Global Impact of National Climate Policy in the Nordic Countries

Abstract

The Nordic countries have engaged in ambitious policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This might convince other countries to be more ambitious. We explore mechanisms by which small countries can affect emission reduction programs in other countries. Development of improved clean technologies seems to be the most viable of these mechanisms. Inspired by the philosopher Kant, the Nordic countries may also follow an ambitious climate policy because they want to do their share of a global effort to halt climate change. They should then consider whether they want other countries to follow their choice of policies.