The Anonymous Widower

Australia Proposes a Carbon Tax

Australia depends heavily on coal, which is the fuel that in my view should be banned beause of the large amounts of carbon dioxide it emits when it is burned. Because of the hydrogen in natural gas, when you burn that you get less carbon dioxide for the same energy.  But in truth, it would be better if we didn’t burn fossil fuels.

So I was very surprised that the Australian Prime Minister has announced a carbon tax. It doesn’t appear to be popular.

Australia is one of the world’s worst emitters of greenhouse gases per head of population.

The country relies on coal for 80% of its electricity generation, and is a major coal exporter.

The energy industry and the political opposition have mounted a vociferous campaign against a carbon tax, with protests in all of Australia’s major cities in March.

Critics argue a levy would damage economic competitiveness.

Opinion polls show roughly 60% of voters against the policy.

The government hopes to win them over by spending some of the cash raised by the carbon tax to compensate households for higher energy bills.

It is promising tax cuts for low and middle-income households, as well as increased state pension and welfare payments.

At least it is a start and the United States, China, Europe and the other polluting country should follow suit.

July 10, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | News | Australia, Coal, Global Warming/Zero-Carbon