By Galina Kolev, Hubertus Bardt A trade policy approach to climate challenges can give a positive impetus to WTO reform based on the commitment to a common target and reinforced by the urgency of that target. Trade policy has the potential to contribute substantially to curbing climate change. However, the global trade system […]
By Oliver McPherson-Smith, American Consumer Institute As part of his recently released infrastructure plan, President Joe Biden has vowed to overhaul the American electric vehicle (EV) industry with $174 billion worth of spending. But in his rush to spread the cash around, President Biden appears to be doubling down on environmentally inefficient and […]
By Rebecca Christie, courtesy of the Bruegel Institute Suddenly central banks are in the middle of the climate-policy debate and it always seems to zoom in on one question: Should they stop buying “brown” bonds? Either yes, and the traditional inflation-fighting mandate goes out the window, or no and the central bank is leaving […]
By Liam Sigaud, American Consumer Institute As the U.S. economy continues to be stifled by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential for other major disasters loom and provide warnings of the importance of preparation and planning. The effects of climate change on the U.S. depend not only on the extent temperatures rise, […]
“Mobilizing the ocean for climate protection” Courtesy of IfW Kiel Humanity cannot limit global warming to 1.5 degrees unless action is taken. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has shown this in its special report from 2018. In addition to reducing emissions to nearly zero, humanity must actively remove greenhouse gases from […]
By Nafeez Ahmed, courtesy of the European Policy Centre Oil prices have crashed. The most visible cause has been the measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, which have triggered record lows in global oil demand. Yet the crisis also exposes structural vulnerabilities in our fossil fuel-dependent economic system, which requires us […]
By Christian Egenhofer, Jorge Núñez Ferrer, and Irina Kustova, courtesy of the Center for European Policy Studies The economic slow-down caused by the pandemic will aggravate the existing stress in some regions, especially those relying on lignite, coal and peat as their main economic activity. But efficient and effective use of COVID-19 recovery funds […]
“A Green Recovery” By Dirk Schoenmaker, courtesy of the Bruegel Institute Governments have multiple goals including economic growth, social inclusion and environmental preservation (Schoenmaker, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic has had a sharp negative impact on the economic and social fronts (deteriorating health, reduced income and job losses). By contrast, environmental performance […]
By Oliver McPherson-Smith, American Consumer Institute Wind power has gradually become the leading source of renewable energy in the United States. With strong consumer demand for lower carbon energy and new technology lowering the price of production, wind power now rivals solar and fossil fuels on cost. Despite wind’s success, conflicting federal policies are picking winners and losers […]
“Why a carbon tax would be bad for Britain” By Sam Packer, courtesy of Taxpayers’ Alliance UK In 2011, Australia introduced the Clean Energy Act to levy additional taxes on carbon emissions. It was repealed just three years later. Since then, British politicians have repeatedly advocated following suit, with 516 references made to the idea […]