Discussion: An “Optimal” Level of Pollution

Your participation in this discussion demonstrates the following learning objectives.

• Explain how and why the study of economics concerns various decisions making processes which have consequences, costs, and benefits.
• Analyze the efficiency of the market mechanism as a way to organize economic activity while demonstrating that there is often an important policy trade-off between efficiency and equity.
• Apply economic reasoning to determine solutions to a wide range of public policy issues: including solutions of acceptable amount of pollution, why government must supply some goods, and wealth redistribution.

• Discussion Prompt

  Consider pollution and economic production.

  • Is zero pollution an optimal goal? Why or why not? When responding, think carefully about all the costs of attaining zero pollution, as well as the benefits.
  • Also, include a brief discussion of whether you think zero pollution could be achieved in the current global economic system.
  • Finally, now that you have considered those aspects of zero pollution, think about the current level of pollution created by societies around the world. Do you think the current level is optimal? Explain why or why not.