An important way of bringing down the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) being emitted via human activity into the atmosphere is to put a price on carbon.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – United Nations appointed group of scientific experts, say fossil fuels should carry a tax of $20 – $50 for every tonne of CO2 they generate to pay for the environmental effects of burning them.
This is making the traditional power energy suppliers nervous as this will add to their costs, which will then be reflected in their price put onto the consumer. Putting a price on the CO2 means that clean energy suppliers start to become competitive cost wise, thus allowing them to come competitively into the market.
It is imperative that world governments put a cost on carbon in order to bring down the CO2 levels in the atmosphere. They must too all act in unison so that no one nation is put at a disadvantage by introducing a carbon tax into their economy.
A comprehensive international Emissions Trading Scheme is therefore imperative for the success of this initiative.
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Los Angeles Proposes Carbon Surcharge on Energy Bills
http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/16/los-angeles-proposes-monthly-carbon-surcharge/
In a move to make Los Angeles coal-free by 2020, Mayor Antonio Villariagosa just announced a proposal for a monthly carbon surcharge on water and power bills. The funds will be used to transition the city towards renewable energy sources, and although no set amount was announced, it is expected that the smallest increase seen by 55% of the LA Department of Water and Power (DWP) consumers will be an additional $2.00 a month.