The Global Citizen: cap and trade

"Cap-and-Trade:" A Historical Analysis

Citizens for Global Solutions | October 21st, 2009
Topics: Climate Change, United Nations

A key component of the Boxer-Kerry Bill is a policy called "cap-and-trade." "Cap-and-trade" is a method that provides an economic incentive for the greenhouse-gas-emitting entities to reduce their emissions. More specifically, the policy identifies the entities and gives them a set allowance for their emissions. The sum of all the greenhouse gas emitted by all the entities equals the national cap. In return, the entities are allowed to trade their allowance credits amongst themselves for a profit.

Compromise Isn't Always Moral

Citizens for Global Solutions | October 21st, 2009
Topics: Climate Change, United Nations

The global community has a moral obligation to reduce its greenhouse gases. Climate change talks in Copenhagen are set to begin in slightly over 46 days. And yet the United States is far from passing any legislation that would truly curb our greenhouse gas emissions below the scientific recommendations of 25-40 percent of 1990 levels. The House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. This bill, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, proposes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by only 17 percent of 2005 levels, or in other words: 4 percent of 1990 levels.