One of the arguments being put forward by some
politicians against taking action to drastically reduce greenhouse gases is that
such action would be economically devastating and ineffective. However, that
argument is being proven incorrect. On one hand, maintaining the status quo will
have a devastating financial cost. According to British economist Sir Nicholas
Stern, cutting worldwide greenhouse emissions to acceptable levels will cost
just one percent of global GDP by 2050, while failing to do so could cost up to
20 percent – amounting to trillions of dollars. On the other hand, clean energy
and other sustainable practices will actually have an economic benefit.
Economic Boon
A new report from Colorado shows that if the
state doubled its renewable energy by 20 percent, it would add $1.9 billion to
its gross domestic production. Democratic Governor Bill Ritter says, “Increasing
our use of renewable energy would bring over 4,000 high-paying, high-skilled
jobs and over $570 million in wages paid to our state.” The economic boon would
come from increased manufacturing, installation and operation of renewable
electricity production.
Pricing Carbon
The economics of carbon is the
subject of a new carbon ...
Wendy Priesnitz is
the Editor of Natural Life Magazine and a journalist with over 30 years of
experience. She has
also authored nine
books.
Visit her
website.
