Fair – As an equal right for all it would sustain
widespread public support

If something as vital as the use of energy has to be limited, the balancing of supply and demand should not be left to the 'free' market. This is because, if it was, the better-off would enjoy an unfair share of the limited resource.

The Cap and Share approach is based on the principle that it is each person's human right to get a share of the Earth's limited capacity to absorb greenhouse emissions and that, as it is our individual right to emit, Production Authorisation Permits should go to each one of us personally.

Such a system is obviously 'fair', much fairer than one based on money. True, there could be circumstances in which it is not fair enough. Old people might need to use more energy to keep warm in winter, for example. However, one system should not attempt to do everything and governments will still need to use the social security system to fill the gaps.

Overall, we feel that Cap and Share will generate widespread public excitement and support over the many years it will take to stabilise and maintain the world's climate.