- Fuel excise and carbon taxes are effective tools to limit climate change but setting them proves politically challenging.
- Carbon taxes are on average close to zero for most fuels like coal and do not provide meaningful carbon pricing signals.
- Outside of road transport, the vast majority of emissions are untaxed, leaving little incentive to shift to cleaner energy sources.
EaP GREEN: Overview of the use of environmentally-related product taxes in OE...OECD Environment
1) The document provides an overview of environmentally-related product taxes used in OECD countries, including taxes on energy, motor vehicles, lubricating oils, batteries, and fuels.
2) It finds that some countries have very high tax rates per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from vehicles, especially high-emission vehicles, and that these taxes have significantly reduced average CO2 emissions from new vehicles.
3) The document also notes that differentiating tax rates between diesel and petrol vehicles needs to account for other pollutants beyond just CO2 to avoid unintended impacts on local air pollution.
On 15 October 2019, Jonas Teusch (OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration) discussed the key findings from the OECD publication, Taxing Energy Use 2019, which presents new and original data on energy and carbon taxes in OECD and G20 countries, and in international aviation and maritime transport.
Global energy consumption rose strongly in 2018 along with energy-related CO2 emissions, reaching a new all-time high. This is disconcerting, as meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement will require deep cuts in emissions. Taxing polluting sources of energy is an effective way to curb emissions that harm the planet and human health. Where do countries stand in deploying energy and carbon taxes to reach environmental and climate goals? How can governments step up efforts?
This document summarizes key trends in carbon pricing policies implemented around the world in 2017. It notes that as of September 2017, over 40 countries and 25 cities have adopted carbon pricing policies through carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, covering around 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, carbon prices are still perceived as too low to effectively support the low-carbon transition, with over 75% of regulated emissions covered by a price below €10 per ton of CO2. Explicit carbon prices are also not yet aligned with scientific recommendations to reach levels between $40-80/ton CO2 by 2020 and $50-100/ton by 2030 to achieve 2-degree climate goals.
OECD Green Talks Webinar: Carbon Pricing Trends - Measuring the MomentumOECDtax
Decarbonisation keeps climate change in check and contributes to cleaner air and water. Carbon pricing is a cost-effective means of reducing CO2 emissions, but countries are still not using this tool to its full potential to curb climate change. xperts from the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration presented the key findings from their report on Effective Carbon Rates, which measures pricing of CO2-emissions from energy use in 42 OECD and G20 countries, covering 80% of world emissions, and provided a first appreciation of countries’ progress since 2012.
South Africa has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. To help achieve these targets, the country implemented a carbon tax in 2019. The tax applies to large emitters above certain thresholds. It covers emissions from fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fugitive sources. The tax rate is initially set at 120 Rand per tonne of CO2 equivalent and will increase annually. Taxpayers must calculate their tax liability based on their reported greenhouse gas emissions. Various allowances are provided to reduce the tax burden. The South African Revenue Service administers the carbon tax through existing excise processes.
- Hungary needs to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy and do more to address air and water pollution. Environmental authorities should be strengthened and adopt best practices.
- Hungary has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels but many households still struggle with energy affordability. Greenhouse gas emissions are rising again after declines. Air pollution exposure remains high.
- Hungary has significantly invested in wastewater treatment infrastructure but still has progress to make in areas like municipal solid waste management and recycling. Protected natural areas require better management and financing.
EaP GREEN: Overview of the use of environmentally-related product taxes in OE...OECD Environment
1) The document provides an overview of environmentally-related product taxes used in OECD countries, including taxes on energy, motor vehicles, lubricating oils, batteries, and fuels.
2) It finds that some countries have very high tax rates per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from vehicles, especially high-emission vehicles, and that these taxes have significantly reduced average CO2 emissions from new vehicles.
3) The document also notes that differentiating tax rates between diesel and petrol vehicles needs to account for other pollutants beyond just CO2 to avoid unintended impacts on local air pollution.
On 15 October 2019, Jonas Teusch (OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration) discussed the key findings from the OECD publication, Taxing Energy Use 2019, which presents new and original data on energy and carbon taxes in OECD and G20 countries, and in international aviation and maritime transport.
Global energy consumption rose strongly in 2018 along with energy-related CO2 emissions, reaching a new all-time high. This is disconcerting, as meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement will require deep cuts in emissions. Taxing polluting sources of energy is an effective way to curb emissions that harm the planet and human health. Where do countries stand in deploying energy and carbon taxes to reach environmental and climate goals? How can governments step up efforts?
This document summarizes key trends in carbon pricing policies implemented around the world in 2017. It notes that as of September 2017, over 40 countries and 25 cities have adopted carbon pricing policies through carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, covering around 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, carbon prices are still perceived as too low to effectively support the low-carbon transition, with over 75% of regulated emissions covered by a price below €10 per ton of CO2. Explicit carbon prices are also not yet aligned with scientific recommendations to reach levels between $40-80/ton CO2 by 2020 and $50-100/ton by 2030 to achieve 2-degree climate goals.
OECD Green Talks Webinar: Carbon Pricing Trends - Measuring the MomentumOECDtax
Decarbonisation keeps climate change in check and contributes to cleaner air and water. Carbon pricing is a cost-effective means of reducing CO2 emissions, but countries are still not using this tool to its full potential to curb climate change. xperts from the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration presented the key findings from their report on Effective Carbon Rates, which measures pricing of CO2-emissions from energy use in 42 OECD and G20 countries, covering 80% of world emissions, and provided a first appreciation of countries’ progress since 2012.
South Africa has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. To help achieve these targets, the country implemented a carbon tax in 2019. The tax applies to large emitters above certain thresholds. It covers emissions from fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fugitive sources. The tax rate is initially set at 120 Rand per tonne of CO2 equivalent and will increase annually. Taxpayers must calculate their tax liability based on their reported greenhouse gas emissions. Various allowances are provided to reduce the tax burden. The South African Revenue Service administers the carbon tax through existing excise processes.
- Hungary needs to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy and do more to address air and water pollution. Environmental authorities should be strengthened and adopt best practices.
- Hungary has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels but many households still struggle with energy affordability. Greenhouse gas emissions are rising again after declines. Air pollution exposure remains high.
- Hungary has significantly invested in wastewater treatment infrastructure but still has progress to make in areas like municipal solid waste management and recycling. Protected natural areas require better management and financing.
The Board of Directors of Hera Group approved the 2010 financial results, which showed strong growth. Revenues were €3.7 billion, EBITDA was €607.3 million (+7.1%), and net profit was €117.2 million (+65%). All business areas contributed to increased EBITDA. The dividend per share will increase 12.5% to 9 cents. The results demonstrate the success of Hera Group's strategy and continued focus on operating efficiency.
The Hera Group reported improved financial results for the first three quarters of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, with EBITDA up 8.9% and adjusted net profit up 27.3%. All business segments contributed to growth, with notable increases in the waste, water, and electric energy businesses. Total investments increased compared to the prior year. Net debt decreased slightly from the previous quarter due to strong operating performance.
Greenhouse gas emissions in the Basque Country decreased by 10% in 2009 compared to 2008, with emissions totaling 22.6 million tonnes of CO2 in 2009 versus 25.2 million tonnes in 2008. Emissions rose only 6% from 1990 levels, lower than the climate change plan's goal of a 14% increase. The energy sector accounted for 40% of emissions, with the transport sector responsible for 23% and industry 22%.
