Strategic effects of future environmental policy commitments: climate change, solar radiation management and correlated air pollutants

J Environ Manage. 2015 Mar 15:151:22-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.11.033. Epub 2014 Dec 19.

Abstract

We study the effects of environmental policy commitments in a futuristic world in which solar radiation management (SRM) can be utilized to reduce climate change damages. Carbon and sulfur dioxide emissions (correlated pollutants) can be reduced through tradable permits. We show that if nations simultaneously commit to carbon permit policies, national SRM levels rise with carbon quotas. Alternatively, if they simultaneously commit to SRM policies, the global temperature falls with each unit increase in the global SRM level. A nation always wishes to be a leader in policymaking, but prefers carbon to SRM policymaking. The globe prefers SRM policy commitments.

Keywords: Climate change; Correlated pollutants; Policy commitments; Solar radiation management; Strategic environmental policy.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Climate Change*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Environmental Policy*
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Policy Making
  • Solar Energy
  • Sulfur Dioxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Sulfur Dioxide
  • Carbon