Free market environmentalism Flashcards
When was the end of the “night watchman era” of the government?
After the Great Depression in 1930s•
• Economic desperation from unstable economies
What is the theory behind Keyniasinism and neo-classicism?
- Markets always stabilise eventually
- Unphased by GD
- Don’t interfere
What is the theory behind Keyniasinism and capitalism?
- State will regulate booms and busts of economy
* This way avoid tyranny and authoritarianism
what is the role of states in Keyniasinism and capitalism?
- Regulate industry/ finance
- Deficit sending during recessions
- Progressive taxation
- Great public enterprise
When was the Golden age of capitalism?
1945-75
• High growth and full employment
• Mass production and mass consumption
• Strong economic left= higher progressive tax and programs
What is Keynianism applied to enviro pol?
Public trusts state to govern enviro
How did neolib ideology come about?
- 70’s- overproduction in global economy, and so stagnant growth
- Keynianism no longer makes sense because is around a growing economy
- Argues problems are base in govt intervention- too many regs/ intervention
- Need dereg, free trade, upperclass cuts…
What is neolib ideology in enviro pols?
Should be using free market mechanism to address, not the state
Market is smart, uncorrupted, efficient- states can’t be trusted
What is the market environmentalist rationale?
No one owns enviro so state can’t help
• Privatise everything
o Assign a price and sell it to highest bidder or rent it
o People will have to pay to use/ pollute nature and so will do it less
o People care more for what they own private vs that they hold in common- ie park bins vs bins at home
o Ie privatising public parks
• role of state only creating property rights and enforcing them
What are examples of privatisation?
Air and water (can get sued for polluting), wildlife (genetic codes)
What are criticisms of privatisation?
- Dispossession- taking them away
* Not everyone can afford- bolivia- violent protests
What are criticisms of green taxes?
- about govt making money
* not reinvested into green techs
What is cap and trade?
• Permits on level of pollution- can exchange/ sell between states
What are offset markets?
• Offset emissions by creating carbon sink or investing in energy projects
What is the theory behind carbon markets as a cure?
- Fate of planet tied into financial market around carbon- so need to make sure prices for renewables drop and so investment becomes ever-more attractive
- Stimulates competition between developing states
- Low carbon economy
- Create battle between finance and oil- finance would win- force govt to regulate and support renewables
- Would create race to the top creating climate policies to maintain competitive edge
- High carbon prices will push car companies towards building 0 emissions designs
