Applying the concept of "clean enough" to climate change, an economist means the
A)A restoration of the climate to its pre-industrial state without regard to the consequences.
B)A reversal of climate change such that the average cost of the restoration equals the average benefit of the restoration.
C)A slowing down or reversal of climate change such that the marginal cost of the effort equals the marginal benefit of the effort.
D)A slowing down or reversal of climate change such that the total cost of the effort equals the total benefit of the effort.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Applying the concept of "clean enough" to climate change, an economist would mean achieving a slowing down or reversal of climate change that balances the marginal cost of the effort against the marginal benefit of the effort. This means that the cost of reducing emissions and adapting to climate change should not be greater than the benefits of such actions. It is not feasible or desirable to return the climate to its pre-industrial state and the approach should be to find the optimal amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that will achieve a balance between the costs of reducing emissions and the benefits of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.

Applying the Concept of "Clean Enough" to Climate Change, an Economist