Carbon Tax Becomes a New Reality in Australia

Australia's first term prime minister Julia Gillard announced a carbon tax that will charge $23 per metric ton. Though Australia is one of the world's top carbon polluters, the program will start next year, reports Sarah Laskow, GOOD Magazine.

1 minute read

July 13, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By Kristopher Fortin

In a country where 80 percent of its electricity is generated from coal-fired plants, Laskow reports, Gillards sell of the carbon tax was a political gamble:

"Right now about three-fifths of voters oppose the tax."

"In 2009, its parliament twice rejected carbon trading schemes."

"In the face of this political reality, Gillard has drawn up a plan that puts her country on track to create a carbon market second only in size to the European Union's. She has also lined up the votes necessary to ensure the plan's success: the main planks of her policy are certain to pass."

FULL STORY: Australia Is About To Have A Totally Reasonable Climate Policy

Monday, July 11, 2011 in GOOD Magazine

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