By Mark G Jones
Carbon taxes are a major issue in Australia today. It isn't just something to tackle in environmental discussions, but also in economic, political, and everyday talks. The problem of greenhouse gas emissions is constantly worrying all countries across the globe, especially those who have been using and depending on fossil fuels for their power and their trade.
Australia tops the developed countries, unfortunately, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. It is because of this that its government has spearheaded numerous environmental programs since a few years back until now. It has initiated or supported schemes like GreenPower, smart meter, Solar Cities, and other such activities that are geared towards having a greener environment. These programs specifically target having more renewable energy sources, energy-efficient homes and offices, and environment-friendly appliances and equipment, among others. Implementing carbon taxes, having been approved only late last year, is the latest major environmental program of the government.
The first country to implement this tariff is actually Finland, which began this in 1990. It has given some special rules though to a couple of products. It has full exemption on peat and reduced tax on natural gas. In the Netherlands, its government also did a similar thing after Finland launched their own carbon tax program and made all fossil fuels subject to general fuel tax, except those used as raw materials.
Sweden also put taxes on their own fossil fuels about the same time and has been very vocal about their greenhouse gas emissions' 9 percent-decrease from 1990 to 2006.
Australia is targeting a reduction of their greenhouse gas emissions by 133 million tonnes by the year 2020. Its government is banking on the success of this program on carbon taxes working together with their other implemented schemes including Carbon Farming Initiative and Clean Energy Finance Corporation, among others.
Australia will start charging carbon emitters the AUD 23 tax in July this year. This levy is programmed to increase step by step for 3 years. Until then, the country will go into an emissions trading scheme, where the market itself will set the cost.
Emissions trading scheme will soon become an economic-environmental program that will be actively used by major areas across the globe. It is already being used by the EU and New Zealand. The State of California in the USA will also embark on this scheme next year. As mentioned, Australia will be following soon.
In Asia, the countries of China, South Korea, and India have their own carbon trading programs geared towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, South Africa is planning to control its own greenhouse gas emitters by implementing a carbon cap rule.
All these global efforts show that everyone all over the world sees the need to fight greenhouse gas emissions. More importantly, it is good to know that countries are making an effort in minimizing or even eliminating its feared effects.
Know more about carbon taxes and other energy programs leading towards a greener environment from the Switchwise website. You'll also learn about how you can have a power supplier that will help you have a more energy-efficient home or office.
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