The ethics of carbon pricing

Pricing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most intensely discussed strategies to mitigate climate change. Implementing a carbon tax or a 'cap and trade' emissions trading scheme are the two most prominent proposals and the ones that this doctoral thesis focuses upon. Its goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the moral reasons that speak for or against carbon pricing. The first three chapters deal with moral arguments in favor of carbon pricing and the last three chapters with moral arguments against carbon pricing. In doing so, I build on the existing literature, but also develop new arguments. Some of the arguments in favor of carbon pricing turn out to be unconvincing (Least Cost Argument, Liberty Argument), but the same is true for one argument against carbon pricing (Commodification Argument). One of the arguments in favor of carbon pricing proves to be sound (Effectiveness Argument), while two of the arguments against it have at least some credibility (Solidarity Objection, Carbon Pricing and Motivation). This doctoral thesis aims to provide some insights into how to price carbon, but a final answer to the question of whether we should price carbon can only be given after an interdisciplinary debate to which this work of moral philosophy is but one contribution.