A Price on Carbon - Time to Act Now!

ATA It’s time to stop listening to the environmental naysayers and put a price on carbon as soon as possible, says the Alternative Technology Association. ATA chief executive Ian Porter said the media agenda had been hostage in recent weeks to a range of critics – from corporations in polluting industries to conservative union leaders and radio shock jocks – and it was time environmentally conscious people spoke out. “The drums of hostility to the carbon tax have been beating for weeks, but the reality is that a price on carbon will mean little economic difference to the average person,” Mr Porter said. “Australia needs support and creative solutions for clean technology and a healthy environment for future generations, yet all we are hearing at the moment are the voices of self-interest – the organisations and individuals who are dependent on continuing environmental destruction.” According to modeling by the Climate Institute, a $25/tonne price on carbon would mean an increase of just $3.86 per week to an average Sydney household’s energy bills. And low and middle-income households would not even feel the increase with the Government set to make compensatory tax cuts. A growing number of countries and regions of countries across the world are pricing carbon – including all of Europe, Quebec, New Zealand and Costa Rica. Even China now has an emissions intensity target that equates to a strong price on carbon. Mr Porter said there was still strong concern in the community for action on climate change. The current boom in the installation of rooftop solar panels, solar hot water, insulation and energy-efficient lighting exemplified people acting for the environment while saving on energy costs. “Thousands of people, many of them ATA members, are taking practical measures in their own homes and communities to make a clean and green Australia a reality,” he said. “Renewable energy, energy efficiency and water saving are the ways of the future. No amount of political pressure from polluting industries can stop progress.” The ATA is Australia’s leading not-for-profit, consumer-based organization promoting renewable energy, sustainable home design and water saving. < Prev   Next >