Global Warming: the Answer. (The Energy Dividend)

by Wilfred Candler,

AuthorHouse, 2007, $14.95.
ISBN 978-1-4343-4508-0(sc)

   Global Warming: the Answer takes as given that global warming is man-made and is occurring with increasingly adverse effects.  After a brief review of the carbon cycle (and how man is disturbing it), the book argues that global warming is an economic problem: Given the right prices, technical solutions will follow.  After looking at the (limited) opportunities for “personal virtue” to provide a solution, the book examines the chimera of “a carbon neutral life-style”, and the necessity to achieve a fossil- free economy.  Cap-and-Trade is shown to involve huge wealth transfers to established polluters, and is rejected in favor of a “revenue neutral, carbon tax”: Specifically an initial carbon tax of $250 a ton, with revenue returned to all registered voters, ($230 initially, dropping to $166 when all eligible voters registered). This tax would approximately double the cost of coal-based electricity.

   Existing and pending technologies (circa 2007) that will take-off once fossil fuels are taxed are reviewed, as are ancillary policies in support of the carbon tax.  Some suggestions are offered for international collaboration. A simple do-it-yourself method for monitoring progress is provided.  It is emphasized that to date no significant action has been taken to combat global warming: Kyoto, higher mileage requirements, and    not withstanding.

   Global Warming: the Answer has the most complete, simple and concrete policy proposals currently available.  It can be purchased from Amazon or   .