Gaming Climate Change

Can game theory help solve the problem of climate change? Applying the mathematical principle of studying models of conflict and cooperation between groups could help us rein in global warming

James Dyke, 13 April 2016 (UK Guardian)

“...Game theory is the mathematical study of conflict and cooperation between actors or groups…[and is used in] economics, political science and evolutionary biology and ecology…The fundamentals of the climate change are simple…[More CO2 produces more climate change and] more wealth…[W]hat is best for the individual is not best for the group…[In game theory speak, this ‘tragedy of the commons’ is avoidable] if the incentives are setup right – reward cooperation, and limit the benefits of temptation to free ride on others’ contributions…[S]ystems of reciprocity and trust can evolve…[if people] trying to free ride either get penalised or thrown out of the group…[With climate change, regional agreements can help scaffold international agreements…[A] tipping point is reached in which limiting emissions becomes a social norm…[But the rules of the climate change game] appear to operate exactly in opposition to what’s required...Those that have the greatest impacts on the climate – the most industrialised nations – are those nations that will be least affected. It’s some of the poorest people living in some of the least developed nations that are going tobear the brunt of climate change…This doesn’t mean the climate change game can’t be beaten. But we would do well to remember just who has most to lose if we collectively fail.” click here for more

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