Rationing: A fairer way to fight climate change?

Date:
February 20, 2023
Source:
University of Leeds
Summary:
World War II-style rationing could be an effective way to reduce
carbon emissions, according to new research.


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FULL STORY ========================================================================== World War II-style rationing could be an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, according to new research from the University of Leeds.


==========================================================================
In a paper published today in the journal Ethics, Policy and Environment, academics argue that rationing could help states to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions rapidly and fairly.

Policymakers have considered other schemes to reduce emissions, including carbon taxes and personal carbon trading schemes, but the researchers
say these favour the wealthy, who could buy the right to pollute if
trading were allowed.

The authors argue that carbon rationing would instead allow people
to receive an equitable portion of resources based on their needs,
therefore sharing out the effort to protect the planet.

The authors were based across the University of Leeds' Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre, Sustainability Research Institute and School of
History when they conducted the research.

Joint lead author Dr Nathan Wood, who is now a Postdoctoral Fellow
at Utrecht University's Fair Energy Consortium, said: "The concept of
rationing could help, not only in the mitigation of climate change, but
also in reference to a variety of other social and political issues --
such as the current energy crisis." Lessons from the past Records from
World War II show that compulsory food rationing was more acceptable
to the UK public than voluntary changes to diet when resources became
scarce. The policy aimed to share goods and burdens more equally,
regardless of wealth, which was an important part of its popularity
and success.

Historic rationing policies also introduced price controls on goods to
keep key resources affordable for most people. As a result, rates of malnutrition went down during World War II, despite the shortages.

A key difference between World War II rationing and the climate crisis
is public perception, the researchers say. The availability of thousands
of garments, gadgets and goods at the click of a button can give the
illusion that resources are available in abundance, but the reality is
starkly different.

Dr Rob Lawlor, joint lead author and Lecturer at Leeds' Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre, said: "There is a limit to how much we can emit
if we are to reduce the catastrophic impacts of climate change. In this
sense, the scarcity is very real." Dr Wood said: "The cost of living
crisis has shown what happens when scarcity drives up prices, with energy prices rising steeply and leaving vulnerable groups unable to pay their
bills. Currently, those living in energy poverty cannot use anywhere
near their fair share of energy supply, whereas the richest in society
are free to use as much energy as they can afford." Dr Lawlor added:
"It seems feasible to reduce emissions overall even while the lowest
emitters, often the worst off, may be able to increase their emissions -
- not despite rationing, but because of rationing and price controls."
What equitable rationing could look like The researchers suggest that
rationing probably wouldn't be the first step.

Instead, policy changes could start with stricter regulations and
an accompanying information campaign to communicate the benefits of
rationing.

Initially, governments could regulate the biggest polluters, such as
oil, gas and petrol, long-haul flights and intensive farming, creating
scarcity in products that harm the planet. Rationing could then be
introduced gradually, to manage the resulting scarcity with the aim of
meeting everyone's basic needs.

The academics identified two options for rationing policy. Policymakers
could introduce an all-encompassing carbon allowance, giving out
'carbon cards' like bank cards to track and limit usage. Alternatively, governments could ration specifically selected goods, such as flights,
petrol, household energy, or even meat or clothing.

Dr Lawlor said: "Many have proposed carbon allowances and carbon cards
before.

What is new (or old, taking inspiration from World War II) is the idea
that the allowances should not be tradable. Another feature of World
War II-style rationing is that price controls on rationed goods would
prevent prices from rising with increased demand, benefitting those
with the least money." According to the researchers, it's likely that rationing would accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner
energy and more sustainable lifestyles.

Dr Wood said: "For example, rationing petrol could encourage greater use
of, and investment in, low carbon public transport, such as railways and
local trams." The researchers hope the paper will inspire policymakers
to consider rationing as a serious option for fighting climate change.

* RELATED_TOPICS
o Earth_&_Climate
# Environmental_Policy # Global_Warming #
Environmental_Awareness # Sustainability
o Science_&_Society
# World_Development # Resource_Shortage # Energy_Issues
# Social_Issues
* RELATED_TERMS
o Climate_engineering o Warfare o Western_world
o Automobile_emissions_control o Mass_media o
Climate_change_mitigation o Carbon_dioxide_sink o
United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Leeds. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Nathan Wood, Rob Lawlor, Josie Freear. Rationing and Climate Change
Mitigation*. Ethics, Policy & Environment, 2023; 1 DOI: 10.1080/
21550085.2023.2166342 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230220121859.htm

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