- The document presents a study on the macroeconomic and environmental effects of carbon tax policies in Ethiopia.
- The study uses a computable general equilibrium model to simulate the impact of three carbon tax scenarios on key economic indicators, emissions, government revenues/expenditures, and household welfare.
- The results show that GDP, consumption, and exports decline under the carbon tax scenarios, while government revenues and expenditures increase. Household and labor incomes are negatively impacted while emissions are reduced. Higher carbon tax rates lead to greater changes from the baseline.
A report released by the White House that outlines a plan to use the heavy hand of the federal government to restrict freedom of the American people in an unwise attempt to control methane emissions--that come mostly from cows and termites. So the answer, of course, is to screw the oil and gas industry.
A very handy guide from BMW outlining the changes from 1st April this year including RFL, BIK and capital allowances.
If you have any questions relating to any of these changes please give me a call on 0191 2617366
The EU ETS and global level playing field: the carbon leakage listLeonardo ENERGY
In the design of the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) aiming at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Europe in a cost-effective manner, the co-legislators introduced an element aimed at restoring global level playing field for the industrial sectors which would see their international competitiveness hampered by the additional costs brought by European policy. It was decided that sectors exposed to a high risk of carbon leakage would benefit from a certain amount of free allocation of emission allowances as long as their competitors outside of the EU are not subject to comparable policies.
The definition of “carbon leakage” itself is multifaceted and disputed. The system that has been built ad hoc at EU level is no less complex and burdensome. It has resulted in the elaboration of a series of eligibility steps, going from the periodic carbon leakage list through product-specific benchmarks to the application of a reduction factor aiming at keeping the level of emissions under the cap set in the Directive.
This course will look at this system from the legislative principles viewpoint as well as from the practical side based on past experience. It will also present some perspectives from the EU ETS review exercise launched in July 2015. Last but not least, it will revert back to the global perspective by observing the state of play in the aftermath of the COP21.
161125 UN Tax Committee Carbon Tax FINAL version PDFSusanne
The document discusses the potential for developing countries to implement carbon taxes based on Sweden's experience with carbon taxation since 1991. Some key points:
1) Carbon taxes can be effective at reducing emissions and raising revenues at low administrative costs by taxing fossil fuels upstream with few tax payers.
2) Revenues from carbon taxes in Sweden are about 1.6% of GDP and have been used to fund options to replace fossil fuels and address impacts on low-income households.
3) Sweden's carbon tax rates have increased over time from initial low levels, helping drive a 25% reduction in emissions while economic growth was 69%.
4) Carbon taxes are seen as generally accepted by Swedes due to environmental
Routes to Clean Air 2015 - Dr Claire HolmanIES / IAQM
Low emissions zones (LEZs) have been established in many European cities to reduce particulate matter levels and comply with EU air quality standards. Over 200 LEZs exist, primarily restricting vehicles based on emission standards. Studies show LEZs can reduce annual average PM10 and NO2 levels by a few percent on average, though results vary between cities and confounding factors make impacts difficult to determine precisely. German LEZs, which restrict all vehicles except motorcycles, have shown the greatest effectiveness with some areas seeing PM10 reductions of over 10%. For LEZs to be most effective, restrictions need to include cars in addition to trucks and buses.
The Hera Group approved positive third quarter 2016 results, with improvements in key economic indicators. Revenues decreased 4.4% to €3.1 billion due to regulatory changes and lower energy prices. However, EBITDA increased 1.6% to €650.6 million through contributions from new acquisitions and growth in electricity. Net profits for shareholders rose 13.8% to €142.2 million through improved financial management and lower debt. Investments totaled over €250 million to support infrastructure upgrades and expansion, while the net financial position improved to €2.6 billion.
The UK Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme will require large organizations in the UK that are not already covered by other emissions regulations to monitor and report their total energy usage and emissions. Organizations must purchase allowances to cover their total emissions at the start of each compliance year. Over the course of the year, organizations will calculate, monitor, and report their emissions, and surrender sufficient allowances by the end of July. The CRC scheme is scheduled to begin in April 2010 with a three-year introductory phase.
The document discusses the EU's 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the transition towards decarbonization. It provides an overview of the key targets proposed in the 2030 package, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 1990 levels, achieving a 27% renewable energy target, and assessing new energy efficiency targets. It also outlines some of the milestones in international and EU climate policies leading up to the proposed 2030 framework.
Sri Lanka- Prioritised mitigation options in the third national communication...Maxwell Ranasinghe
This document summarizes Sri Lanka's mitigation assessment and options presented in its Third National Communication to the UNFCCC. It identifies the electricity generation, transport, and industry sectors as top contributors to GHG emissions. Mitigation scenarios are developed for each sector out to 2030 based on UNFCCC methodology. Key mitigation options include increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency, promoting public transport and electric vehicles, fuel switching and cleaner production in industry, and waste diversion through composting and waste-to-energy. Significant GHG reductions of 8,000 to 2,100 Gg CO2eq are projected from electricity, transport, and industry mitigation measures respectively by 2030 compared to baseline scenarios.
Auctioning of emission allowances under the EU ETSLeonardo ENERGY
The European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe in a cost-effective manner. It is based on the cap-and-trade approach where a carbon market is created on which emission allowances are auctioned. Although today auctioning does not cover the totality of the emission allowances in the EU, it represents the main allocation principle.
To create the carbon market and allow auctioning to happen, the European legislators have put in place a system classically involving an auction platform, a monitoring, reporting and verification system, as well as rules regarding transparency and market abuse.
This system results in a carbon price which is key to the current structure of the EU climate and energy policy and is a matter of interest for a series of stakeholders.
The course will look into the structure and functioning of auctioning under the EU ETS and bring some practical perspectives based on experience before reflecting on the expected evolution of the system.
This document provides details on estimating methane emissions from soil waste in Ethiopia between 1989-1998. It begins with definitions of key terms and describes the methodology used. The population of Addis Ababa accounted for 28% of Ethiopia's urban population, with the rest distributed across other urban centers. Waste generation rates and composition for Addis Ababa are provided from previous studies. The document estimates the average annual waste disposed of in landfills for Addis Ababa (86.7 Gg) and other urban centers (387.2 Gg). Using the IPCC methodology, it then calculates the average annual methane emissions from these landfills as 5.3 Gg for Addis Ababa and 23.8
The document summarizes Sweden's experience with carbon taxation. It notes that Sweden introduced a carbon tax in 1991 alongside existing energy taxes. The tax is levied on the fossil carbon content of fuels and has increased over time. The tax has two levels, with industry paying a lower rate. Sweden has seen emissions decrease 25% from 1990 to 2015 while GDP increased 69%. The carbon tax is widely accepted by the public and seen as an effective policy for reducing emissions.
European Carbon Emissions Trading Schemedenise_clock
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the largest carbon emissions trading scheme in the world. It began in 2005 and was implemented in two phases. Phase one was ineffective due to the carbon allowances given to firms being too high and cheap, resulting in increased emissions. Phase two, beginning in 2008, saw stricter limits on emissions and higher carbon prices, creating more incentive for firms to actually reduce emissions. The ETS aims to combat the negative externalities of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming through a cap-and-trade system.
