The Evolution of the Solution to Pollution

Nick Gerard

Ms. Jacqueline Kerr

English 101 section 38

3 December 2013

The Evolution of the Solution to Pollution 

            The real solution to climate change is found in the minds of those who still want to work for their place in this world. The real solution to climate change lies within the minds of young conservatives.

            We as a nation must abandon the idea that increasing the size of the federal government will solve our problems. We cannot add a carbon tax to the already enormous tax-code.

            In order to solve climate change we must…

1.      Reform the American tax code

2.     Create a carbon tax that does not increase federal revenue

3.     Reach international agreements on this issue

            First when examining the United States tax-code it is easy to see how Middle America ends up paying through the nose in taxes. Large companies hire experts who find loopholes in the tax code resulting in it being very difficult to increase that tax revenue. (“Simplify the Tax Code” par 2) This ultimately makes the middle class pay extremely high taxes. Adding a carbon tax to this broken system would only be detrimental to America. 

Photo courtesy of Christian Science Monito

            Second a carbon tax needs to be purposed that does not increase federal revenue. This tax would be created to help stop further damage to the planet and is not intended to increase revenue. (“How to Tax Carbon” par 5) This carbon tax would replace other taxes within the tax code, perhaps the income tax. The income tax already takes away incentive to work and conflicts with the core American ideal of hard work being greatly rewarded. A carbon tax would essentially tax any business releasing unsatisfactory carbon emissions, this tax would be high enough to force companies to switch to alternative energy sources and be more environmentally friendly.

Photo courtesy of Real World Libertarian

            Third, order for climate change to be solved it must be addressed as a serious problem on an international level. After the United States adopts this tax and successfully lowers its carbon emissions we must set the standard for industrial pollution. We as a nation must urge other countries around the world to follow us in our pursuit of a cleaner world, to solve climate change quickly. The U.S. would need to use economic sanctions on any country resisting the idea of environmentally friendly change. If our generation wants to change the amount of carbon humans emit into the atmosphere we must change lifestyles and make climate change priority one on an international level.

Mankind and Climate Change by Daniel Kurtzman

            These simple steps can solve one of the greatest problems our world has ever faced. Although each step will take tremendous work on many levels of government and international collaboration it can be done. Time and time again the American will to improve society ends up improving society. The United States has the power to lead on the issue of climate change and help push people to live lives that are sensitive to the world around them.

Work Cited

Moylan, Andrew. “How to Tax Carbon.” American Conservative. Environmental Protection Agency, 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.  

Buchanan, Vern. “Simplify The Tax Code.” Tampa Bay Times. 1 June 2013. Web. 13 November 2013.