Since global warming appears to be such a huge and intractable challenge, it is comforting to think there are lots of things that individuals and businesses can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that would also save them money.
The good news was how many gigatonnes (1bn tonnes) of future carbon dioxide emissions could be saved by simple cost-saving measures such as installing energy-efficient lighting and heating systems in homes and offices.
People often resist paying more money initially in return for longer-term savings. They do not take enough account of the fact that the additional cost of a compact fluorescent light bulb, or loft insulation, or a fuel-efficient car, will eventually be more than offset by fuel savings.
...Similarly, house builders have limited incentives to construct energy-efficient buildings because they do not gain financially from the investment. Instead, it is the home-owner who benefits.
It struck me that it would be pretty hard to construct regulations or financial incentives to address such perverse incentives effectively over decades. On the other hand, the US and other countries had better start trying.