Many commentators like to pontificate about the profits made by big energy companies. But this grandstanding reveals a feeble grasp of basic economics and numbers, and is ultimately counterproductive. In case you missed it, some big companies selling products which are now in short supply have seen their profits rise because of higher prices. This … Continue reading Politicians should work with BP and Shell, not demonise them
Category: Climate change
Is the “booming net zero economy” really a key driver of growth?
On Monday the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit published a report by CBI Economics which generated plenty of uncritical headlines about the “booming net zero economy”. In particular, the report claimed that the total economic value (GVA) generated by the sector grew by 10.1% last year, and that this supported the equivalent of 951,000 full-time … Continue reading Is the “booming net zero economy” really a key driver of growth?
Justice was done to the ‘Just Stop Oil’ Five
Over the last few days I've read some terrible takes on the jail sentences of four to five years handed out to five ‘Just Stop Oil’ protestors (aka 'the Whole Truth Five'). Here’s my assessment of why the sentences were justified and where the critics have gone wrong. First, the facts. If you have not … Continue reading Justice was done to the ‘Just Stop Oil’ Five
Why expanding London’s ULEZ is a bad idea
The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to all London boroughs on Tuesday is a triumph of green ideology over sound policymaking. People are right to be fed up. The scheme is at least simple. Motorists driving anywhere in the zone in a car or van which does not meet Euro emission standards … Continue reading Why expanding London’s ULEZ is a bad idea
Plain-speaking Economics 