If every country in the world all implemented a consistent carbon capping scheme at the same time, there would no distinction between taxing the production of greenhouse gasses and taxing the consumption of products that generate greenhouse gasses. However, we all know that this is not going to happen – developing nations cannot justify the expense. Pointing fingers at non-participatory countries is unproductive so another solution is necessary.
What New Zealand looks like to immigrants
This made me laugh. According to this report on New Zealand Immigrants from the ABC, the rate of residents leaving New Zealand is growing at an alarming rate. The funny part is that most of the growth is due to residents that weren’t born in New Zealand!
New Zealand residents are able to come to Australia to work and live without even applying for a visa. If the trend continues, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne says New Zealand will become a “transit lounge” for immigrants.
Even immigrants know that Australia is better than New Zealand.
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. (more…)
From the logon2 Blog