The Hera Group reported increased revenues, EBITDA, net profits, and customer base for the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Revenues grew 11.4% to €1.94 billion driven by higher sales and volumes in gas, electricity, and waste. EBITDA increased 2.5% to €330.8 million from growth in the water, gas, and waste business areas. Net profits grew 3.0% to €129.7 million. The company continued investments and acquisitions to support growth while maintaining a stable net debt level.
This document discusses carbon taxation and emissions trading schemes. It notes that while carbon dioxide emissions are a market failure, pricing carbon can help reduce emissions through market signals. However, the current European Trading Scheme has issues like price volatility and limited participation. The document argues that a harmonized international carbon tax may be a better approach but has not been preferred politically. It also describes the European compromise between carbon taxes and emissions trading, which exempts some emissions covered by the trading scheme from taxation.
The threat of climate change requires decisive action across virtually all parts of our economies and societies. Although the world is not currently on track to meet its goal of maintaining the global temperature increase below 2°C, a range of policies have been implemented, with mixed success. Economic theory indicates that a price on CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and other sources is needed if countries are to minimise the overall cost of reducing their emissions. At present, fossil fuels are priced and taxed at levels that differ vastly across fuels, uses, and countries, indicating areas of possible improvements. Likewise, some policy instruments carry a much higher cost of CO2 reduction than others, often a sign of economic inefficiency. The Environment Directorate will present latest results in this area as well as possible new work on the experience with carbon pricing legislation. By Simon Upton, Director, and Nils Axel Braathen, Principal Administrator, Environment Directorate, OECD
This document provides a practical guide for calculating greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in organizations. It includes an introduction that outlines the scope and purpose of the guide, as well as definitions of key terms like carbon footprint and CO2 equivalent emissions. The guide then covers methodology for calculating emissions from various sources like energy consumption, transport, waste, water, and more. It provides detail on specific calculation methods and updated emission factors for different countries and years.
The Board of Directors of Hera Group approved the 2010 financial results, which showed strong growth. Revenues were €3.7 billion, EBITDA was €607.3 million (+7.1%), and net profit was €117.2 million (+65%). All business areas contributed to increased EBITDA. The dividend per share will increase 12.5% to 9 cents. The results demonstrate the success of Hera Group's strategy and continued focus on operating efficiency.
The Hera Group reported improved financial results for the first three quarters of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, with EBITDA up 8.9% and adjusted net profit up 27.3%. All business segments contributed to growth, with notable increases in the waste, water, and electric energy businesses. Total investments increased compared to the prior year. Net debt decreased slightly from the previous quarter due to strong operating performance.
Greenhouse gas emissions in the Basque Country decreased by 10% in 2009 compared to 2008, with emissions totaling 22.6 million tonnes of CO2 in 2009 versus 25.2 million tonnes in 2008. Emissions rose only 6% from 1990 levels, lower than the climate change plan's goal of a 14% increase. The energy sector accounted for 40% of emissions, with the transport sector responsible for 23% and industry 22%.
- The document presents a study on the macroeconomic and environmental effects of carbon tax policies in Ethiopia.
- The study uses a computable general equilibrium model to simulate the impact of three carbon tax scenarios on key economic indicators, emissions, government revenues/expenditures, and household welfare.
- The results show that GDP, consumption, and exports decline under the carbon tax scenarios, while government revenues and expenditures increase. Household and labor incomes are negatively impacted while emissions are reduced. Higher carbon tax rates lead to greater changes from the baseline.
A report released by the White House that outlines a plan to use the heavy hand of the federal government to restrict freedom of the American people in an unwise attempt to control methane emissions--that come mostly from cows and termites. So the answer, of course, is to screw the oil and gas industry.
A very handy guide from BMW outlining the changes from 1st April this year including RFL, BIK and capital allowances.
If you have any questions relating to any of these changes please give me a call on 0191 2617366
The EU ETS and global level playing field: the carbon leakage listLeonardo ENERGY
In the design of the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) aiming at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Europe in a cost-effective manner, the co-legislators introduced an element aimed at restoring global level playing field for the industrial sectors which would see their international competitiveness hampered by the additional costs brought by European policy. It was decided that sectors exposed to a high risk of carbon leakage would benefit from a certain amount of free allocation of emission allowances as long as their competitors outside of the EU are not subject to comparable policies.
The definition of “carbon leakage” itself is multifaceted and disputed. The system that has been built ad hoc at EU level is no less complex and burdensome. It has resulted in the elaboration of a series of eligibility steps, going from the periodic carbon leakage list through product-specific benchmarks to the application of a reduction factor aiming at keeping the level of emissions under the cap set in the Directive.
This course will look at this system from the legislative principles viewpoint as well as from the practical side based on past experience. It will also present some perspectives from the EU ETS review exercise launched in July 2015. Last but not least, it will revert back to the global perspective by observing the state of play in the aftermath of the COP21.
161125 UN Tax Committee Carbon Tax FINAL version PDFSusanne
The document discusses the potential for developing countries to implement carbon taxes based on Sweden's experience with carbon taxation since 1991. Some key points:
1) Carbon taxes can be effective at reducing emissions and raising revenues at low administrative costs by taxing fossil fuels upstream with few tax payers.
2) Revenues from carbon taxes in Sweden are about 1.6% of GDP and have been used to fund options to replace fossil fuels and address impacts on low-income households.
3) Sweden's carbon tax rates have increased over time from initial low levels, helping drive a 25% reduction in emissions while economic growth was 69%.
4) Carbon taxes are seen as generally accepted by Swedes due to environmental
Routes to Clean Air 2015 - Dr Claire HolmanIES / IAQM
Low emissions zones (LEZs) have been established in many European cities to reduce particulate matter levels and comply with EU air quality standards. Over 200 LEZs exist, primarily restricting vehicles based on emission standards. Studies show LEZs can reduce annual average PM10 and NO2 levels by a few percent on average, though results vary between cities and confounding factors make impacts difficult to determine precisely. German LEZs, which restrict all vehicles except motorcycles, have shown the greatest effectiveness with some areas seeing PM10 reductions of over 10%. For LEZs to be most effective, restrictions need to include cars in addition to trucks and buses.
The Hera Group approved positive third quarter 2016 results, with improvements in key economic indicators. Revenues decreased 4.4% to €3.1 billion due to regulatory changes and lower energy prices. However, EBITDA increased 1.6% to €650.6 million through contributions from new acquisitions and growth in electricity. Net profits for shareholders rose 13.8% to €142.2 million through improved financial management and lower debt. Investments totaled over €250 million to support infrastructure upgrades and expansion, while the net financial position improved to €2.6 billion.
The UK Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme will require large organizations in the UK that are not already covered by other emissions regulations to monitor and report their total energy usage and emissions. Organizations must purchase allowances to cover their total emissions at the start of each compliance year. Over the course of the year, organizations will calculate, monitor, and report their emissions, and surrender sufficient allowances by the end of July. The CRC scheme is scheduled to begin in April 2010 with a three-year introductory phase.
The document discusses the EU's 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the transition towards decarbonization. It provides an overview of the key targets proposed in the 2030 package, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 1990 levels, achieving a 27% renewable energy target, and assessing new energy efficiency targets. It also outlines some of the milestones in international and EU climate policies leading up to the proposed 2030 framework.
