Economy-wide versus sector-specific methods of cap-and-trade are controversial enough, but British politicians are advocating a more intimate way of controlling per capita emissions: personal carbon quotas.

Under the proposal, anytime one of the Queen's subjects wants to fill up their gas tank or buy a plane ticket, they would need to give up some of their allotted credits on the equivalent of a carbon debit card. And, if they run out before the year is through, they would have to buy more credits, just like private sector programs.

Like so many programs, this sounds good in theory, but we aren't sure how well people (British or otherwise) will handle their carbon credits. As the credit card industry has demonstrated, most of us don't exactly use our plastic in a realistic sustainable manner, and the British actually have the highest debt of any developed nation (for once we're relieved America isn't #1). Considering that British officials are trying to limit the consumption that leads to giant carbon footprints, we suggest they go back to the drawing board and find a less ironic method than the "buy now pay later!" image credit cards evoke.