The Cost of Climate Policy

W.J.C. Cherwinski is a professor of history and Canadian Studies Program
supervisor at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is the coauthor of
Lectures in Canadian Labour and Working-Class History.

Every argument concerning the impact of global warming ultimately boils
down to a question of the bottom line. What will be the direct and
indirect costs of failing to address the issue promptly and with vigor?
Three B.C. professionals associated with the Energy and Materials
Research group dissect the issue of climate-change economics and its
effect on Canadians as dispassionately as possible.

In signing on to the Kyoto Accord, Canada agreed to reduce (by
2008–12) greenhouse gas emissions to levels 6 percent below those
measured in 1990. The authors outline the origin and nature of the
problem, the options available, the costs of those options for
individuals and specific industries, and the methodology they use to
estimate the costs. They conclude that the price for Canadians will vary
considerably depending on where they live and the particular industries
on which their region depends. Finally, they examine policy options that
must be considered in light of their findings. Those involved in
formulating policies in light of the Kyoto Accord should read this book.