From the perspective of economic analysis,society should
A) try to reduce pollution to a level as close to zero as is humanly possible.
B) realize that it is unrealistic to expect that efforts to reduce pollution will be cost effective from society's standpoint.
C) strive to maximize the difference between the costs of pollution and the costs of pollution control.
D) reduce pollution as long as the reduction in social costs equals or exceeds the additional cost associated with the control program.
E) pursue reduced pollution levels as long as the social cost of achieving these levels exceeds the social cost of polluting.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From an economic perspective, it is not efficient to try to reduce pollution completely to zero as it would be too expensive and impose a large burden on society. Instead, society should aim to reduce pollution to a level where the reduction in social costs equals or exceeds the additional costs associated with the control program. This balance between the costs of pollution and the costs of pollution control is known as the optimal level of pollution. Therefore, option D is the best choice.

From the Perspective of Economic Analysis,society Should