The goal is to see a measure that is not too difficult to implement for Comind and has major positive repercussions. The idea is to show that there are very effective ways to respond constructively to the climate crisis and to improve the economy.
We have an enormous ecological problem. It originates largely from certain activities that release greenhouse gases.
Are there simple measures to improve the situation ?
It is difficult for us to part with an object of value or to perform a task. Money compensates for this difficulty because it represents something good. Money is therefore the measure of the benefit it brings us immediately.
However, the selling or buying price is not this measure; it is a value such that the seller sells above their personal measure of benefit, and the buyer buys below their personal measure of benefit (otherwise, neither the seller nor the buyer would proceed with the transaction).
Measuring (here, immediate benefit) facilitates transactions but also regulates: limiting the amount of money limits the benefit others can provide me. By nature, one cannot provide an infinite amount of benefit, so limiting the amount of money represents the limit of the quantity of benefit (material or services) that can be provided.
Money is a measure, and in its archaic (material) form, it is difficult to use a more sophisticated system. But with computing, we can now count things other than immediate satisfaction. Being able to measure other values allows for the introduction of new balances.
We need to regulate, among other things, greenhouse gas emissions. To do this, we can limit the amount of fossil fuels extracted. For example, to limit the amount of crude oil used, we create a kind of currency representing crude oil, gas, and coal—let's call it the GOC (Gas and Oil Coin
). Each individual (and only them) regularly receives GOCs. To extract Oil or Gas, one must give the equivalent GOCs to the government. When a person buys their coffee, they must pay in their usual currency plus GOCs. Thus, the total quantity is controlled. The question of system introduction remains to avoid initial resistance.
The advantage of this system over simple production quotas is that it avoids injustices. With simple quotas, rich countries can monopolize resources. Starting with a per-person allocation ensures a fair starting point.
Additionally, people who efficiently manage their oil and gas consumption can sell their surplus to others. This creates a reward system for some and penalties for others.
With such a system, quotas can be reduced regularly, giving people time to adapt, such as improving thermal insulation.
It is possible to add functions, such as:
Revisiting the example of buying coffee: the merchant might only accept usual currency, converting the GOC portion at the daily rate and including it in the regular currency. Regardless, fossil fuels spent must be accounted for. Whatever happens, the total extracted quantity cannot exceed the planned amount because mining companies cannot extract without providing the corresponding GOCs.
In the end, we have an effective system requiring very little effort aside from implementing the computing infrastructure. It is adaptable for all finite resources (like copper).
Part of our economic crisis stems from a cycle: overheating → overconsumption of limited resources → price increases (inflation) → consumption drops → business revenues decrease → economic crisis.
By regulating the consumption of limited resources, overheating is avoided at the source without causing blockages.
Regulating crises does not just smooth the activity curve, which is already beneficial. It also allows for further progress. One can imagine it as a car that tends to accelerate too quickly, causing it to brake automatically. By accelerating in a measured way, we can go faster without jerks. Concretely, this translates into far more services with minimal limited resource expenditure. For example, more recreational sports activities, repair workshops, or medical consultations.
Ultimately, we would enjoy greater comfort through more efficient resource allocation: buying fewer new items, repairing more, and engaging in more enjoyable activities that consume fewer limited resources.
Yes, but they require territorial control across the entire planet to be truly effective. See the study.