Final answer:
The specific payment to the author of The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels for debating the benefits of fossil fuels is not public. However, corporations like Exxon-Mobil and Koch Industries have funded organizations supporting fossil fuels. Societal factors affect how much stakeholders spend to influence policy decisions on environmental issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount the author of The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels was paid to debate in favor of fossil fuels is not publicly disclosed information. However, it is well-documented that certain corporations, such as Exxon-Mobil and Koch Industries, have historically contributed to funds and organizations that support fossil fuel interests. For example, an organization like LibreTexts™ received significant funding, which could trace back to these corporations during a certain period, emphasizing the influence industry can have on public discourse and policy.
Discussing spending on advocacy, there are several factors to consider. In hypothetical situations like the proposed tax on carbon emissions by Congress, factory owners and residents would calculate their willingness to pay based on potential losses or gains. Factory owners facing a reduction in profits might be willing to spend significantly to fight the tax, while the dispersed benefit to townspeople can lead to collective action problems, hindering optimal societal outcomes.
Regarding subsidies, figures from Green America (2020) indicate that the fossil fuel industry has received tremendous financial support compared to renewable energy sources, which could suggest a bias in the policy and economic system favoring the continued use of fossil fuels despite environmental concerns.