Final answer:
An optimal tax on a depletable resource should be set to encourage intergenerational economic justice. This can be achieved by taxing the extraction or use of the resource in order to promote conservation and sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to encourage intergenerational economic justice, an optimal tax on a depletable resource should be set. This can be done by taxing the extraction or use of the resource, which creates an incentive for conservation and sustainable practices. By imposing a tax on each unit of the resource that is extracted, the government can discourage excessive exploitation and promote long-term economic fairness.
For example, let's consider a depletable resource like oil. The government can set a tax on oil extraction, which would increase the cost for oil companies. This tax can be designed to gradually increase over time, encouraging them to find alternative energy sources and invest in renewable technologies.
By implementing such a tax, future generations can benefit from the conservation of resources and a more sustainable economy. This approach ensures that the burden of resource depletion is shared across generations, promoting intergenerational economic justice.