Sri Lanka- Prioritised mitigation options in the third national communication...Maxwell Ranasinghe
This document summarizes Sri Lanka's mitigation assessment and options presented in its Third National Communication to the UNFCCC. It identifies the electricity generation, transport, and industry sectors as top contributors to GHG emissions. Mitigation scenarios are developed for each sector out to 2030 based on UNFCCC methodology. Key mitigation options include increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency, promoting public transport and electric vehicles, fuel switching and cleaner production in industry, and waste diversion through composting and waste-to-energy. Significant GHG reductions of 8,000 to 2,100 Gg CO2eq are projected from electricity, transport, and industry mitigation measures respectively by 2030 compared to baseline scenarios.
Auctioning of emission allowances under the EU ETSLeonardo ENERGY
The European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe in a cost-effective manner. It is based on the cap-and-trade approach where a carbon market is created on which emission allowances are auctioned. Although today auctioning does not cover the totality of the emission allowances in the EU, it represents the main allocation principle.
To create the carbon market and allow auctioning to happen, the European legislators have put in place a system classically involving an auction platform, a monitoring, reporting and verification system, as well as rules regarding transparency and market abuse.
This system results in a carbon price which is key to the current structure of the EU climate and energy policy and is a matter of interest for a series of stakeholders.
The course will look into the structure and functioning of auctioning under the EU ETS and bring some practical perspectives based on experience before reflecting on the expected evolution of the system.
This document provides details on estimating methane emissions from soil waste in Ethiopia between 1989-1998. It begins with definitions of key terms and describes the methodology used. The population of Addis Ababa accounted for 28% of Ethiopia's urban population, with the rest distributed across other urban centers. Waste generation rates and composition for Addis Ababa are provided from previous studies. The document estimates the average annual waste disposed of in landfills for Addis Ababa (86.7 Gg) and other urban centers (387.2 Gg). Using the IPCC methodology, it then calculates the average annual methane emissions from these landfills as 5.3 Gg for Addis Ababa and 23.8
The document summarizes Sweden's experience with carbon taxation. It notes that Sweden introduced a carbon tax in 1991 alongside existing energy taxes. The tax is levied on the fossil carbon content of fuels and has increased over time. The tax has two levels, with industry paying a lower rate. Sweden has seen emissions decrease 25% from 1990 to 2015 while GDP increased 69%. The carbon tax is widely accepted by the public and seen as an effective policy for reducing emissions.
European Carbon Emissions Trading Schemedenise_clock
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the largest carbon emissions trading scheme in the world. It began in 2005 and was implemented in two phases. Phase one was ineffective due to the carbon allowances given to firms being too high and cheap, resulting in increased emissions. Phase two, beginning in 2008, saw stricter limits on emissions and higher carbon prices, creating more incentive for firms to actually reduce emissions. The ETS aims to combat the negative externalities of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming through a cap-and-trade system.
The Hera Group reported increased revenues, EBITDA, net profits, and customer base for the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Revenues grew 11.4% to €1.94 billion driven by higher sales and volumes in gas, electricity, and waste. EBITDA increased 2.5% to €330.8 million from growth in the water, gas, and waste business areas. Net profits grew 3.0% to €129.7 million. The company continued investments and acquisitions to support growth while maintaining a stable net debt level.
This document discusses carbon taxation and emissions trading schemes. It notes that while carbon dioxide emissions are a market failure, pricing carbon can help reduce emissions through market signals. However, the current European Trading Scheme has issues like price volatility and limited participation. The document argues that a harmonized international carbon tax may be a better approach but has not been preferred politically. It also describes the European compromise between carbon taxes and emissions trading, which exempts some emissions covered by the trading scheme from taxation.
The threat of climate change requires decisive action across virtually all parts of our economies and societies. Although the world is not currently on track to meet its goal of maintaining the global temperature increase below 2°C, a range of policies have been implemented, with mixed success. Economic theory indicates that a price on CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and other sources is needed if countries are to minimise the overall cost of reducing their emissions. At present, fossil fuels are priced and taxed at levels that differ vastly across fuels, uses, and countries, indicating areas of possible improvements. Likewise, some policy instruments carry a much higher cost of CO2 reduction than others, often a sign of economic inefficiency. The Environment Directorate will present latest results in this area as well as possible new work on the experience with carbon pricing legislation. By Simon Upton, Director, and Nils Axel Braathen, Principal Administrator, Environment Directorate, OECD
This document provides a practical guide for calculating greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in organizations. It includes an introduction that outlines the scope and purpose of the guide, as well as definitions of key terms like carbon footprint and CO2 equivalent emissions. The guide then covers methodology for calculating emissions from various sources like energy consumption, transport, waste, water, and more. It provides detail on specific calculation methods and updated emission factors for different countries and years.
The document provides key recommendations from an OECD environmental performance review of Belgium in 2021. It recommends that Belgium: 1) develop an ambitious green recovery plan coordinated across governments to promote a strong, resilient low-carbon economy; 2) adopt a climate law setting long-term targets for climate neutrality; and 3) scale up investment in low-carbon infrastructure like building renovation and sustainable mobility. It provides supporting data and analysis on Belgium's environmental challenges like emissions reductions, resource efficiency, and biodiversity protection.
Pascal Saint-Amans, Director, Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, OECD
Kurt Van Dender, Head of Unit, Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, OECD
This session discussed key findings from recent work on the use of taxes to tackle climate change, including a preview of the upcoming OECD publication, Taxing Energy Use 2018, which measures the magnitude and coverage of energy and carbon taxes in 42 OECD and G20 countries and provides a first appreciation of changes in energy and carbon taxes over time.
OECD Green Talk Live: Taxing Energy Use - Reforming energy tax systems to ach...OECDtax
This document provides an overview and highlights of the OECD's 2018 report on Taxing Energy Use. The report analyzes energy taxes across 42 countries and finds that:
1) Energy taxes differ strongly between countries, sectors, and fuels, but almost all taxes are too low. Coal is taxed at the lowest rates or fully untaxed despite its large environmental impact.
2) Outside of road transport, tax rates are below estimates of climate costs for 97% of emissions. Road fuel taxes are higher but still too low to account for other external costs like air pollution.
3) There were some increases in fuel taxes between 2012-2015, but changes outside of road transport were small. Progress on consistently applying the poll
Introduction to the EU Emission Trading SystemLeonardo ENERGY
The EU ETS Directive is the centrepiece of the European Union’s climate policy. It has created the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), which is a unique and quite com-plex system.
The EU ETS establishes a scheme for greenhouse gas emissions allowances trading within 31 European countries. Its functioning is based on a “cap and trade” principle, which sets a cap on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by all participating installations. Within the cap, companies receive or buy emission allowances which they can trade with one another as needed.
Today, the EU ETS covers almost half of EU’s emissions and is part of the daily life of a large number of companies.
The EU ETS Directive represents the backbone of EU’s action against climate change, but it also works in combination with several other pieces of legislation in a delicate balance.
Our European system has very much evolved during the last 15 years. The existing legislation operates until 2020. It has set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target in line with EU’s 2050 low carbon economy roadmap. The time has also come to discuss the post-2020 period and the European Commission will soon put forward a new proposal with a 2030 emissions reduction target.
Being the first one to have been setup, the European scheme is analysed and taken as exam-ple in other regions of the world where emissions trading starts being implemented.
