Economists prefer Obama on energy and environment policy 3

Comments View as Flat

1. 

   stevenearlsalmony Posted 5:05 am
   18 Sep 2008

   What do economists see as the size, ...............shape and make-up of Earth?
   It appears as if the family of humanity lives in a relatively small, evidently finite and noticeably frangible planetary home. If Earth is bounded in space-time; if Earth's limited resources are being recklessly dissipated; and if Earth's environs are being irreversibly degraded by relentless pollution, can an adequate, reality-oriented case be made by economists for the sustainability of the colossal scale and fully expected, seemingly endless growth of the artificially designed, manmade global economy that is rampantly overspreading our planetary home?
   Do economists still believe that the Earth is flat, that Earth is like a mother's teat at which the human species can perpetually suckle, or that the planet we inhabit is a cornucopia?
   If so, please explain.
   Steven Earl Salmony
   
   AWAREness Campaign on The Human Population,
   
   established 2001
   
   http://sustainabilitysoutheast.org/index.php
   
   

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2. 

   Spearhead Posted 8:05 am
   18 Sep 2008

   Economists can make the Earth betterMuch to the surprise of most "environmentalists," a true study of economics shows that it is in our economic (hence - self) interest to protect, preserve, and sustainably use our natural resources and environment.  The main reason that environmental degradation takes place is due to two reasons: First, the government ALLOWS pollution levels with laws such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, instead of using civil courts to prevent the pollution in the first place. Second, the true cost of goods and services aren't always the market price.  The second point can be demonstrated in many cases.  
   For example, some great research done at the U of Maryland by Robert Costanza concluded that the Earth's atmosphere is worth approximately $33 trillion.  If the prices of gasoline, carbon energy, CFC's, etc. were priced accurately, the damage they inflict on the atmosphere would be accounted for in their market price, making them less attractive than other alternatives.  However, the current market price, let's say of gasoline, does not reflect the true "cost" of the good.
   There has been some amazing groundwork layed in natural resource and environmental economics lately, and it is certainly in any greens interest to learn how simple economics can make our world a much better place.   I would recommend reading some literature by authors like Costanza, Terry Anderson, and PJ Hill for a start.  The later two will focus on free-markets, but may open your eyes.

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3. 

   Bryan P Posted 3:33 pm
   26 Nov 2008

   Education; Secret for SuccessionOne of the key ingredients to the success of a modern nation is education. America has recently had a presidential election, and education is a key issue. President-elect Barack Obama already has some ideas. According to this article, he wants to take a good look at the No Child Left Behind act. He doesn't want to get rid of it altogether, but he does want reform, especially when it comes to the subject of standardized testing, and he is against having students "fill in bubbles" every year, and preparing them to only do so. Both he and Vice president-elect Joe Biden are both supporters of charter schools, provided they perform adequately. Teachers at private and charter schools will be in line for incentives such as the Teacher Service Scholarships, and pay bonuses and increases to perform to standards. This is a good proposal for teachers and they will have reward with their great job. He also wants to boost Early Head Start programs and give tax credits (or as he calls it the "American Opportunity" credit) for college education and these things are all at the forefront of his education plan. Repairing faith in America's schools, and therefore the credit repair of the American workforce, is something that is definitely desirable. This is a positive goals of our president-elect, if really happens, surely, education will be one of the best power of Americans. Click to learn more about Credit Repair.

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