Wood, N, Lawlor, R orcid.org/0000-0002-9621-2977 and Freear, J (2024) Rationing and Climate Change Mitigation*. Ethics, Policy & Environment, 27 (1). pp. 1-29. ISSN 2155-0085
Abstract
In this paper, we argue that rationing has been neglected as a policy option for mitigating climate change. There is a broad scientific consensus that avoiding the most severe impacts of climate change requires a rapid reduction in global emissions. We argue that rationing could help states reduce emissions rapidly and fairly. Our arguments in this paper draw on economic analysis and historical research into rationing in the UK during (and after) the two world wars, highlighting success stories and correcting misconceptions. However, although the empirical details play an important role, the paper is primarily based on philosophical and ethical argument and policy analysis, particularly highlighting the normative assumptions behind policy choices.
We build on Hugh Upton’s work in healthcare ethics, rejecting a broader conception of rationing which conceals significant distinctions between policy options, obscuring the specific advantages of an egalitarian conception of rationing. While some argue for the modernisation of rationing, introducing tradable allowances, we argue that the rejection of markets, and a commitment to fair shares, is a key part of the value of rationing, and precisely what made rationing attractive to the public in the 1940s.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | Tradable energy quotas; Carbon allowances; Carbon Tax; Energy justice; Fairness; Equality |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number AHRC (Arts & Humanities Research Council) AH/L006650/1 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 01 Mar 2023 10:50 |
Last Modified: | 21 May 2024 12:30 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/21550085.2023.2166342 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:196878 |
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