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This @ledevoir article is a breath of fresh air. It discusses the role of innovation, but that it should not be an excuse for failing to implement aggressive climate policies https://www.ledevoir.com/economie/568132/analyse-l-innovation-au-secours-du-climat
In it @ctsragan is quoted in an interview saying the latest @EcofiscalCanada report might overestimate the carbon price needed because the modelling didn't consider innovation.
But! Here's the thing.....
But! Here's the thing.....
The policies that @EcofiscalCanada has decided to criticize (crudely lumped as "subsidies" or regulations) are the policies that support innovation!
The innovation literature, whether from a more neoclassical, evolutionary economic, or political economy perspective is clear that a carbon price is helpful BUT insufficient.
More targeted approaches are needed to support innovation in particular technology systems
More targeted approaches are needed to support innovation in particular technology systems
Still @EcofiscalCanada has decided to attack other climate policies instead of attacking climate change in its last report, and to bring up ideological positions that "market forces" can substitute for gov't support for specific tech.
Here are some (draft) suggestions about how we can talk about the importance of carbon pricing moving forward, that supports all the climate solutions we need
(add your own suggestions)
(add your own suggestions)
1) A carbon price sends broad signals across the economy, while targeted policies remove more specific barriers to a green economy
2) A carbon price triggers some private sector innovation, and that gives valuable info to policymakers about what other actions are required
3) A carbon price makes low-carbon lifestyle choices like home retrofits, public transit more cost-effective and governments should provide services to help citizens make these choices and avoid paying the carbon price
4) A carbon price sends the right signals in our daily lives about how to reach the societal goal of net-zero carbon emissions.
That market signal must be complemented with policies to support green economy careers, and social security
That market signal must be complemented with policies to support green economy careers, and social security
Conclusion - A carbon price is important, but market-based approaches have limitations. So do all other policies. That's why we need a "policy mix"
If we are going to solve this problem, let's support all the policy approaches we need to attack the real problem - climate change!
If we are going to solve this problem, let's support all the policy approaches we need to attack the real problem - climate change!
