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Archive: Bernard Finel
Solid policy objectives can be achieved
"Energy independence" is something of a sloppy term, but it seeks to capture several interrelated policy objectives, and as a result is an important goal to pursue.
By Bernard Finel | March 31, 2010; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Watch for potential tipping points
We should be very worried about this sort of change. The reality is that the climate system is tremendously complex, and there are many potential tipping points that could trigger abrupt changes in climate that would be enormously costly to adapt to.
By Bernard Finel | March 10, 2010; 01:57 PM ET | Comments (4)
A sub-optimal course of action
Like many questions regarding climate change, the answer has both a political and a substantive component. But in this case, neither provides an obvious response.
By Bernard Finel | February 23, 2010; 03:26 PM ET | Comments (1)
We can't afford subsidies
Politically, subsidies for green technology will be easier to accomplish. They are also a terrible idea. The problem with the energy market right now is precisely subsidies. We subsidize oil and coal to the tune of several hundred billion dollars a year.
By Bernard Finel | February 3, 2010; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (6)
Science is a work in progress, but well supported
The broader meaning is that any enterprise involving thousands of individuals will include people of various qualities and attributes. There will be some who are kind-hearted and wholly transparent, and others who are spiteful and secretive.
By Bernard Finel | January 25, 2010; 03:27 PM ET | Comments (9)
Issues come down to morality, economics and politics
The divide between rich and poor countries over climate change ultimately raises three fundamental concerns: morality, economics, and politics. Each also provides a different lens for approaching the issue.
By Bernard Finel | December 15, 2009; 08:35 AM ET | Comments (2)
E-mails not a surprise to scientists
This is a fascinating development, not because it sheds light on climate change, but because it pulls back the curtain on scientific research in a highly politicized environment.
By Bernard Finel | November 24, 2009; 11:08 AM ET | Comments (4)
Only short-term gains
Opponents of climate change legislation may gain politically in the short-run, but in the long-run their stance is almost certainly going to be recognized as obstructionist and ineffective. The fundamental issue is that taking "action" on climate change is really...
By Bernard Finel | November 2, 2009; 01:43 PM ET | Comments (1)