This course aims at giving a presentation of the EU ETS Directive, the main features of the sys-tem, the balance with other pieces of EU legislation and at offering perspectives for the on-coming review of the scheme.
Entre el 30 de junio y el 2 de julio de 2014 organizamos en la Fundación Ramón Areces (C/ Vitruvio, 5, en Madrid) un curso de verano en colaboración con la Universidad Complutense de Madrid sobre los retos energéticos de Europa ante el cambio climático. En estas jornadas, diferentes expertos analizaron la transición energética en Europa para cumplir las exigencias de los compromisos internacionales en materia de emisiones de CO2.
The document discusses how increasing international electricity trade and the Kyoto Protocol's emissions reduction targets may contradict each other. Under the Protocol, countries are accountable for domestic emissions, including those from exported electricity. This disadvantages exporters of fossil-fuel based electricity. However, the document argues international emissions trading could help reconcile electricity trade and emissions targets by allowing countries to offset increased domestic emissions from exports. The economic efficiencies of electricity trade could then contribute to cost-effective emissions reductions if harnessed to an international trading system.
This document discusses market-based incentives that Sweden has implemented to reduce air pollution from transport, including:
- Differentiated fuel taxes based on environmental characteristics to promote cleaner fuels.
- Differential vehicle taxes based on emission classes to stimulate sales of lower-emitting vehicles.
- An environmental tax on domestic airline emissions to induce changes to more efficient engines.
- A car scrapping charge and premium to increase the ratio of scrapped cars to new cars sold.
The measures have generally been effective in promoting cleaner fuels and vehicles in Sweden.
This presentation created and addressed by Gonzalo Saenz de Miera in the intensive three day course from the BC3, Basque Centre for Climate Change and UPV/EHU (University of the Basque Country) on Climate Change in the Uda Ikastaroak Framework.
The objective of the BC3 Summer School is to offer an updated and multidisciplinary view of the ongoing trends in climate change research. The BC3 Summer School is organized in collaboration with the University of the Basque Country and is a high quality and excellent summer course gathering leading experts in the field and students from top universities and research centres worldwide.
The document discusses the relationship between climate change and public health. It notes that climate change is expected to cause 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030-2050 due to issues like malnutrition, malaria and heat stress. Areas with weak health infrastructure will be hardest hit. Reducing emissions through changes to transportation, food systems and energy use can improve health by reducing air pollution. Adaptation strategies highlighted include rebuilding health infrastructure and implementing measures at the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention levels. Megacity Bangkok is also discussed as being at high risk from sea level rise and flooding due to climate change.
The document discusses energy efficiency in Europe, outlining the EU's goals and policies around increasing energy efficiency. Specifically:
1) The EU aims to achieve a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, generate 20% of its energy from renewable sources, and improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020.
2) Measures to achieve these goals include increasing efficiency in appliances, buildings, transport, and power generation.
3) Improving energy efficiency could save over 100 billion euros per year by 2020 and reduce CO2 emissions by 780 million tonnes annually.
The document discusses energy efficiency in Europe, outlining the EU's goals and policies around increasing energy efficiency. Specifically:
1) The EU aims to achieve a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, generate 20% of its energy from renewable sources, and improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020.
2) Measures to achieve these goals include increasing efficiency in appliances, buildings, transport, and power generation.
3) Improving energy efficiency could save over 100 billion euros per year by 2020 and reduce CO2 emissions by 780 million tonnes annually.
The document discusses energy efficiency in Europe, outlining the EU's goals and policies around increasing energy efficiency. Specifically:
1) The EU aims to achieve a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, generate 20% of its energy from renewable sources, and improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020.
2) Measures to achieve these goals include increasing efficiency in appliances, buildings, transport, and power generation.
3) Improving energy efficiency could save over 100 billion euros per year by 2020 and reduce CO2 emissions by 780 million tonnes annually.
Energy and environmental impacts of biomass use in the residential Sector: a ...IEA-ETSAP
The document analyzes the energy and environmental impacts of increased biomass use in residential heating in Italy through 2030 under various policy scenarios. It finds that:
1) Under a reference scenario that meets 2020 targets, biomass consumption in the residential sector increases to around 19 Mtoe by 2030, accounting for over 60% of fine particulate emissions.
2) A constant biomass scenario that limits consumption to 2014 levels still meets emissions reductions but achieves a slightly different energy mix.
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Key Messages on Aligning Policies, Kurt Van Dender - OECDOECD Environment
This document summarizes key messages from a presentation on aligning policies for carbon pricing. It discusses the need for deep emissions cuts to meet climate goals and incentives for low-carbon investments. It shows that effective carbon rates vary widely across countries and sectors. While carbon pricing is important for mitigation, other policies may also be needed to address market failures and support emerging technologies. Policy alignment is important to provide strategic incentives for low-carbon infrastructure and consider interactions between carbon pricing and other policies like corporate taxation.
This document provides a statistical overview of vehicle market trends in Europe from 2001-2012. Some key points:
- New passenger car registrations in the EU declined 23% from 2007-2012 due to economic factors, most sharply in Southern Europe. Germany saw little change over this period.
- Diesel vehicles make up 55% of new registrations in the EU, with gasoline at 42%. Alternative powertrains like hybrids and EVs remain niche at 3% total.
- Average CO2 emissions from new cars fell from 132g/km in 2012 towards the 2015 target of 130g/km due to EU legislation. Further reductions to 95g/km are proposed for 2020.
- While
Paris agreement westafrica diagnosis capacity needsPatrickTanz
This document analyzes the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement in West Africa. It examines the Nationally Determined Contributions and capacity building needs in the region. West Africa faces significant climate change impacts like rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Regional organizations can help coordinate the response by supporting national policies and initiatives. The document reviews the NDCs of 17 West African countries and finds heterogeneity in their commitments and progress. It also identifies capacity building as key, and analyzes the needs expressed by these countries, such as needs related to planning, reporting, and climate finance. Regional cooperation is crucial to address climate challenges through initiatives like knowledge sharing and coordinated action.
This document provides an executive summary of a foundations paper drafted by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) regarding principles, definitions, metrics, and considerations for financial institutions to set quantitative net-zero targets. The summary outlines key questions addressed, such as what reaching net-zero means for a financial institution and how financed emissions and climate solutions should be addressed. It also provides an overview of the process for developing an SBTi Finance Net-Zero Standard to guide financial institutions in setting robust, science-based net-zero targets.
1. The document provides an updated synthesis of information from 165 NDCs representing 192 parties to the Paris Agreement.
2. It finds that estimated total global GHG emissions in 2025 and 2030 would be 4-5% higher than 2019 levels based on implemented NDCs.
3. For the 116 new or updated NDCs, emissions are projected to be 3.7-11% lower in 2025 and 2030 compared to previous NDCs. However, overall emissions remain significantly higher than pathways limiting warming to 1.5-2°C.
Plastics costs to the society and the environmentPatrickTanz
This document summarizes a report about the costs of plastic to society, the environment, and the economy. It finds that the lifetime cost of plastic produced in 2019 will be at least $3.7 trillion due to negative external impacts not reflected in plastic's market price, such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste management costs, and environmental damage from plastic pollution. Without action, the lifetime costs of plastic produced in 2040 could reach over $7 trillion. Currently the global approach is failing to adequately address the plastic crisis. Urgent government action is needed at both the international and national levels to internalize plastic's real costs and establish an effective regulatory framework.
