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is good” and “being good”. For example, a football coach need not be better than the players in order to coach. Electorates could still elect qualified representatives even though they themselves are not qualified. Another argument for direct democracy is legitimacy. Some see direct democracy as a resurgence of constitutionalism as it complies with the definition of Human Right by United Nations where citizens have the right to participate directly in decision making. However, I do not see that as a valid point, because dissolving the political hierarchy would not only let citizens take control, but it would cultivate the possibility of people abusing that power. An even bigger problem now that is worse than authoritarian rule arises: tyranny by majority. Therefore, such a system catalyses the production of short-sighted people who rate their self- interest over universal benevolence. The cataclysmic effect of the abundance of short-sighted, selfish people would not take its toll until the long run. This is because these people would rather prefer instant gratification than long term welfare of the society. For example, if they were to choose among two policies, selfish people would vote for a 5% income tax cut rather than spending an equivalent amount on education and infrastructure and other projects which do not have immediate, direct effect upon them. As time proceeds, the ruler would no longer dare to propose policies that benefit the long term but might sacrifice people’s interest otherwise he or she would live under the fear of a recall by the public to be replaced by another ruler who is more obedient, which goes back to my previous point of tyranny by majority.
Is carbon trading dead?
Oliver Morland
So you think carbon trading is dead? Think again!
The beautiful market based emissions trading system is evolving and reforming year by year and is now spreading right across the globe. After Europe dived into the water first with its imaginatively named Emissions Trading Scheme(ETS) in 2005, there were many haters and critics. But 10 years on, the ETS is bigger and better and similar concepts now cover 12% of global carbon emissions and counting.
But wait? What are these carbon trading or cap and trade schemes? How about a re-cap.(haha, re-cap) The cap and Trade or Carbon Trading schemes are launched by governments who create pollution permits for every tonne of greenhouse gases they will allow to be emitted. These permits are dished out to energy intensive companies who use them to have the right to pollute our planet and make their products. A more energy efficient company will have permits to spare, so it trades them to other companies for some cash. As firms realise they can get rich quick by selling off spare permits, they invest in more energy efficient technology. Watch the video to see it in animation:
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