The Cold Truth (The Register-Guard – Editorial)
"The crisis presented by global warming demands a response that is simple, comprehensive and effective. A tax on carbon consumption is the only response in sight that both discourages the production of emissions that cause global warming, and finances the rapid transition to a post-carbon economy."
Joe says
If everyone thinks global climate change is a real threat to their way of life then they are well aware of the choices that they need to make, i.e. spending more on solar panels for their home. In a true free market, alternatives derived from renewable energy will be demanded by the public regardless of implementation of a carbon tax because the people who are overly concerned will be empowered by their decisions to reduce carbon emissions, and they will motivate others to do the same through their actions. The technology exists today for many clean, efficient energy solutions, and they don’t need a tax to stay afloat in an oil saturated market they just need some PR and marketing to a wider audience. Any tax destroys the people’s right to choose and prevents them from taking an active role in protecting their valuable natural resources and conserving their environment. The only way this world will be cleaned up and protected for future generations is for everyone who lives in it to take responsibility and take an active role to making the shift. Taxes will change nothing because they multiply a philosophy of apathy. "Why should I do something? That’s why I pay a carbon tax." The whole idea of a carbon tax implies a need for government, and I personally see no need for an already overbearing, intrusive government to increase the amount of money they steal from my pay check. I’m sorry, but how can a government secure the current climate of this planet when they can’t even secure 2000 miles of the US-Mexico border.
Steve Hill says
A Carbon Tax seems to be the line of action that many want to take and a difficult one in the current financial climate. It would work to a degree but one volunteer is better than 10 pressed men.
People and businesses will volunteer to save energy and impact on climate change when they realise they can save substantial amounts of money currently padi out on wasted and inefficient energy use and supplies.
Plus, once people realise that they are facing the effects of climate change they again will act – forget tax use education to help people realise what they can do and how they benefit, initially in their pockets.