Role Reversal Will Slow Climate Change

Global cooperation is required to slow human-induced climate change – and the many consequences including reduced water supplies, crop damage and potential loss to coastal cities. Emerging economies are increasingly using more energy per-capita, adding to carbon emissions. Meanwhile, the fossil-fuel industries and the West, the US in particular, are not in a rush to develop alternatives or appropriate carbon pricing, counting on their ability to adapt to rising temperatures and waters. “A technology revolution that allows more energy to be generated for the same emissions is the only way to reconcile climate change goals and the energy needs of humanity,” write Aaditya Mattoo and Arvind Subramanian for the Financial Times. They urge the major economies to agree on a tax plan for carbon and development of alternative fuels. Sensible policies should address exports between countries with imbalances on energy use, investments on green energy and intellectual property protections. The writers challenge China and other emerging economies to get tough on the US for its foot-dragging on a climate-change response. – YaleGlobal