If pollution coming from factories is bad, then why would the socially optimal level of pollution not be zero?
A)because there are significant social costs of achieving zero pollution
B)because there are significant social benefits from attaining zero pollution
C)because the factories are privately owned in a market system
D)because there are zero benefits from zero pollution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The socially optimal level of pollution is not zero because achieving zero pollution would involve significant social costs, such as drastically reducing industrial activity, which could lead to economic downturns, job losses, and decreased availability of goods and services. The concept of an optimal level of pollution balances the costs of pollution against the costs of reducing it, aiming for a point where the marginal cost of pollution control equals the marginal benefit from reduced pollution.

If Pollution Coming from Factories Is Bad, Then Why Would