Federal Government Discourages Public Transport Use
Since the first mention of a national carbons emissions trading scheme, heavy-polluting industries have been viciously lobbying to receive free carbon credits or to be exempt from the scheme altogether. For some, the hard work paid off. Agriculture is one industry has been lucky enough to be exempt, until at least 2012. However, public transport, a sector that is offers the most environmentally friendly way to commute, is required to pass the costs on.
The Federal Government decided to ease financial pressures on motorists and the economy by lifting the fuel excise tax as the carbon costs are factored but will be reintroduced over the next 5-10 years. Gradually integrating the new costs into fuel, the blood of our economy, is obviously a move to keep control inflation and the economy.
While it’s important to keep the economy healthy, the whole point of the carbon emissions trading scheme is to keep the environment healthy. It’s common knowledge that public transport is much greener than personal transport yet Federal and State governments continue to pump significantly more into road infrastructure, as well as providing financial incentives to motorists.
Carbon neutrality, sustainability and the erradication of global poverty will require a change in our lifestyle - we can’t continue wasting energy at the rate we do. At least until we master cold fusion…
New Leadership, Old Mentality
Tags: carbon trading, energy crisis, policy, political, public transport, sustainability