The United States in a Warming World
The Political Economy of Government, Business, and Public Responses to Climate Change

Balanced factual and conceptual analysis of the political and economic factors that shape the United States' responses to climate change.

Thomas L. Brewer (Author)

9781107069213, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 September 2014

378 pages, 17 b/w illus. 4 maps 26 tables
25.3 x 17.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.8 kg

'Brewer vividly describes past efforts to forge ahead on environmental and climate policy, providing a compelling historical backdrop for today's climate policy battles. And for students and professionals who want to probe even deeper, Brewer offers a valuable list of resources at the end of each chapter.' Vicki Arroyo, Executive Director, Georgetown Climate Center; Professor from Practice, and Environmental Law Program Director, Georgetown Law

Addressing the widespread desire to better understand how climate change issues are addressed in the United States, this book provides an unparalleled analysis of features of the US economic and political system that are essential to understanding its responses to climate change. The introductory chapter presents a firm historical context, with the remainder of the book offering balanced and factual discussions of government, business and public responses to issues of energy policies, congressional activity on climate change, and US government involvement in international conferences. Abundant statistical evidence illustrates key concepts and supports analytic themes such as market failures, free riders, and the benefits and costs of alternative courses of action among industry sectors and geographic areas within the US. Written for audiences both outside and within the US, this accessible book is essential reading for anyone interested in climate change, energy, sustainable development or related issues around the world.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Permissions
Introduction
Part I. Issues: 1. Questions, analytic framework, and context
Part II. Domestic Economics and Politics: 2. Business: part of the problem and part of the solution
3. Public perceptions and preferences
4. State and local governments – and the courts – in a federal system
Part III. National Government Policies: 5. Pricing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
6. Facilitating energy technology innovation and diffusion
7. Strengthening international cooperation
Part IV. The Future: 8. Options for the future: realities, visions and pathways
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Political economy [KCP], Environmental economics [KCN], Economics [KC]