Numerous advocacy groups, scholars, think tanks and others have proposed a variety of steps to address global warming based on a set of assumptions about the green economy. Yet, while we need to take bold action to address climate change, much of what passes for conventional wisdom in this space is in fact either wrong or significantly exaggerated.
In our recent report, “Ten Myths of Addressing Global Warming and the Green Economy,” ITIF explains how the debate on policy responses to climate change is fueled by an array of myths, ranging from assumptions that high carbon taxes will generate needed clean innovations to the belief the U.S. is the natural leader in the clean energy sector. If we are to effectively address climate change and at the same time become globally competitive in the clean energy industry, policies need to be guided by careful and reasoned analysis.
ITIF dismantles the top ten myths in the debate, which are:
1. Higher prices on greenhouse gases are enough to drive the transition to a clean economy.
2. The U.S. can make major contributions to solving climate change on its own.
3. Cap-and-trade is a sustainable global solution.
4. We don’t need innovation; we have all the technology we need.
5. “Insulation is enough” (e.g. energy efficiency will save us).
6. Low growth is the answer…just live simply.
7. Information technology (IT) is a significant contributor to climate change.
8. Going green is green (e.g., it makes economic sense to go green).
9. We are world leaders on the green economy, and it’s ours for the taking.
10. Foreign green mercantilism is good for solving climate change (and good for the U.S.).
Read the entire article and superb comments at The Energy Collective:
Debunking the Myths of Global Climate Change
Pellentesque porttitor Vestibulum Mauris 
Nulla tincidunt tincidunt 
