/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 14 (Related to the Chapter Opener o... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

(Related to the Chapter Opener on page 146) In a letter to the New York Times, Suzanne McCarron, an executive at ExxonMobil, argued that a carbon tax would "allow market forces to drive solutions." a. According to McCarron, what problem would a carbon tax solve? b. How would a carbon tax allow market forces to "drive solutions"?

Short Answer

Expert verified
According to McCarron, a carbon tax would solve the problem of excessive carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute significantly to climate change. A carbon tax would allow market forces to drive solutions by making the emission of CO2 financially detrimental for businesses. This, in turn, would incentivize these entities to reduce emissions by innovating or adopting cleaner technologies and energy sources.

Step by step solution

01

Understand McCarron's View on Carbon Tax

Examine the statement made by Suzanne McCarron. Based on the information provided, it's clear that she supports the implementation of a carbon tax. Implicit in her argument is the idea that a carbon tax would act as a solution to a certain problem. The first step then is to determine what that problem may be, based on the information provided and an understanding of what a carbon tax is meant to address.
02

Problem Solved by Carbon Tax

A carbon tax is a fee imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels (coal, oil, gas). It is primarily aimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a major cause of global warming. Thus, according to McCarron, the problem that a carbon tax would solve is the excessive carbon dioxide emissions contributing to climate change.
03

Carbon Tax Driving Market Forces

The next part of the exercise requires understanding how a carbon tax could allow market forces to 'drive solutions'. In economic terms, a carbon tax makes emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere expensive. This provides companies with a financial incentive to reduce emissions by innovating energy-efficient technologies or switching to cleaner energy sources. Hence, market forces, in this context, refer to the incentive for businesses to move towards cleaner and more sustainable practices, driving solutions to the problem of climate change.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Climate Change
Climate change is a critical and urgent issue facing the globe today. It refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This phenomenon is largely attributed to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the Earth's atmosphere. These gases trap heat, resulting in the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming.

Key impacts of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture. Understanding these changes is essential for implementing policies aimed at mitigating their effects. One of these policies is the carbon tax, designed as a deterrent against excessive emissions, attempting to slow the advance of climate change.
Market Forces
Market forces refer to the economic factors that influence the price and availability of goods and services based on supply and demand. When it comes to tackling climate change, implementing a carbon tax utilizes these forces to promote greener practices.

By imposing a tax on carbon-based fuels, the cost of using fossil fuels increases. This creates an incentive for businesses to innovate and seek more sustainable energy sources or to improve energy efficiency in order to minimize costs. The idea is that these market forces will lead to natural shifts towards cleaner practices, making the market itself a solution driver. As businesses compete to find cheaper, sustainable solutions, market forces push industries towards reducing emissions.

This method leverages economic principles to foster an environment where going green is not just environmentally favorable but also financially beneficial for businesses.
Carbon Emissions Reduction
Reducing carbon emissions is a core goal in combating climate change. Carbon emissions primarily come from burning fossil fuels for electricity, transportation, and industrial activities. A carbon tax serves as a powerful tool for motivating emissions reductions.

Here’s how it works:
  • Increases the cost of carbon emissions, prompting companies to rethink their energy strategies.
  • Encourages innovation and investments in renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
  • Leads to the development of more energy-efficient practices across industries.
  • Motivates consumers to opt for energy-saving products and sustainable lifestyle choices.
By driving these changes, a carbon tax helps propel a shift towards a low-carbon future where the focus is on sustainable development and reduced reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

When does the private cost of producing a good differ from the social cost? Give an example. When does the private benefit from consuming a good differ from the social benefit? Give an example.

What do economists mean by "an economically efficient level of pollution"?

What does it mean for a producer or consumer to internalize an externality? What would cause a producer or consumer to internalize an externalitv????

As readers of Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby Dick know, at one time oil made from whale blubber was an important source of energy that was widely used by households and firms in oil lamps. Other sources of energy replaced whale oil in the second half of the nineteenth century, and today many Americans consider whales only as a source of entertainment on visits to aquariums and whale watching excursions. But some species of whales-including baleen and gray whales - are in danger of extinction. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 9 billion chickens are raised for food annually. Chickens, unlike whales, are not threatened with extinction. Briefly explain why.

In 2017, President Donald Trump was considering a major increase on federal government spending on infrastructure, including building and repairing bridges, highways, rail lines, and subways. An article in the Economist argued, "Just as economists talk of 'negative externalities' (from, say, pollution), infrastructure can have positive externalities that are not captured by investors but will benefit society." a. Explain what positive externalities infrastructure spending might generate. b. If infrastructure spending generates a positive externality, what effect should this have on government policy?

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Economics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.