Australia Passes Bold Environmental Bill

The International Energy Agency recently stated that energy-related carbon emissions reached a new high this year. In order to curb the acceleration of greenhouse gases and rising temperatures, severe action must be taken. The current benchmark is to reduce the anticipated 2°C rise in global temperature by 2020. This much needed calling has resonated with some: those who are bold enough to take legitimate action against the climate issue.

Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard is one of these people. Just a few days ago, the Australian parliament passed a controversial carbon tax on the country’s biggest carbon emitters. The bill forces the 500 hundred largest polluters to pay $23 dollars (AU) for every ton of carbon emitted. The bill will take affect in July of 2012. The carbon tax is unique because it forces companies to pay for all their emissions, as there is no allowance quota established.

Along with environmental benefits, the bill also comes with political and economic controversy. Some opponents to the bill claim it is just another way to tax the public. They feel household incomes will drop and people will lose jobs. Others claim that this is simply a political move to gain popularity so Gillard can stay in office. Whatever the case may be, we can all learn from Australia as a case study. Whether the country succeeds or fails, we can applaud them for the initiative. If successful, maybe the world will listen.