As students, we learn that the society we live in grows and develops with the help of fossil fuel technology as its basis. We also learn, however, that our society is economically based around what is known as “survival of the fittest.” In this case, with carbon trading, I believe that its purpose is not so much about reducing harmful gas as benefiting from the carbon credit. Firstly, the carbon trading system or, as it is known in Europe, ETS (Emission Trading System), is based upon the theoretical concept of global warming. This is not yet a scientifically verified concept. Secondly, carbon trading is not leading to significant carbon cuts. Furthermore, the wide array of difficulties in measuring the offset of emissions calls for a number of uncertainties. This brings more opportunities for tricking the entire credit system. With an expanding economic
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market, there are more opportunities for banks and investors to make huge profits from these credits. This also could eventually become leakage, a shift of pollution from the developed to the developing countries.
Recently, my father brought to my attention that a new effort to enforce carbon trading was initiated by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). They are planning to institute penalties for nonparticipating airlines landing, taking off, and operating in the European airspace. As some airlines are punished, and their business declines, those that do comply will be able to charge much more. This disproportionate increase in airfares will directly affect my personal freedom of travel, including my only chance of seeing my grandparents. These are the people directly responsible for who I am today. The ETS will keep me from visiting my family. This is where the “Cap and Trade System” personally affects me.
I think it is vital that students around the world voice their opinions on this topic. When we have the opportunity to learn about the concepts of environmental protection, biodiversity, and pollution management, it is up to us as the future working generation to say what needs to be said. We need to insist on proving the Global Warming Theory by utilizing the scientific method. Based on the outcome we need to negotiate a truly global solution for the probable issue. We need to solve it in a manner which preserves personal existence, freedom, and property.
by
3927al (student)
