The Path to Success for an Effective Carbon Tax

A Vox explainer describes the complex political, economic, and cultural obstacles to overcome in achieving a carbon tax equal to the social cost of carbon.

1 minute read

May 3, 2016, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Pollution 2

Evanna Chung / Flickr

"A consensus has formed among economists, climate wonks, and progressives that a carbon tax is the best way to address climate change," according to an article by David Roberts, adding, "In some quarters, rhetorical support for a carbon tax is seen as a litmus test for whether policymakers are serious about climate change."

Roberts has actually produced back to back articles on the subject of a carbon tax. The first, published on Earth Day,  questioned the idea that the carbon tax is the "first best" carbon policy. In the follow-up post, Roberts instead assumes "that a carbon tax, equal to the social cost of carbon, is the ideal climate policy." The question Roberts seeks to answer then: If a carbon tax is the most efficient and effective mechanism for addressing climate change, how should the policy's apologists go about enacting a new regulatory system?

Roberts begins by noting that carbon tax proponents have yet to play the game of politics, thus commencing what he describes as "a better, more grounded conversation about what's possible for carbon pricing."

Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in Vox

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.