SYSTEMIC ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS FOR ENERGY,

CLIMATE AND GLOBAL SECURITY

JAMES GREYSON*

BlindSpot, PO Box 140, Lewes BN7 9DS, UK

www.blindspot.org.uk

Paper published by the NATO Science Programme in May 2008. In essence, how to reverse major global problems instead of trying (and failing) for decades just to reduce them. 

Abstract: Energy security, climate stability, sustainable development, economic

growth and national security are codependent goals; either all will be

achieved or none. This global security goal-set will remain elusive with

prevailing ‘patchwork’ policy-making. Irreversible failure with one or more

of the goals may be avoidable with a non-reductionist approach to global

complexity, using systems thinking and systemic interventions at leverage

points, of which two are proposed. (1). Weapons spending can be deducted

from Gross Domestic Product to define a ‘Gross Peaceful Product’ with

which nations could align goals for growth and security. (2). Other global

security goals can be approached by a preventive insurance scheme. Significant

producers would pay an obligatory premium on all products (including

fuels) according to the risk that they become waste in the air, land or water.

Premiums would be invested in the capacity of nature, industry and society

to reduce that risk. This market-based ‘precycling insurance’ would make

many prescriptive instruments redundant. In particular, emissions capping

debates need no longer delay international climate agreements.