The Distinguished Climate Scientist Michael Mann talks about the carbon tax analysis by Regional Economic Models, Inc (REMI) remi/carbon-tax-study that shows that a carbon tax (one with 100% of the proceeds are returned to American citizens) will bring: New jobs, A more vitial economy, A higher GDP (higher personal disposable income), A significant improvement in public health, all at the same time as Bringing comprehensive reductions in the carbon emissions that cause climate change! Here is the interview: On the Frontline of the Climate Wars: An Interview with Michael Mann planetexperts/frontline-climate-wars-interview-michael-mann/ Question: The primary criticism advanced by Republicans against investments into renewable energy projects and implementing carbon taxes is that such approaches negatively impact an already weak economy and cost thousands of jobs. What is your response to this argument? Michael Mann: It’s wrong. The premiere firm that does economic modeling for policymakers, Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) has now done a number of studies for various states to look at what the impact of a modest carbon tax would be on the economy. And what they find is that [it] can actually lead to economic growth. (Full disclosure: the president of REMI was a school friend of mine [Michael Manns] at the University of Massachusetts) - See more at: planetexperts/frontline-climate-wars-interview-michael-mann/#sthash.yEUVCcY0.W4ZYEJja.dpuf [Note from Abhaya: Whenever reading about a carbon tax, it is important to distinguish between a plain, straight-up carbon tax and a carbon tax that is revenue-neutral (This is also known as a carbon fee and dividend). The plain carbon tax can, indeed, have negative impacts on the economy -- in addition to being regressive, ie, placing an undue burden on those with low-or-no incomes). A carbon tax that is revenue-neutral has 100 percent of the proceeds sent to American citizens in the form of monthly payments of equal amount. This allows individuals and families to have a cushion to protect them from the increase in prices. It also brings about an economy-wide transition to clean energy, because people see that it is in their financial best interests to buy goods and services which are based on less expensive clean energy -- as opposed to fossil fuels which will become increasingly expensive due to the steadily-rising carbon tax.]
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:08:09 +0000
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