markets
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Debunking myths about free-market environmentalism
Money makes the world go … green?Cross-posted at The PERColator, a project of the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC). A recent post on Grist attempted to dismantle the intellectual foundations of free-market environmentalism — the application of markets and property rights to solve environmental problems. But far from toppling a burgeoning movement within modern […]
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The shaky foundations of free-market environmentalism
Photo: Steve RhodesCross-posted from Sightline Daily. [CORRECTION: As mentioned in the comments under this post on Sightline, this discussion of the “Coase theorem” contains several errors — most notably, that Coase himself did not present his arguments mathematically. In fact, according to a number of sources, there really is no single “Coase theorem” — instead, […]
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Why don’t larger solar power markets have lower prices?
This is part of a series on distributed renewable energy posted to Grist. It originally appeared on Energy Self-Reliant States, a resource of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s New Rules Project. Before the holidays we posted a chart illustrating the average cost of solar by state, highlighting Minnesota’s claim to the most expensive solar PV in […]
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Should we get rid of all energy subsidies?
Should the U.S. get rid of all energy subsidies? In a new piece for Washington Monthly, Jeffrey Leonard argues that we should. Is that a good idea?
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Tech will solve the climate crisis faster than laws
Emphasizing technological innovation would render moot the debate about technology-first versus technology-only.
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Hey Paul Krugman: How about less econ theory and more econ mechanics?
Illustration by Michael Freimuth and Kyle PoffMany people, including me and, um, Al Gore, have recommended Paul Krugman’s primer on climate economics. It’s a top-notch introduction and a welcome antidote to the ignorance and hysteria that characterize most media coverage of climate policy. Read it! In describing environmental economics, however, Krugman simply passes along many […]
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Lowering income taxes while raising pollution taxes reaps great returns
As economic decisionmakers—whether consumers, corporate planners, government policymakers, or investment bankers—we all depend on the market for guidance. In order for markets to work and economic actors to make sound decisions, the markets must give us good information, including the full cost of the products we buy. Unfortunately, markets largely ignore the indirect costs of […]
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Ask Umbra on shoe polish, socially responsible investing, and Facebook
Send your question to Umbra! Q. Dear Umbra, I prefer to buy shoes that will last me a long time rather than buy lots of cheap ones that consume many resources. Is there an environmentally friendly shoe polish that I can use to keep my feet looking spiffy for the long haul? LaineWashington, D.C. A. […]
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Economics as pathology
I’m technically on vacation, but the wife and kids are watching Chicken Little up in the hotel room right now, so I’m going to sneak in here for a quick post. Ted Gayer — senior fellow and co-director of the Economic Studies program at the Brookings Institution — has an article in Forbes today, ostensibly […]