The Gold/Carbon standards.
Gold is rare. Carbon is plentiful. How do we monetize a sooty dirty life supporting and ubiquitous Element? By artificially controlling its uses.
People everywhere utilize Carbon, from wood fireplaces, to jet travel.
If one could only capture and control the use of such ubiquitous matter?
By pretending that it is harmful. If I can convince you that air is life shortening (people have), I can sell you your air. If I can convince you that water is rare, I can sell it to you at enormous profit.
And sit back in the leather recliner, and count my homes, while planning a trip to a conference where my fellow thieves congregate, to swap jokes and stories about the stupid sheep who have signed up for my products.
"Hey you, I think you are using too much air, you owe me taxes for your wasteful breathing....."
My name is Al, and I did not approve this message....