Do We Need Trade-Offs to Advance Climate Policy?

Abstract

Decarbonizing the energy and transportation sectors around the world is not another issue in achieving sustainability; it is the issue. Sustainability discussions often pit environmental concerns against social and economic priorities. Balancing climate as an equal concern with economic and societal priorities has achieved incremental change, but not the kind of sea change necessary to address the problem. This chapter suggests that these trade-offs may be a red herring in light of new technology and innovation, largely absent in the electric industry to date. It argues the trade-offs are institutional and behavioral rather than economic. This author makes the case for leadership and provides principles of prioritization and action.