Samuel Staley's review (hat tip: Matt Kahn) makes me want to preview mine:
What Kahn emphasizes in Climatopolis is that climate change policy (and sustainability for that matter) may not about universal or global policy strategies (although he favors adding a dollar or two to the gas tax). Too many cities are focused on general goals such as reducing overall carbon emissions and not enough on coping strategies, investments in adaptation, and planning (including zoning) that will be essential for their survival.
I finished chapter 3 last night and so far so good. The book provides a lot of insights into how folks might behave with gradually changing temperatures, more rain, more natural hazards, etc.
What has struck me so far is the assumption that the trashing of legitimate climate policy is a done deal. I think not and therefore it is still important to consider the benefits and costs of cap and trade or a carbon tax and compare that to the alternative of adaptation. Adaptation is not costless, young people will move to Fargo, sure, but we'll also build seawalls that might cause more problems than they solve.
The review excerpt above suggests that Matt will get around to discussion of a carbon tax and I'm itching to read about it.
