The Prophets and Our Resources

Review of the previous post.

The previous post, post number 12 of 13, continued the discussion of practical considerations for the method of applying ecotheology discussed in this series by presenting possible solutions that can be used in solving the problem presented by current applications of ecotheology.

Preview of this post.

This post, post number 13 of 13, is the final post in this series and continues the discussion of practical solutions presented by the current applications of ecotheology by combining the charge presented by God to mankind in Genesis and combining the sacredness of the land with the actions of God with regard to Noah to arrive at a possible approach at finding an application of ecotheology that has a Biblical basis but is applicable to modern ecological concerns

B.Possible solutions

3. Environmental Consumption Tax

Another possible solution is an environmental consumption tax that is applied to everything. That consumption tax then would be used to replenish the environment with items that replace the ones that were removed for the item purchased. This would be fair to all (perhaps basic necessities of life, such as milk, bread, and the like could be exempted so that those on the lower end of the income scale are not unduly taxed).

A variation of the consumption tax is the so-called carbon tax in which carbon emissions are taxed, or an emissions-trading system in which people or companies are allotted a certain amount of carbon emission and can trade, sell or purchase the right. That is, for example, a company can reduce its emissions more than the law requires and sell unused credits so that a company that cannot meet the standards can buy credits. Both of these schemes require significant government control, and such control is often fought as “government interference.” Many people resist government involvement because they deem such involvement “choosing winners and losers” in an otherwise free market. These same people rely on private industry to develop efficient emissions controls on their own. While those on the other side of the argument claim that private industry will never develop such technology on its own and without government rules and regulations, it should be noted that any company that develops such efficient technology will likely succeed beyond one’s imagination in the marketplace. Any automobile company that develops a car that runs efficiently on a fuel other than gasoline will, in all likelihood, capture a huge share of the automobile market. Thus, those that believe private companies do not have any incentive to develop such technology may be missing the picture of commercial success. Whatever the solution, it will require the participation of everyone, not just one or a few countries, but everyone, including China, India and all emerging nations. Must participate because gains from one place cannot be offset by losses elsewhere.