Why Market-Based Approaches to Climate Change Won't Save the Planet

Authors

  • Tina Kim University of Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/psur338

Abstract

Market-based approaches to climate change incentivize firms to change their environmentally destructive practices. Examples include the carbon tax and the cap-and- tradeprogram. It is assumed they are the most efficient and effective way to combat climate change. Therefore, market-oriented responses to climate change have already been implemented globally and are celebrated within the western political discourse. However, the effectiveness of market-based solutions has been over-emphasized to fit the interests of corporations, leading to major problems. Therefore, market-based approaches are not just nor effective: they are within the capitalist hegemony which perpetuates the climate crisis. To resist the capitalist hegemony, selective degrowth is necessary: structurally and fundamentally changing our relationship with nature and each other for the better. I argue that implementing degrowth is an approach that truly responds to the climate crisis in a just and decolonial way.

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Published

2023-04-24

How to Cite

Kim, T. (2023). Why Market-Based Approaches to Climate Change Won’t Save the Planet . Political Science Undergraduate Review, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.29173/psur338