Even as we steadily transition toward the age of electricity, oddly we will not discuss the huge problem of global warming induced by our continued addiction to fossil fuels. The problem is not one of scarcity so much, but rather the scarcity of places to put the waste products. As we attempt to develop fossil fuel sources that prove ever-harder-to-develop, we pollute waterways whether via "fracking" for natural gas or "oil spills" for oil and gas. And then there is the carbon-loading of the atmosphere from burning the fuels.
But at least half of us, mostly fundamentalists, ultra-right Republicans and fundamentalist Christians here in the US, don't want to admit that we have a problem.
For those willing to discuss our need to transition away from fossil fuels, here is a simple twenty-twenty-twenty plan: Beginning next year or the next, place a twenty cent per gallon federal tax on fossil fuel products (mainly gasoline and diesel fuel), then increase it twenty cents a year for twenty years. In five years the tax adds one dollar to the price of each gallon of fuel. In ten year it adds two dollars. In twenty years it adds four dollars per gallon. I think such a "carbon tax" would help us transition, somewhat smoothly away from our addiction to fossil fuels. The proceeds from the tax could be used for mass transit, infrastructure maintenance/replacement, and other social needs. Note: other carbon tax matters might be appended to the base proposed here.
People here in the US will cry fowl, but even President George W. Bush admitted that "America is addicted to oil." Isn't it time we Americans sacrificed our short-term wants for some long-term survival needs? Time is short, and the costs of dragging our feet further on this issue are steep, if not catastrophic. Can we begin to talk about this particular undiscussable? We'll see. Not likely this year since no one will discuss much in an election year. But maybe the conversation can begin (again) soon on this much needed issue.
Related:
My Ecology and Economics Blog: Carbon Tax Posts
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