To solve the issue of ocean acidification, America first needs to reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide. Our current most popular method of energy production emits fossil fuels that
Green Chemistry
Green Chemistry is a fancy term for the process of chemically engineering alternative materials that do not produce pollutants as byproducts (EPA). This broad term encompassing a multitude of alternative procedures and materials companies may use in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Examples include:
- alternative energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal)
- metathesis (chemical process of breaking down bonds and rearranging atoms in natural oils to create high performing chemicals that do not produce carbon emissions)…learn more in the link below
BUT…businesses probably will not do this on their own so it is important that the U.S. government implements regulations to incentivize the use of green chemistry and discourage processes that emit carbon dioxide
What the government can do to promote green chemistry and discourage carbon emissions:
1. Carbon Tax
Carbon Tax simply puts a price on carbon emissions. If we tax industries for activities that emit carbon dioxide, they will be less likely to produce such toxins and use more sustainable sources.
Key Aspects of the carbon tax:
- It should initially be a low tax rate, and increase over the years. People will be less likely to approve of a dramatic tax suddenly. This also gives industries more time to build up their infrastructure for green chemistry before the rates become too high
- Only industries should be taxed. This way, lower income households will not have to carry a larger share of the burden.
2. Green Chemistry Subsidies
The U.S. government should subsidize the research and use of green chemistry to incentivize more sustainable business practices.
Keep in mind…
- the revenue the government makes off of carbon taxes should all go towards the amount of money paid in subsidies
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The Solution
trippy oceans 