Economist on business and climate change

This week’s Economist (2 June issue) includes a 15-page report on how business is tackling climate change. The main issue’s lead comment piece argues that a pre-condition for effective action is for governments to put a price on carbon emissions. That way, the magazine argues, business investment in clean energy technology is likely to flourish.

What the magazine misses is the importance of challenging the idea of collective restraint. What we need is far more growth and much better technology. That way humanity will be in a better position to tackle any challenges thrown at it.