The importance of trials (and errors). The cases of Carbon Trading and Road Congestion

Having seen the collapse of the European Emission Trading Scheme for Greenhouse Gases in its first phase with its over-allocation and dramatically reduced prices towards the end, there has been a sobering stringency from the European Commissions for allocations for the second phase. Several countries have cried in outrage, but it seems as if they have understood that their trustworthiness is at stake when they give contradicting messages to the public.

Now, it is said that there have been discussions about the third phase within the group that plans for the European Climate Change Programme II and that countries are prepared to give up their right to set their own caps (presently they propose them for the Commission to decide upon so the loss in power is not that big). The distribution of the allowances would, however, remain a national decision.

So, it seems as if trial (and error) will finally result in a more stringent and working system!

Another experience that points in to the importance of making full-scale tests is the congestion fee development in Stockholm. The fee and the test were debated and heavily opposed, especially in the municipalities surrounding the city centre. Quite understandable since that is where the commuters live. Nevertheless, the test was carried out and in a referendum there was a slight victory for the fee from the city and a clear majority with no-votes in the surrounding municipalities. The fee was, however, decided upon and is little by little gaining more positive response even from the commuters. Again quite naturally, because they now find that they can get into the city in shorter time - when they need to do so!

Could it be that we need more braveness from decision-makers to design trials and tests even full-scale like these two? They will have to take a lot of heat in the debate! Will we (their voters, supporters and opponents) then be able to forgive them the failures that might occur? There is an old Latin saying that we may have to remember: "Ut desint vires tamen est laudanda voluntas" - "Even when the force is failing, the good will should be commended"