From modelling theory to policy: lessons from the LCS project |
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Authors: | Henrik Hammar Sverker C Jagers |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Economics , G?teborg University and National Institute of Economic Research (NIER) , Box 3116, Kungsgatan 12–14, SE 103 62, Stockholm, Sweden;2. Department of Political Science , G?teborg University , PO Box 711, SE 405 30, G?teborg, Sweden |
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Abstract: | The Low-Carbon Society (LCS) research project (Strachan et al., 2008) is to be congratulated for providing a rich, useful source of models to inform and precipitate discussion of policy options for moving towards a low-carbon society. This commentary explores additional considerations that warrant inclusion in any policy discussion: the feasibility of political will and leadership, the limitations of technical feasibility, and clarity about what ‘the price of carbon’ means. Difficulties exist with establishing carbon prices due to differences in energy prices between countries and the distinction between baseline (existing policies) and additional parts. An alternative may be to place more emphasis on the energy price for mitigation, along with other indicators (energy efficiency, carbon intensity, renewable power diffusion) for comparison. A policy is proposed, based on the energy price combined with an emphasis on accelerating technological innovation and overcoming barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency measures. |
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Keywords: | Climate change Trust Generalized trust Social capital Policy Carbon dioxide tax Transport Tax compliance |
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