Carbon border tax

November 18, 2020

President Biden wants to make the U.S. an important player in the battle against climate change. To achieve this, he could, together with the EU, introduce a carbon border tax on imported goods (such as steel) from countries where carbon emissions are not or barely priced. With these tariffs, Biden could partly continue Trump’s popular America First policy, as well as create space for sustainable innovation and stricter domestic climate policy, without immediately disadvantaging American companies or causing carbon-intensive industries to take flight.

President Biden might be able to impose these taxes of his own accord, by way of executive orders (under the guise of national security), but for the necessary accompanying domestic policy, he would need the House and the Senate. Especially in regions that are strongly dependent on imports or exports of carbon-intensive goods, this plan wouldn’t be embraced right away. Nonetheless, it could set the stage for the modernization and sustainability of the American economy, which, sooner or later, will be confronted with international climate regulations anyway.

Series 'AI Metaphors'

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1. The Tool
Category: Objects
Humans shape tools.

We make them part of our body while we melt their essence with our intentions. They require some finesse to use but they never fool us or trick us. Humans use tools, tools never use humans.

We are the masters determining their course, integrating them gracefully into the minutiae of our everyday lives. Immovable and unyielding, they remain reliant on our guidance, devoid of desire and intent, they remain exactly where we leave them, their functionality unchanging over time.

We retain the ultimate authority, able to discard them at will or, in today's context, simply power them down. Though they may occasionally foster irritation, largely they stand steadfast, loyal allies in our daily toils.

Thus we place our faith in tools, acknowledging that they are mere reflections of our own capabilities. In them, there is no entity to venerate or fault but ourselves, for they are but inert extensions of our own being, inanimate and steadfast, awaiting our command.
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2. The Machine
Category: Objects
Unlike a mere tool, the machine does not need the guidance of our hand, operating autonomously through its intricate network of gears and wheels. It achieves feats of motion that surpass the wildest human imaginations, harboring a power reminiscent of a cavalry of horses. Though it demands maintenance to replace broken parts and fix malfunctions, it mostly acts independently, allowing us to retreat and become mere observers to its diligent performance. We interact with it through buttons and handles, guiding its operations with minor adjustments and feedback as it works tirelessly. Embodying relentless purpose, laboring in a cycle of infinite repetition, the machine is a testament to human ingenuity manifested in metal and motion.
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About the author(s)

Fascinated by the interplay between technology and society, Sjoerd has studied the role of different actors in the innovation and implementation of new technologies throughout his career. At the thinktank, he is mainly involved in research and consultancy projects for clients, and strategic and thematic research for sister company Dasym. Among other themes, Sjoerd frequently writes and speaks about the power and danger of digital technology, as well as sustainability in both technological and institutional innovation.

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