Governments should incentivize going green

In order not to disrupt the economy and people’s day-to-day lives, our attack on climate change must be gradual. The only way to stop climate change is to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate our use of fossil fuels because of the greenhouse gases they produce^[2]. This is most easily done by targeting the transportation and energy sectors. Starting with the energy sector, governments need to begin financially incentivizing households and commercial enterprises switching to renewable energy (i.e. solar or wind). However, this needs to be optional in order not to disrupt people’s lives. Even if not everyone chooses to take advantage of this new tax credit, enough people will take advantage of it so as to still reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the switch to renewable energy, we need to offer energy-efficient lightbulbs for free, and incentivize both carpooling and recycling ^[3]. The only law that needs to be passed is that car manufacturers must begin phasing out gas-powered cars with electric ones so as to make our transportation system green. The behaviors people adopt during this transition will likely remain extant after the financial incentives end. And by that time, we will have almost entirely made the switch to renewable energy without radical mandates, inconvenience, or economic disruption. This argument assumes that governments have the capital necessary to pay citizens for their efforts to stop global warming. Many governments are currently allotting funds for climate change efforts, and redirecting them to this initiative will offset the cost. There are also international organizations that can contribute. This argument also assumes that people will participate because of the financial incentive. People are generally motivated by money. By rewarding people rather than penalizing them, this program ensures that no one is negatively impacted by this initiative.