Decarbonization Policy Exploration
CLIMATE PROJECT/ LESSON 4.3ACTIVITY DECARBONIZATION POLICIES EXPLORATION1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Decarbonization Policies Exploration”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/PurposeAnalyzingthe pros and cons of a government policy will help you better understand what government can do to address climate change and the obstacles that stand in the way.Process1.Read the following article:Washington State Just Started Capping Carbon Emissions. Here’s How It Works.Adapted from an article by Kate Yoder, January 9, 2023Grist, https://grist.org/economics/washington-state-cap-and-invest-california-lessonsit-works/Washington state’s “cap-and-invest” program is designed to follow in the footsteps of California, where a cap-and-trade system began in 2013, while trying to learn from its missteps.Signed into law by Washington Governor Jay Inslee in 2021, the Climate Commitment Act works by setting a statewide “cap” on greenhouse gas emissions that steadily lowers over time. Washington, like California, is establishing a market for businesses to buypollution “allowances” that will become increasingly expensive—an incentive to cut emissions and a way to raise money to counter climate change.The first auction to sell off these allowances is scheduled at the end of February, and if all goes according to plan, Washington’s emissions will drop to 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, an even steeper cut than California’s, which aims for an 80 percent reduction by the same year.It’s the most recent example of a state putting a price tag on carbon dioxide, a longtime goal of climate advocates that has come with controversy. Last year, Oregon instituted a cap-and-trade system via executive order from former Governor Kate Brown after years of failed bills. In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, a collection of almost a dozen states participate in a regional cap-and-trade program that began in 2009.The federal government, however, has taken a different approach after two decades’ worth of abandoned attempts to make polluters pay for their emissions. Last summer, a Democratic-controlled Congress broke through the deadlock to pass the historic Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to lower emissions through green tax credits intended to speed up the adoption of clean energy and low-carbon technologies.One criticism of Washington’s new system is that many large emitters—those designated as industries that are susceptible to fluctuations of global and regional markets, such as paper mills and petroleum refineries—will be able tobuy allowances at little or no cost for the next dozen years. The exception was a response to concerns that big polluters might pick up their business and move to another state where they didn’t have to pay for their emissions.
CLIMATE PROJECT/ LESSON 4.3ACTIVITY DECARBONIZATION POLICIES EXPLORATION22.In your own words, what is a cap-and-trade system?3.How do cap-and-trade systems work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?4.The article contrasts Washington state’s policy with the national Inflation Reduction Act. What’s the main difference between these two policies?5.Why do you think some people or organizations would oppose cap-and-trade systems?
CLIMATE PROJECT/ LESSON 4.3ACTIVITY DECARBONIZATION POLICIES EXPLORATION36.Write a claim in response to this question: Is a cap-and-trade system a strong solution to address climate change? Support your answer with at least one piece of evidence from the lesson and your background knowledge.Optional Extension:7.Conductinternet research to find a policy in place in your town or state designed to reduce carbon emissions.•Describe the policy. oWhat are the goals? oHow is it implemented?oWho’s impacted?•What obstacles or opposition has it faced?•How successful has it been in reducing emissions?8.Writea detailed response based on your research. You can write a factual news report, share your perspective in an opinion, or create a call to further action connected to this policy.