Climate Policy Enters Four Dimensions

Abstract

This chapter addresses what needs to be done to craft a politically stable and economically sound climate policy that includes balanced reliance on the four mechanisms to manage climate risks, which we call the climate control mechanisms: emissions reduction, adaptation, carbon dioxide removal, and solar radiation modification. Assessing the balance requires attention to (1) technology development, performance, and cost over a range of control options, (2) integration of the technology architecture with the prevailing economic, regulatory, and policy context, (3) public attitudes to climate policies and programs, and (4) implementation of a planning programing system to implement the new balanced climate policy. If the United States achieved a stable balance it could serve as the basis for extended international agreements.

Keywords: Climate, global warming, fossil fuel, carbon, emissions, policy, climate change, carbon capture, emissions reduction, adaptation, solar radiation