Hey! I sent this to Martin (the econ PhD) since you’re replying mostly to his opinions, I just wanted to leave a quick comment saying that your comment was seen and appreciated (which I assume you prefer over waiting for when he’ll be available to reply)
Thanks! I’m aware that emission trading and carbon taxes could be higher and that this will help with production based emissions. All I’m saying is that without tariffs you give countries an incentive to become heavy polluters and free-ride on other countries climate efforts, all the while consumers import from said polluting countries because their products are cheaper.
Also, I think that a lot of market based solutions could have worked if we started immediately when climate change came to light, but given that companies successfully delayed action and we’re now already taking damage, it becomes much more prudent to consider non-tax based solutions. EA’s and orthodox economists tend to be dismissive of ideas like degrowth, but I think the case for degrowth is much stronger than it’s given credit for (although I don’t know whether Martin is against degrowth so I’m not going to make any arguments until he disagrees). I would also be interested in hearing Martin’s thoughts on economics isolationist tendency that I outlined in my other comment.
Hey! I sent this to Martin (the econ PhD) since you’re replying mostly to his opinions, I just wanted to leave a quick comment saying that your comment was seen and appreciated (which I assume you prefer over waiting for when he’ll be available to reply)
Thanks!
I’m aware that emission trading and carbon taxes could be higher and that this will help with production based emissions. All I’m saying is that without tariffs you give countries an incentive to become heavy polluters and free-ride on other countries climate efforts, all the while consumers import from said polluting countries because their products are cheaper.
Also, I think that a lot of market based solutions could have worked if we started immediately when climate change came to light, but given that companies successfully delayed action and we’re now already taking damage, it becomes much more prudent to consider non-tax based solutions. EA’s and orthodox economists tend to be dismissive of ideas like degrowth, but I think the case for degrowth is much stronger than it’s given credit for (although I don’t know whether Martin is against degrowth so I’m not going to make any arguments until he disagrees).
I would also be interested in hearing Martin’s thoughts on economics isolationist tendency that I outlined in my other comment.