Plastics, the costs to societyand the environmentPatrickTanz
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The document provides an overview of nutrient management and fertilizers. It discusses the essential nutrients required for healthy plant growth, different organic and mineral nutrient sources, and why fertilizers are needed to maintain soil fertility and support productive and nutritious crops. The main nutrient sources discussed are soil nutrients, crop residues, manure, compost, biological nitrogen fixation, and manufactured fertilizers. It also covers nutrient cycling and losses, integrated nutrient management approaches, and the principles of nutrient stewardship.
Improving the viability of probiotics by encapsulation methods for developmen...Open Access Research Paper
The popularity of functional foods among scientists and common people has been increasing day by day. Awareness and modernization make the consumer think better regarding food and nutrition. Now a day’s individual knows very well about the relation between food consumption and disease prevalence. Humans have a diversity of microbes in the gut that together form the gut microflora. Probiotics are the health-promoting live microbial cells improve host health through gut and brain connection and fighting against harmful bacteria. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the two bacterial genera which are considered to be probiotic. These good bacteria are facing challenges of viability. There are so many factors such as sensitivity to heat, pH, acidity, osmotic effect, mechanical shear, chemical components, freezing and storage time as well which affects the viability of probiotics in the dairy food matrix as well as in the gut. Multiple efforts have been done in the past and ongoing in present for these beneficial microbial population stability until their destination in the gut. One of a useful technique known as microencapsulation makes the probiotic effective in the diversified conditions and maintain these microbe’s community to the optimum level for achieving targeted benefits. Dairy products are found to be an ideal vehicle for probiotic incorporation. It has been seen that the encapsulated microbial cells show higher viability than the free cells in different processing and storage conditions as well as against bile salts in the gut. They make the food functional when incorporated, without affecting the product sensory characteristics.
RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances, which is also known as t...vijaykumar292010
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Optimizing Post Remediation Groundwater Performance with Enhanced Microbiolog...Joshua Orris
Results of geophysics and pneumatic injection pilot tests during 2003 – 2007 yielded significant positive results for injection delivery design and contaminant mass treatment, resulting in permanent shut-down of an existing groundwater Pump & Treat system.
Accessible source areas were subsequently removed (2011) by soil excavation and treated with the placement of Emulsified Vegetable Oil EVO and zero-valent iron ZVI to accelerate treatment of impacted groundwater in overburden and weathered fractured bedrock. Post pilot test and post remediation groundwater monitoring has included analyses of CVOCs, organic fatty acids, dissolved gases and QuantArray® -Chlor to quantify key microorganisms (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, etc.) and functional genes (e.g., vinyl chloride reductase, methane monooxygenase, etc.) to assess potential for reductive dechlorination and aerobic cometabolism of CVOCs.
In 2022, the first commercial application of MetaArray™ was performed at the site. MetaArray™ utilizes statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and multivariate analysis to provide evidence that reductive dechlorination is active or even that it is slowing. This creates actionable data allowing users to save money by making important site management decisions earlier.
The results of the MetaArray™ analysis’ support vector machine (SVM) identified groundwater monitoring wells with a 80% confidence that were characterized as either Limited for Reductive Decholorination or had a High Reductive Reduction Dechlorination potential. The results of MetaArray™ will be used to further optimize the site’s post remediation monitoring program for monitored natural attenuation.
Evolving Lifecycles with High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) and 3-D...Joshua Orris
The incorporation of a 3DCSM and completion of HRSC provided a tool for enhanced, data-driven, decisions to support a change in remediation closure strategies. Currently, an approved pilot study has been obtained to shut-down the remediation systems (ISCO, P&T) and conduct a hydraulic study under non-pumping conditions. A separate micro-biological bench scale treatability study was competed that yielded positive results for an emerging innovative technology. As a result, a field pilot study has commenced with results expected in nine-twelve months. With the results of the hydraulic study, field pilot studies and an updated risk assessment leading site monitoring optimization cost lifecycle savings upwards of $15MM towards an alternatively evolved best available technology remediation closure strategy.
Microbial characterisation and identification, and potability of River Kuywa ...Open Access Research Paper
Water contamination is one of the major causes of water borne diseases worldwide. In Kenya, approximately 43% of people lack access to potable water due to human contamination. River Kuywa water is currently experiencing contamination due to human activities. Its water is widely used for domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. This study aimed at characterizing bacteria and fungi in river Kuywa water. Water samples were randomly collected from four sites of the river: site A (Matisi), site B (Ngwelo), site C (Nzoia water pump) and site D (Chalicha), during the dry season (January-March 2018) and wet season (April-July 2018) and were transported to Maseno University Microbiology and plant pathology laboratory for analysis. The characterization and identification of bacteria and fungi were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Nine bacterial genera and three fungi were identified from Kuywa river water. Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Streptococcus spp., E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp. and Salmonella spp. Fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus complex and Penicillium species. Wet season recorded highest bacterial and fungal counts (6.61-7.66 and 3.83-6.75cfu/ml) respectively. The results indicated that the river Kuywa water is polluted and therefore unsafe for human consumption before treatment. It is therefore recommended that the communities to ensure that they boil water especially for drinking.
Kinetic studies on malachite green dye adsorption from aqueous solutions by A...Open Access Research Paper
Water polluted by dyestuffs compounds is a global threat to health and the environment; accordingly, we prepared a green novel sorbent chemical and Physical system from an algae, chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle and impregnated with algae with chitosan nanocomposite for the sorption of Malachite green dye from water. The algae with chitosan nanocomposite by a simple method and used as a recyclable and effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. Algae, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle and algae with chitosan nanocomposite were characterized using different physicochemical methods. The functional groups and chemical compounds found in algae, chitosan, chitosan algae, chitosan nanoparticle, and chitosan nanoparticle with algae were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGADTA/DTG techniques. The optimal adsorption conditions, different dosages, pH and Temperature the amount of algae with chitosan nanocomposite were determined. At optimized conditions and the batch equilibrium studies more than 99% of the dye was removed. The adsorption process data matched well kinetics showed that the reaction order for dye varied with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of the algae with chitosan nanocomposite toward malachite green dye reached as high as 15.5mg/g, respectively. Finally, multiple times reusing of algae with chitosan nanocomposite and removing dye from a real wastewater has made it a promising and attractive option for further practical applications.
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies.EpconLP
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies. With over 4000 installations worldwide, EPCON has been pioneering new techniques since 1977 that have become industry standards now. Founded in 1977, Epcon has grown from a one-man operation to a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative air pollution control technology and industrial heating equipment.
Presented by The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action at GLF Peatlands 2024 - The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action
2. Fuel excise and carbon taxes are simple and
cost-effective tools to limit climate change,
but the politics of carbon pricing often
proves to be challenging.
3. OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019 . 1
Global energy consumption rose strongly in 2018, and so did
energy-related CO2
emissions, which reached a new all-time
high. This is disconcerting, as meeting the goals of the Paris
Agreement will require deep cuts in emissions.
Well-designed systems of energy taxation encourage citizens
and investors to favour clean over polluting energy sources.
Fuel excise and carbon taxes are simple and cost-effective tools
to limit climate change, but the politics of carbon pricing often
proves to be challenging. Taxes on energy use also contribute to
limiting health damage from local pollution, which is a pertinent
policy concern in an urbanising world.
