Category Archives: Environment, society, politics and economics
Political will and the home and work divide
Very often a discussion on “what to do about emissions” ends up with: “You can’t do anything about it. There is no political will.” I think that a route to changing political will is to ensure that people’s personal values … Continue reading
Late allocation is symptomatic of a deeper problem: the governance of the EU ETS
Each year companies in the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) receive an allocation of free allowances. The due date for issuing the allowances is 28th February. Member states, as the so-called “competent” authorities are obliged to issue these allowances … Continue reading
Restraint. Why and how it can save us.
Here are some bad things: Obesity Israelis and Palestinians beating the hell out of each other Goldman Sachs before the crash (and possibly after it) A fox going wild in a chicken run The chaps on Easter Island who cut … Continue reading
Growth and belief economics
Following the previous post, there is a strong link between green growth and belief economics. Consider Gordon, the guy who has 10 quid in his pocket which he saved on energy bills because he put in insulation. What he does … Continue reading
We can have growth but we need to be way more musical about it
A recent report (http://www.boell.de/ecology/resources/resource-governance-ecology-green-growth-rebound-effect-15794.html) explains how energy and resource efficiency measures can backfire leading to a far small reduction in emissions than we anticipate. The report, which is written with admirable clarity, describes and explains the “rebound effect”. Under the … Continue reading