One of the leading carbon polluters in the world is Australia. Alongside it are countries including China, Russia, and the United States. But the Australian government, however, is actively involved in the development of the carbon tax policy while other countries are resisting any kind of environmental taxation. The main reason why others are refusing to impose such tax is the great possibility that prices of goods and services will significantly increase. The economy will, therefore, be greatly affected by such a major reform.
How does carbon pricing work? In Australia, 500 companies, the biggest carbon polluters, will be required to pay around $23 per ton of carbon emitted because of their “dirty” operations. This number is expected to increase by 2015 to put more pressure on carbon-polluting companies. Most of them will come from the manufacturing and mining industries that are known to have high carbon emissions. Carbon tax aims to encourage these companies to convert their methods and operations into a cleaner and more environment-friendly one.
Other countries like the United States, Russia, and China are known to be heavy carbon polluters. But unlike them, Australia is initiating carbon taxation to secure itself from future calamities and threats. With less carbon emissions, Australia will be reducing the possibility of bigger floods, stronger storms, and wide-scale bushfires.
The implication of not moving towards cleaner methods is more costs for companies. This added cost will, then, be carried over to consumers through the increase in the prices of products and services. Majority of consumers will choose to buy cheaper products. If your competitor uses renewable energy and practices energy efficiency, then their products will likely have lower prices to offer to consumers. In the long run, if a company wants to be competitive in the market, they will have to make drastic changes. Otherwise, they might as well just hand out their profits to the stronger and wiser competitor.
It seems like a hard road to a greener environment. And one wonders why only Australia and a number of countries seem to make developments in this policy. USA, China, and Russia are just of some of the large carbon polluters in the world, and they refuse carbon tax or any kind of environmental taxation. It might be a difficult challenge for the Australian people at this point, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges along the way.
Go for renewable energy sources and energy efficiency plans to secure your company from carbon tax. Check Australian energy suppliers online and find ways to make your energy consumption greener, safer, and more efficient.
