Documentation:Open Case Studies/Political Science/National1

Climate Change Action Plan

National Group 1

Introduction

We believe the most effective way to deal with climate change is not to take one policy to deal with climate change but rather advance multiple policies at the domestic and international level.

Action Plan

Our plan involves working with the provinces to develop climate strategy plans that work for their own specific economy and circumstance. This involves promoting a carbon tax, new cap and trade agreements with other states and re-investing new revenue into green energy plans like home retrofitting, electric car tax credits etc. Furthermore, investing in education and instilling the importance of the environment at an early age will go a long way in creating a population conscious of environmental issues. We believe that by making our country more green, it sets an example on the global stage for a viable path for-- at least-- developed countries to 'greenify' their country.

Implications

(Erase this text: In this section, consider how your action plan can be framed to address the concerns of political, economic, and social groups. Your answers in these sections should consider the guiding questions on the student handout page. Why could you anticipate your plan as having a chance of success in gaining appropriate support? What will be its impacts? Consider both negative and positive impacts.)

Political

Fortunately by 2016, 80% of all Canadians will live in a province with a carbon pricing plan. Political pushback shouldn't be too bad. There might be token resistance from the laggard provinces, but they really don't matter on the national stage.

Economic

There is minimal jurisdiction the Canadian Government has on the environment, since constitutionally this falls under the provinces. Federal Corporate Tax Rates are one jurisdiction which the Canadian Government can control and add incentives to. Traditionally, carbon pricing policies have implemented taxes in addition to pre-existing taxes. A new approach would be a reduction to a pre-existing tax rates by incentivizing those firms who reduce their carbon emissions with a reduction on their current tax rate.

Traditional tax scheme: 15% (Corporate Tax Rate) + 5%(Carbon Tax on current habits) = 20% rate

New tax scheme: 15% (Corporate Tax Rate) - 5% (Carbon Tax for reducing emissions) = 10% rate

This tax scheme would reward firms by providing the carrot instead of the stick for them to change their habits.

Social

National Education

We arrived at our dire environmental condition because of a lack of education in previous generations. One of the approaches we would like to pursue as a national government is to imbue strong environmental values within our young citizens. This can be achieved by modifying elementary and secondary school curricula. Through stimulating in-class activities, we will be able to foster a more attentive mentality towards the environment, ultimately making environmental awareness the prevailing social norm. Future generations will develop 'greener' habits, and will hopefully be more inclined to take environmental action, paving the way for a greener future.

International Education

Canada identified that education is the one of the best ways to support environmental changes. Canada will take a leadership role to facilitate educational programs abroad. Ultimately Canada would promote training programs abroad to help primary school education programs target environmental issues and spreading knowledge surrounding sustainable practices.

Psychological

Reward System Approach From a psychological stance, providing a reduction to pre-existing tax rates addresses an incentive salience since it provides motivation or desire for change. The alteration of behaviour is rewarded through a reduction of the amount of taxes a corporation has to pay.

Sympathy Sympathy for parts of the nation that will be affected by climate change the most; If people feel empathetic toward their fellow Canadians and the inevitable destruction of their land then they will be inclined to help. Capitalize on people emotions and their ability to empathize with the most vulnerable people in their own country

Remaining Challenges

One possible challenge on a national aspect may be the risk of non-compliance among provinces. This may be due to level of priority given to dedicate their resources. This project consists of contributing a substantial amount of their budget which may cause lack of cooperation .