The Political Feasibility of Consumption-Based Carbon Accounting

ABSTRACT: A consumption-based inventory can represent a promising accounting method for more effective collective action against carbon emissions. However, the current scientific debate has not yet proposed comprehensive analyses of the political features of consumption-based accounting. In particular, the ultimate objective of this article is to investigate the political feasibility of consumption-based accounting. The article argues that political feasibility is fundamental for gaining support and eventually fostering the development of widely acceptable, stable and effective consumption-based accounting systems. Specifically, the article first briefly investigates the potential of consumption-based carbon inventories. It then frames and scrutinizes political feasibility according to the normative and positive perspectives relevant to understanding the actual possibility of shifting from the current production- to consumption-based accounting. Finally the article, in light of the evidence provided by the analysis carried out, takes a prescriptive turn and indicates how politically feasible governance systems for consumption-based accounting may be forged and successfully put into practice.