📚 Learning Guide
Externalities and Their Effects
hard

How can the government effectively internalize the externalities associated with pollution while considering the impact on public goods?

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Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

By imposing taxes on pollution emissions

B

By subsidizing companies that pollute less

C

By providing free public goods to all citizens

D

By deregulating all industries to encourage growth

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

The government can effectively internalize the externalities of pollution by implementing policies that make polluters pay for the harm they cause. This can include taxes on emissions or fees for using natural resources, which encourages companies to reduce pollution. For example, if a factory emits smoke that harms the air quality, a carbon tax would make it more expensive for the factory to pollute, motivating them to adopt cleaner technologies. However, it’s important for the government to balance these measures with the need for public goods, like parks and clean water, ensuring that the costs do not disproportionately burden low-income communities. By investing in green technologies and public awareness campaigns, the government can promote a healthier environment while maintaining access to essential resources for everyone.

Detailed Explanation

Imposing taxes on pollution makes companies pay for the harm they cause. Other options are incorrect because Some might think giving money to companies that pollute less is enough; Providing free public goods sounds good, but it doesn't fix pollution.

Key Concepts

environmental impact
public goods
internalizing externalities
Topic

Externalities and Their Effects

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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