Carbon Health

The current central estimate of the social cost of carbon is over $50 per ton in today’s dollars. While this is the most robust and credible figure available, it does not yet include all of the widely recognized and accepted scientific and economic impacts of climate change.

In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, a carbon price reduces harmful criteria air pollutants from fuel combustion that harm human health . To demonstrate these effects, take this example of a theoretical carbon fee (from Confronting the Climate Challenge).

A new study has identified the four actions that would have the greatest impact on an individual’s greenhouse gas emissions: eating a plant-based diet, avoiding air travel, living car free, and having fewer children .

The Short Answer: Carbon is in carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that works to trap heat close to Earth. It helps Earth hold the energy it receives from the Sun so it doesn’t all escape back into space . If it weren’t for carbon dioxide, Earth’s ocean would be frozen solid.