Taxing Energy Use (TEU) 2019 presents a snapshot of where
countries stand in deploying energy and carbon taxes, tracks
progress made, and makes actionable recommendations on
how governments could do better. The report presents new
and original data on energy taxes in OECD and G20 countries,1
and in international aviation and maritime transport. Tax rates
and tax coverage are detailed by country, sector, energy source
and tax type. The use of a common methodology ensures
full comparability of tax rates and structures across countries.
Summary indicators facilitate cross-country comparisons.
1. Colombia has been invited to join the OECD and is finalising its domestic procedures to do so.
Using taxes for climate action
INTRODUCTION
4. for any fuel, not least coal – the most polluting fossil fuel.
The average effective carbon tax rate on coal is close to
zero across the 44 OECD countries and Selected Partner
Economies (Table 1). Even if emissions trading systems
had been included in the analysis, carbon price signals for
coal would still be very low almost everywhere (see Box 1).
Diesel and gasoline are the only fuels that are, on
average, taxed at a higher rate than the selected low-
end estimate of the marginal climate damage of fuel
use would suggest (Table 1). The climate damage is,
however, likely to be higher than the low-end carbon
benchmark of EUR 30 per tonne of CO2
. In addition, local
air pollution damages from road transport are relatively
high, justifying higher tax rates in the sector.
GOVERNMENTS ARE NOT DEPLOYING ENERGY AND
CARBON TAXES TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
Too many energy users do not pay the energy and
carbon taxes needed to curb dangerous climate change,
even when comparing carbon price signals against a
low-end carbon benchmark of EUR 30 per tonne of
CO2
. This benchmark is unlikely to reflect the climate
damage caused by a tonne of CO2
emitted at present,
and will not be sufficient to meet the objectives of the
Paris Agreement.
The evidence shows that tax structures are poorly aligned
with the pollution profile of energy sources. Overall, taxes
are not being used to provide meaningful carbon prices
USING TAXES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Table 1. Average fuel excise and explicit carbon taxes across 44 OECD countries and Selected Partner Economies, as well as
international aviation and maritime transport
Emission-weighted average, in EUR per tonne of CO2
(1) Average fuel
excise
(2) Average explicit
carbon tax
(3=1+2) Average effective
carbon tax
Coal and other solid fossil fuels 0.61 0.13 0.73
Fuel oil 3.50 0.46 3.96
Diesel 70.65 3.11 73.76
Kerosene 4.27 0.34 4.61
Gasoline 84.34 1.50 85.83
LPG 10.23 0.89 11.12
Natural gas 4.08 1.19 5.26
Other fossil fuels 0.38 0.31 0.69
Non-renewable waste 0.05 0.02 0.08
Biofuels* 4.52 0.12 4.64
Note: Tax rates applicable on 1 July 2018. The effective carbon tax is the sum of fuel excise taxes (of which the statutory rates are usually expressed in common commercial units, such
as litres of gasoline) and explicit carbon taxes (understood as taxes called carbon taxes where statutory rates are typically also expressed in common commercial units or per unit
of CO2
emissions). Averages are rounded to the nearest eurocent. Biofuels are marked with an asterisk as CO2
emissions from the combustion of biofuels are considered zero in the
greenhouse gas inventories reported under the UNFCCC.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
The average effective carbon tax rate on coal
is close to zero across the 44 OECD countries
and Selected Partner Economies.
2 . OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019
5. CO2 emissions from energy use in gigatonnes of CO2
Effective carbon tax rate Low-end carbon benchmark (EUR 30/tCO2)
300
240
180
120
60
0
5 10 15 20 25 30
Road emissions Non-road emissions
EURpertonneofCO2
OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019 . 3
CARBON PRICE SIGNALS ARE FAR TOO WEAK ALMOST
EVERYWHERE
Eighty-five percent of energy-related CO2
emissions take
place outside the road sector. Taxes only cover 18% of
these emissions, leaving a tax of zero for the remaining
82% of non-road emissions. For a mere 3% of non-road
emissions, the price signal is at least EUR 30 per tonne
of CO2
, a low-end benchmark of the climate damage
caused by a tonne of CO2
.
Only four countries, Denmark,
the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland,
tax non-road emissions at more EUR 30
per tonne on average (Figure 2, Panel B).
If emissions trading systems had been
included in the analysis, the picture
would have been less bleak. However,
where ETS exists, permits typically trade
at less than EUR 30 per tonne of CO2
and
cover only a limited share of emissions.
Figure 1. Outside road transport, the bulk of carbon emissions are completely unpriced
Note: Tax rates applicable on 1 July 2018. CO2
emissions are calculated based on energy use data for 2016 from IEA (2018), World Energy Statistics and Balances. Emissions from the
combustion of biofuels are included.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
Fuel excise taxes continue to dominate explicit carbon
taxes for all fuels (Table 1). In all 44 countries, carbon prices
are prinicipally determined by fuel excise taxes in the road
sector. In non-road sectors, explicit carbon taxes tend to play
a relatively more important role, although there too excise
taxes dominate overall.
Fuel excise and carbon taxes are not the only policy instruments
that effectively put a price on carbon. EmissionsTrading
Systems (ETS) equally target CO2
emissions from energy use, and
sometimes include other greenhouse gas emissions and different
emission sources. Emissions trading systems can be as effective
and efficient as carbon taxes. ETS, analysed in the OECD’s (2018)
Effective Carbon Rates report, account for approximately 6% of
carbon price signals in OECD and G20 countries.
The extent to which countries choose to price carbon emissions
through taxes or ETS varies substantially. The European Union’s
ETS, for instance, covers most emissions from electricity
generation and in industry, and intra-European flights.
Allowances were traded at approximately EUR 25 per tonne of
CO2
at the time of writing. Overall, carbon price signals remain
insufficient even when considering the impact of emissions
trading systems.
Box 1: The composition of carbon price signals
USING TAXES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
At present, only
18% of emissions
outside the
road sector are
effectively taxed.
18%
6. Israel
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Netherlands
Italy
Finland
Greece
Iceland
Belgium
France
Norway
Germany
Estonia
Ireland
Denmark
Sweden
Slovenia
Portugal
Slovak Republic
Czech Republic
Korea
Austria
Spain
Japan
Latvia
Hungary
South Africa
Luxembourg
Poland
Lithuania
Turkey
New Zealand
Australia
Chile
Mexico
India
Canada
China
Argentina
Colombia
United States
Indonesia
Brazil
Russia
Switzerland
Netherlands
Norway
Denmark
Italy
Iceland
Greece
France
Slovenia
Finland
Lithuania
Austria
Korea
United Kingdom
Ireland
Argentina
Israel
Portugal
Japan
Slovak Republic
Sweden
Germany
Latvia
Turkey
Estonia
Spain
Hungary
Poland
Canada
Colombia
India
Australia
Luxembourg
South Africa
Belgium
Czech Republic
Chile
China
United States
Mexico
New Zealand
Russia
Brazil
Indonesia
EUR per tonne of CO2
Average effective carbon tax in 2018 Average effective carbon tax in 2015 Low-end carbon benchmark (EUR 30/tCO2)
EUR per tonne of CO2
Panel A: ROAD EMISSIONS Panel B: NON-ROAD EMISSIONS
0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 5030 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330
THE CARBON PRICING GAP
Figure 2. Little progress has been made in extending tax-based carbon price signals since 2015
Note: 2018 tax rates as applicable on 1 July 2018. The average effective carbon tax rate in 2015 is expressed in 2018 prices. CO2
emissions are calculated based on energy use data for
2016 from IEA (2018), World Energy Statistics and Balances. Emissions from the combustion of biofuels are included. The scale of the horizontal axis differs between Panel A and Panel
B. Note that changes in average effective tax rates over time are also affected by inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in the composition of the energy mix. In Chile,
the average effective carbon tax on non-road emissions is due to the Green Tax. Due to data limitations, the figure does not show the average effective carbon tax rates in 2015 for
Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Lithuania, and the United States.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
4 . OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019
USING TAXES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
7. Effective carbon tax rate Low-end carbon benchmark (EUR 30/tCO2)
0
30
60
90
120
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
Aviation
Domestic International Domestic International
Maritime
EURpertonneofCO2
OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019 . 5
Little progress has been made in extending tax-based
carbon price signals. Since 2015, average effective carbon
tax rates on non-road emissions increased by more than
EUR 10 per tonne of CO2
in only three countries: Denmark,
the Netherlands and Switzerland (Figure 2, Panel B).
