CCE empowers volunteers to educate key stakeholders, policymakers, and the public about the nuances of numerous climate solution models. However, our preferred solution is a revenue-neutral, carbon fee-and-dividend system (CF&D), which we consider to be the most equitable and efficient means of reducing carbon and mitigating climate change. A major strength of a revenue-neutral carbon fee-and-dividend program (CF&D) is its simplicity. Under one CF&D scenario: A recent CCE-commissioned study by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) found that a system nearly identical to the above would create powerful economic incentives to shift to renewable energy, cutting carbon emissions to 50% below 1990 levels within two decades. Meanwhile, returning 100% of fees collected to American households would shield the poor and middle-class against rising energy prices—an absolute requirement for any just climate policy. Beyond its contribution to fundamental fairness, revenue-neutrality often appeals to legislators who might be open to climate action, but remain leery of adding to the size or budget of the federal government. At the same time, the border adjustment would create strong economic pressure to establish carbon fees internationally, paralleling the moral pressure exerted by the U.S.’s adoption of its own far-reaching climate plan. Furthermore, a price on carbon would reduce the airborne pollutants that cause disproportionate rates of emphysema and other respiratory illnesses in impoverished communities, thus preventing up to 13,000 premature deaths per year in the United States alone. This decrease in preventable deaths and illnesses accounts for many of REMI’s impressive economic findings, with cuts in sick days and health care costs—and, via the dividend, an increase in personal funds available for necessary health care spending—contributing to the predicted creation of 2.8 million jobs over baseline in the first 20 years. By training volunteers in the scientific, economic, political, and ethical dimensions of climate change, CCE empowers them to educate officials and the public about these and more aspects of a strong climate solution. The resulting climate constituency is as informed and effective as it is vocal, producing positive outcomes disproportionate to its own rapidly-growing numbers.Details
Impact