Carbon tax
A carbon tax is a form of environmental tax levied on the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases by industrial activities, transportation, and other sectors contributing to climate change. It is designed to create an economic incentive for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. A carbon tax typically involves setting a price per unit of CO₂ or other greenhouse gas emissions, which companies or individuals must pay based on the emissions they release. A carbon tax aims to internalise the external costs of greenhouse gas emissions, which are often not accounted for in market prices, and provide a financial disincentive for activities that contribute to climate change. The revenue generated from a carbon tax can be used in various ways, such as funding renewable energy projects, supporting climate change adaptation efforts, or providing rebates to low-income households. Carbon taxes are often considered a market-based mechanism to incentivize the transition to a low-carbon economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon taxes are implemented in different ways in different jurisdictions, and their effectiveness and impact on the economy, industries, and consumers can vary depending on the specific design and implementation. Proponents argue that carbon taxes can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while critics raise concerns about potential economic and distributional effects.
