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Air Quote by James Hansen

“Goals and caps on carbon emissions are practically worthless, if coal emissions continue, because of the exceedingly long lifetime of carbon dioxide in the air.” quote by James Hansen
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“Goals and caps on carbon emissions are practically worthless, if coal emissions continue, because of the exceedingly long lifetime of carbon dioxide in the air.”

James Hansen

About This Quote

Source Speech: Climate Change Testimony, US Senate, 2005

Carbon emissions persist for centuries, making caps ineffective if coal keeps burning.

In simple terms: Carbon lasts long, caps fail without coal reduction.

Key Takeaway

Reduce coal use, not just cap emissions.

Themes

climate policy energy environment economics

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

policy analytical

When to use this quote

  • government regulation
  • energy planning
  • carbon budgeting

Key Concepts

carbon cycle externalities policy design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can policy address long‑term carbon persistence?
  • What alternatives to coal are viable?
A Different Perspective

Caps alone cannot offset ongoing coal emissions.

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