A Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA) is a proposed climate policy where every citizen receives an annual budget for carbon emissions, tracked through their purchases of fuel, electricity, and flights. If someone exceeds their limit, they would have to buy extra credits from someone who used less, effectively creating a cap-and-trade system for individuals. Proponents argue this radical step is a highly effective, market-driven mechanism to guarantee national climate targets are met while rewarding frugal, eco-conscious citizens. Opponents argue it would require an invasive, Big Brother-style surveillance apparatus to track every transaction and would disproportionately punish rural or low-income populations who rely on older, less efficient vehicles and homes.
