Environmental Economics Assignment: Carbon Tax, Emissions & Pollution

This assignment delves into the realm of environmental economics, focusing on two primary aspects: a critical analysis of Michael Sandel's argument against emissions trading programs and an examination of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The assignment begins by identifying and critiquing Sandel's weakest argument, which centers on the idea that such programs undermine a sense of shared responsibility for environmental protection. The author contends that this argument is flawed, as individuals and entities retain their moral obligations regardless of any trading program. Subsequently, the assignment advocates for the implementation of a carbon tax system as the most effective policy for mitigating emissions from vehicles in urban areas. The author explains how a carbon tax incentivizes the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, providing examples of successful implementations, such as the systems in British Columbia and Boulder, Colorado. The report draws on academic sources to support its claims, offering a comprehensive overview of these crucial economic and environmental concepts.

Sociology 0
Title: Environmental Economics
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Sociology 1
What is Sandel’s weakest argument against a global emission trading
program?
According to the article written by Professor Sandel, it is unethical to trade and purchase
the right to pollute. As noted from his article in ‘The New York Times’, his weakest argument
seems to be the one where he states that an emissions trading program undermines the sense of
shared responsibility that is required to decrease global pollution. This argument is weak because
of the fact that the emissions trading program does not undermine the responsibility people have
towards the environment. If people wish to reduce global emissions and pollution, they will work
towards it no matter what the treaty says and the same goes for any industry, organization, or
country. Buying right to pollute shouldn’t affect one’s moral duty towards the environment
(Sandel, 1997).
What is the best policy to decrease greenhouse gas emission from vehicles in
cities?

Sociology 2
The best and preferred policy to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles in cities is to
introduce a carbon tax system. Under this system, a price is set by the Government authorities for
each ton of greenhouse gas emitted. If this policy is implemented, people will be motivated to
switch their carbon-emitting vehicles to more eco-friendly ones. This change will help them save
the money they have been otherwise paying a carbon tax. Many countries have opted for a
method like a carbon tax or something similar. For instance- Since 2008, British Columbia has
introduced a carbon tax. Some other regions like Canada have implemented it from 2017. In fact,
the city of Boulder, Colorado was the first US city to introduce people to an approved carbon tax
system (Fullerton & West, 2010).

Sociology 3
References
Fullerton, D., & West, S. (2010). Tax and Subsidy Combinations for the Control of Car
Pollution. The B.E. Journal Of Economic Analysis & Policy, 10(1).
Sandel, M. (1997). It's Immoral to Buy the Right to Pollute. The New York Times, p. A0023.
Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/15/opinion/it-s-immoral-to-buy-the-
right-to-pollute.html