The time is now....

The problem is clear. Global warming is an issue that countries around the world will need to face now. Global warming is most notably caused by the release of Carbon dioxide, which once in the atmosphere splits apart to form O-Zone (O3) and Carbon Monoxide. The O-Zone is a thicker substance, which traps the heat reflecting from the earth’s surface causing the “greenhouse effect.” This in turn will cause an increase in earth’s surface temperature, which can have dramatic affects for the ecosystem and society. Some of the adverse conditions caused by global warming are: extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, increases in the bug and pest population, and rapid changes in global temperatures.

According to Stiglitz and many others, the United States is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The numbers are mind-blowing, the United States accounts for roughly 4% of the world’s population yet tallies 23% of the global Carbon dioxide emissions and 42% of the industrialized country emissions. Although Stiglitz places most of the carbon emissions blame on the United States and applauds Europe for their consistent approach to reducing carbon emissions, other sources show that if the European Union is taking as a whole it pollutes just as much as the United States. The 15 original E.U. nation states account for 3% of the world’s population and approximately 10% of the global pollution emissions.

The question remains what can be done to curb pollution emissions globally. Unlike many political/social/economic problems, global warming affects everyone. The citizens of Bangladesh are affected by the actions of the citizens of the United States, Great Britain and many more. Stiglitz proposes many solutions ranging from tradable permits, caps on emissions and a global carbon tax. It is my opinion the best solution to this problem is a global carbon tax. A tax will set the price for pollution giving individuals, corporations and countries the opportunity to decide whether or not to pollute at that price. A tax does not set the amount of the reduction in pollution; rather it allows market powers to determine that. Furthermore a tax provides an additional source of revenue, which nation states can use how they best see fit. Stiglitz believes a global carbon tax will allow governments to reduce many of their domestic taxes. This is based off the fundamental economic idea that “bads” should be taxed while “goods” should not be taxed. This will promote a more efficient economy, helping benefit everyone and curb pollution emissions. No matter what solution arises in the next 20 years it will take a global effort to slow down Global warming. The global community has united before, an example of that is the Montreal Protocol to eliminate CFCs in the late 1980’s, and must unite again in order to prevent inevitable destruction. As was once said about our nation now must be applied to the world: A world divided upon itself will not stand. A world that does not work together to stop global warming will not survive.