Fewer, Richer, Greener: Prospects for Humanity in an Age of Abundance
The world is doomed, many people argue, citing poverty, dwindling natural resources, and an allegedly unsustainable rate of population growth. They say there are just too many problems to overcome. But is that really the case? In his book Fewer, Richer, Greener: Prospects for Humanity in an Age of Abundance, Laurence Siegel shows that the world has improved―and will likely continue to improve―in almost every dimension imaginable. That includes access to more food, better health, greater longevity, and higher levels of education. He argues that we live in the safest and most prosperous time in all of human history. Siegel makes a convincing case for showing gratitude for today’s world and optimism about the bountiful world of tomorrow. During this forum, Bryan Caplan provides constructive and critical comments. Hosted by Cato Policy Analyst and Managing Editor of HumanProgress.org, Chelsea Follett.
Environmental Costs of the Jones Act
An often overlooked aspect of the Jones Act is its environmental effects. By raising the cost of waterborne transportation, the law encourages the use of trucks and rail, which generate more greenhouse gases and emit pollutants that are in many ways more harmful than those emitted by waterborne transport. In a new paper, Timothy Fitzgerald presents a detailed examination of the potential environmental gains that could be realized from reform or repeal of the law.
Why the U.S. Can’t Afford a Green New Deal
As the list of Democratic presidential candidates grows, so do their promises. Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand and others have all backed the Green New Deal, which promises to address climate change and inequality by providing universal health care and creating millions of jobs. However, while the GND has lots of warm and fuzzy language, the climate change‐curbing veneer amounts to a Trojan horse for a bigger nationalization of the economy than seen under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Cato scholars have discussed the plan’s fatal flaws.
Experts
