Olaf L. Müller, Berlin: Mikro-Zertifikate. Für Gerechtigkeit unter Luftverschmutzern

Abstract: What would be a fair solution to the problem of climate change? How should we distribute duties and financial burdens of the necessary CO₂ reductions if this is to be done in an equitable manner? My answer to these ethical questions is based on a principle formulated by Angela Merkel: Every human has the right to cause as much in terms of CO₂ emissions as any other. Unlike the German chancellor who wants to implement this principle only in the long term, I argue that there should already be equality in the case of CO₂ emissions under the regime to succeed the Kyoto Protocol.

First, the increase in worldwide CO₂ emissions should be halted. To achieve this in a just way, the rights allowing CO₂ emissions are issued in small portions (the so-called micro-certificates). The amount of CO₂ that may be emitted according to these certificates will equal the amount currently emitted per year. Whoever wishes to emit CO₂, regardless of where, when and for what, may do so only after cancelling a corresponding number of micro-certificates, otherwise a penalty would be incurred. The micro-certificates are traded on a stock exchange; their price is determined by supply and demand.

My proposal differs from the auctions of CO₂ certificates that have been conceived and organised so far in two aspects. On the one hand all emissions of climate-adverse gases should ultimately be included in the trading of micro-certificates. On the other hand, the money collected in the auctions of micro-certificates will be disbursed to every single person at regular intervals and without deductions. This is easy, fair and transparent.

In a second step, the worldwide CO₂ emissions have to be reduced drastically: After a respite of seven years (in which producers and consumers can prepare for the required adjustments) the seven years of drought in CO₂ politics begin: Every year the micro-certificates issued are cut by 10 percent. At the end of this lean spell the worldwide CO₂ emissions have been halved, and money has been invested where it helps the climate most and where this costs least.

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