The Intelligence2 debate report

Intelligence2 debate report

31 October 2007

Capitalism can save the planet (with carbon trading we can solve the climate change crisis without damaging economic growth)

Carbon trading was re-examined by Tim Harford, who suggested that the government should set a price for carbon ‘and let the market do its work’. Eric Bettelheim, quietly emerging as the hall’s favourite speaker, explained that the government doesn’t price carbon but sets a value on those emissions that are permitted without penalty. Markets then trade in those values. His argument helped boost the numbers in favour of the motion from 328 to 343. Those against also rose from 185 to 322. Don’t knows fell from 199 to 74.

Bettelheim’s final word was that capitalism must be allowed to salvage the planet or ‘our children will inherit the wind’. A telling image. And a perfect illustration of what draws excited crowds to these debates. They provide top-quality intellectual armour for dinner-party ding-dongs. You leave the hall spoiling for a bust-up over the port. You’ve got everything. The facts, the figures, the myths, the misinformation, the metaphors. All you need is the invite.

Votes before the debate: For the motion 328; Against 185; Don’t know 199

Votes after the debate: For the motion 343; Against 322; Don’t know 74