THE REAL COSTS OF OLD AND NEW ENERGY

New models yield clearer picture of emissions' true costs

March 4, 2015 (PhysOrg)

“When its environmental and human health toll is factored in, a gallon of gasoline costs us about $3.80 more than the pump price, a new Duke University study finds…The social cost of a gallon of diesel is about $4.80 more than the pump price; the price of natural gas more than doubles; and coal-fired electricity more than quadruples. Solar and wind power, on the other hand, become cheaper than they initially seem…[The social cost of atmospheric release ] provides policymakers with a more accurate framework for estimating the costs of a broad range of health, climate and environmental damages linked to emissions from fossil fuels, industry, biomass burning and agriculture…Current markets don't place a price on most atmospheric emissions, so polluters typically pay none of these costs…Instead, society picks up the tab through increased risks of premature death or illness caused by air pollution, higher healthcare costs, lower crop yields, missed work and school days, increased insurance damages from floods and other extreme weather events linked to climate change, and other social costs…” click here for more

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