he demonstrates why a tax is currently the most effective policy. Hsu does not claim that a tax is the perfect or only solution-but that unlike the alternatives, it can be implemented immediately and paired effectively with other approaches.
In fact, the only real barrier is psychological. While politicians can present subsidies and cap-and-trade as "win-win" solutions, the costs of a tax are immediately apparent. Hsu deftly explores the social and political factors that prevent us from embracing this commonsense approach. And he shows why we must get past our hang-ups if we are to avert a global crisis.
"A must-read for anyone concerned about the wellbeing of their children and grandchildren. An objective, clear-sighted revelation of the sine qua non for stabilizing climate and preserving a livable planet." James E. Hansen, Director, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
“Shi-Ling Hsu’s book is the most thoughtful and sweeping book on carbon taxation in existence. It is must reading for anyone interested in climate change policy. The book covers every angle, and does so with moderation and wit.” Kevin Hassett, Director of Economic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
"Who's afraid of a carbon tax? Not Shi-Ling Hsu, who builds an accessible, well-informed, and undeniably persuasive case for the superiority of carbon taxes over alternative climate change policy instruments. He also delves into individual and group psychology literatures to explain why the superiority of carbon taxes seems not to be grasped by the public and its representatives. Altogether a vital contribution to this, our most important debate."
Douglas A. Kysar, Professor of Law, Yale University"Shi-Ling Hsu has written a thought-provoking defense of carbon taxes. His discussion of the policies, politics, and psychology of carbon taxes is highly readable and an extremely useful resource. Although the political winds in North America change from year to year, the challenge of pricing carbon is unavoidable in the long term. This book has staying power."
Janet E. Milne, Director, Environmental Tax Policy Institute, Vermont Law SchoolAcknowledgments
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Climate Change Policy Alternatives
Chapter 3 Ten Arguments for a Carbon Tax
Chapter 4 Arguments Against a Carbon Tax
Chapter 5 Carbon Tax Psychology
Chapter 6 Changing Political Fortunes?
Chapter 7 Conclusion
Endnotes
Index
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Climate Change Policy Alternatives
Chapter 3 Ten Arguments for a Carbon Tax
Chapter 4 Arguments Against a Carbon Tax
Chapter 5 Carbon Tax Psychology
Chapter 6 Changing Political Fortunes?
Chapter 7 Conclusion
Endnotes
Index
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