Solve Global Warming? Take Some Time Off

There is a study that came out yesterday from the Center for Economic Policy and Research that says that if we simply worked less, putting in fewer hours at our jobs, we could slow down global warming. While admitting that the relationship between work and global warming is complex, David Rosnick, the study’s author, says that, “it is understandable that lowering levels of consumption, holding everything else constant, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

            On the face of it, it kind of makes sense. Less time at work means less time running the copy machine. The office lights aren’t on as long either. But will it mean that people commute less? Folks are still going to drive back and forth to their jobs if they work and eight hour day or if they work for seven. If people get a few more days off from work, they commute less, but they might decide to travel more.

            I’m left a little skeptical of this idea, but it is still intriguing to consider that working to solving global warming might entail a little less work overall.