Energy fellow Rachel A. Meidl writes that it is imperative to consider and assess innovative recycling technologies that could have enormous economic value in transforming waste plastics into the building blocks for new, higher-value products.
With the cost of virgin plastic directly affected by oil and natural gas prices, the global plastics economy is highly vulnerable to shocks. The authors argue that in order to advance sustainability and solve existential crises like resource depletion and the environmental and social impacts of climate change, high-income countries should take the lead on the development of transparent, closed loops for plastics.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25613/JXVH-K250
Rachel A. Meidl, Vilma Havas, Brita StaalJanuary 21, 2021
Experts from the Center for Energy Studies offer nine climate policy recommendations for the Biden administration and argue that a bipartisan legislative push could accelerate a move toward significant action on climate change.
Jim Krane, Kenneth B. Medlock III, Mark Finley, Michael D. MaherJanuary 20, 2021
The authors assert that the time is ripe for the United States and Europe to take the lead on shepherding a systems-level change in the recycling market, strengthened by government regulation and legislation. They examine the economic, social, and environmental impacts of mismanaged waste and argue that the Covid-19 pandemic could serve as a catalyst for action toward a global, circular economy.
The high-growth, high-tech sector appears poised to dramatically grow. U.S. policy to support this sector could enhance and hasten its rise, or could destroy a new American dream.
To harness the power of the market for ideas, the federal government must fund the U.S. patent office to 21st century levels and enhance the rights of patent owners.
High cancer drug prices significantly contribute to health care costs in the United States, with the average annual price of new cancer drugs increasing from less than $10,000 before 2000 to $145,000 in 2015. Baker Institute fellows Hagop M. Kantarjian and Vivian Ho highlight this issue and propose possible solutions.
The federal government will need a nuanced approach to properly stimulate small business growth. However, a core
focus should be on creating a level playing field for community banks to compete to provide small business loans.