The United States in a Warming World The Political Economy of Government, Business and Public Responses to Climate Change

About this book

Addressing the widespread desire to better understand how climate change issues are addressed in the United States, The United States in a Warming World provides an unparalleled analysis of features of the US economic and political system that are essential to understanding its responses to climate change. The introductory chapter presents a firm historical context, with the remainder of The United States in a Warming World offering balanced and factual discussions of government, business and public responses to issues of energy policies, congressional activity on climate change, and US government involvement in international conferences. Abundant statistical evidence illustrates key concepts and supports analytic themes such as market failures, free riders, and the benefits and costs of alternative courses of action among industry sectors and geographic areas within the US. Written for audiences both outside and within the US, this accessible book is essential reading for anyone interested in climate change, energy, sustainable development or related issues around the world.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Permissions
Introduction

Part I. Issues:
1. Questions, analytic framework, and context

Part II. Domestic Economics and Politics:
2. Business: part of the problem and part of the solution
3. Public perceptions and preferences
4. State and local governments – and the courts – in a federal system

Part III. National Government Policies:
5. Pricing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
6. Facilitating energy technology innovation and diffusion
7. Strengthening international cooperation

Part IV. The Future:
8. Options for the future: realities, visions and pathways

References
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Thomas L. Brewer is a Senior Fellow at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) in Geneva. He taught graduate and undergraduate students at Georgetown University for twenty-five years, and he has been a consultant to the World Bank, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Professor Brewer maintains two websites: www.usclimatechange.com and www.TradeAndClimate.net.