Economists Are Almost Unanimous: Cap & Trade Is Worth The Cost

A new study finds a whopping 94% of economists believe the US should join climate agreements to limit global warming, and 92% support a cap and trade system for limiting emissions.

Researchers who deal in cold numbers rather than warming climates believe the "significant benefits from curbing greenhouse-gas emissions would justify the costs of action," a new survey finds.

In fact, the survey of economists finds 94% believe the U.S. should join climate agreements to limit global warming...

In the survey of economists:

• 91.6% wanted a tax or "cap and trade" system, where polluters buy and sell emission permits, instead of regulation, to cut greenhouse gases.

• 84% agreed the effects of global warming "create significant risks" to the economy, particularly to agriculture, fishing, insurance and health.
   
• Of the 94.3% who favor the U.S. joining climate agreements to limit greenhouse-gas emissions, 57% say greenhouse-gas cuts should come "regardless of the actions of other countries."

Not exactly a bunch of hippies.