The United States in a Warming World

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. Advance praise: 'Thomas Brewer is one of the world's leading experts on the political economy of international trade and related policies. Now, in this new book, he brings his calm, analytical and typically balanced approach to an important and timely issue, the political economy of global climate change policy in the United States. Professor Brewer's assessment merits a careful look by scholars and practitioners alike.' Robert N. Stavins, Albert Pratt Professor of Business and Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University Advance praise: 'Brewer's book fills a big gap in the literature about climate change. It is a thoughtful, thorough and balanced account of the science, economics, technology and politics of climate policy in the US and globally. And it is clear and very easy to read. For college and graduate students, this book is the place to start. It would be an excellent text for a course on climate change - the foundation for robust discussion, debate and research. The book also provides an excellent place for fresh thinking about how to address climate change - which is badly needed these days as the Kyoto FCCC process seems to have stalled. Everyone can learn something important from this book.' Dewitt John, Thomas Shannon Distinguished Lecturer in Environmental Studies, Bowdoin College Advance praise: 'This book provides a much needed deeper insight into the economics and politics of decision making by a diversity of actors in the US in relation to climate change. It tries to explain, both to the domestic and international audience, why the US has taken a fairly isolated position for such a long time in the global climate governance arena. With its clear and simple communication style and supported by detailed appendices, this book will be very useful for policy-makers and students of climate economics.' Joyeeta Gupta, University of Amsterdam Advance praise: '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 LawPreface; 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.