Actions Quote by James Hansen
“Consider the perverse effect cap and trade has on altruistic actions. Say you decide to buy a small, high-efficiency car. That reduces your emissions, but not your country's. Instead it allows somebody else to buy a bigger S.U.V. - because the total emissions are set by the cap.”
About This Quote
Cap‑and‑trade can unintentionally shift emissions to others, undermining individual eco‑efforts.
In simple terms: Policy may offset personal green choices.
Key Takeaway
Consider systemic impact of incentives.
Themes
environment
policy
behavioral economics
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
policy
critical
When to use this quote
- buying cars
- government regulation
- corporate strategy
Key Concepts
externalities
cap‑and‑trade
Questions to Reflect On
- How can caps be structured to avoid rebound effects?
- What personal actions still matter?
A Different Perspective
Policy design must prevent loopholes.
![“Imagine a giant asteroid on a direct collision course with Earth. That is the equivalent of what we face now [with climate change], yet we dither.” quote by James Hansen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ca3/james-hansen-7143_asteroids_imagine-a-giant-asteroid-on-a-direct-col_643017.jpg)