Carbon price signals are stronger in road transport,
mostly because of relatively high fuel excise taxes, but
this is a sector where non-climate external costs are also
relatively high. The only three countries that do not tax
road emissions at EUR 30 per tonne of CO2
or more are
Brazil, Indonesia and the Russian Federation (Figure 2,
Panel A).
Emissions from international aviation and maritime
transport are not taxed at all. Fuels used in domestic
aviation and domestic navigation are sometimes
taxed, but rarely reflect a low-end carbon benchmark
(Figure 3). Most of these emissions are not subject to
emissions trading systems either (see Box 1).
USING TAXES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Figure 3. Emissions from international aviation and maritime transport are not taxed at all
CO2 emissions from energy use in gigatonne of CO2
Note: 2018 tax rates as applicable on 1 July 2018. CO2
emissions are calculated based on energy use data for 2016 from IEA (2018), World Energy Statistics and Balances.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
Emissions from international aviation and maritime
transport are not taxed at all. Fuels used in domestic
aviation and domestic navigation are sometimes taxed,
but rarely reflect a low-end carbon benchmark.
8. 6 . OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019
An increasing number of jurisdictions levy explicit carbon
taxes. The figure below shows all jurisdictions within the 44
countries covered that had an explicit carbon tax in place as at
1 July 2018. Sweden is the country with the highest standard
carbon tax rate, followed by Switzerland, Finland and Norway.
Average rates are below standard rates because part of the base
is not subject to the tax, exempt or benefits from preferential
rates. The coverage of explicit carbon taxes varies substantially
across countries for several reasons:
l Many jurisdictions additionally operate emissions trading
systems, and often exempt emissions already subject to
emissions trading from the explicit carbon tax. Low-carbon
tax coverage does not necessarily imply a lack of carbon
price signals in general (see Box 1).
l Countries generally do not subject CO2
emissions from
biofuels to explicit carbon taxes (see also,Table 1).This drives
down the average explicit carbon tax rate, which is particularly
relevant for countries such as Sweden that rely more strongly
on biofuels to meet their decarbonisation objectives.
l Countries do not always impose carbon taxes on all fossil
fuels. Argentina and Mexico, for instance, exempt natural
gas, which is generally considered the cleanest fossil fuel.
l Some countries exempt certain energy users from the
carbon tax or offer reduced rates or refunds, for reasons of
competitiveness or affordability. In principle, better policy
instruments are available to address these issues, although
targeted compensation, e.g. through lump sum transfers,
may be challenging to implement in practice.
Box 2: Even explicit carbon taxes do not cover all energy-related CO2
emissions
Explicit carbon taxes do not cover all energy-related emissions
Jurisdictions are ordered by standard rate, showing the jurisdiction with the highest standard rate at the top
Note: Tax rates as applicable on 1 July 2018. CO2
emissions are calculated based on energy use data for 2016 from IEA (2018), World Energy Statistics and Balances. Emissions from
the combustion of biofuels are included. Carbon tax rates are converted into EUR using official OECD exchange rates for 2018.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
USING TAXES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Sweden
Switzerland
Finland
Norway
France
Iceland
Denmark
British Columbia
United Kingdom
Ireland
Alberta
Slovenia
Argentina
Portugal
Latvia
Colombia
Chile
Japan
Mexico
Estonia
0 30 60 90 120
Explicit carbon tax:
average rate
SEK 1 150
CHF 96
EUR 62
NOK 500
EUR 44.6
ISK 3 500
DKK 173
CAD 35
GBP 18
EUR 20
CAD 30
EUR 17
USD 10
EUR 7
EUR 5
COP 15 764
USD 5
JPY 289
MXN 46.67
EUR 2
Explicit carbon tax:
standard rate
EUR per tonne of CO2
9. USING TAXES FOR CLIMATE ACTION RAISES REVENUES
OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019 . 7
Using taxes for climate action raises revenues
– unlike most other climate policy instruments
The revenue potential from carbon pricing is
considerable. Raising effective carbon taxes to EUR 30
per tonne of CO2
for all energy-related CO2
emissions
would generate approximately an additional 1% of GDP
worth of tax revenue across the 44 countries covered in
TEU, or roughly double current revenues.
Carbon taxes are intended to, and do, reduce emissions,
which means declining revenue over time for constant
tax rates. This decline is gradual and would be
counteracted by rising carbon tax rates, which climate
policy calls for. In sum, revenues will eventually decline,
but in a matter of decades, not years.
Consequently, revenues from carbon taxes create
opportunities for fiscal reform. The most socially
productive use of revenues depends on local
circumstances, and political economy considerations
will help decide between the available options.
Reforms can include modifying the tax mix to foster
inclusive growth, e.g. through lowering income taxes;
increasing investment in productivity-enhancing areas,
e.g. education, health and infrastructure; and decreasing
the level of public debt. Revenues can also fund direct
transfers to households to mitigate any adverse
distributional effects and help households reduce
their reliance on carbon-intensive goods and services.
These forms of revenue use can mobilise support across
various constituencies, including those that do not
favour strong climate action.
Using carbon tax revenues for research and
development and other climate policy measures is
another option, considering that the failure to price in
the climate externality is not the only climate-related
market failure. This type of revenue use can strengthen
support for carbon taxes with constituencies that
strongly favour climate action and climate spending,
but that doubt the effectiveness of carbon pricing as a
behavioural signal.
Even modest carbon taxes raise substantial revenues.
10. 8 . OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019
Netherlands
Switzerland
Denmark
Luxembourg
Israel
Italy
United Kingdom
Greece
Ireland
Slovenia
Austria
Norway
France
Lithuania
Germany
Finland
Portugal
Sweden
Spain
Belgium
Latvia
Estonia
Japan
Korea
Slovak Republic
Poland
Hungary
Turkey
Czech Republic
Mexico
New Zealand
Australia
South Africa
Chile
Argentina
Canada
Iceland
Colombia
India
United States
China
Brazil
Indonesia
Russia
Int. aviation
Int. maritime
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
EUR per GJ
Average explicit
carbon tax
Average fuel
excise tax
Average electricity
excise tax
MANY COUNTRIES TAX ELECTRICITY REGARDLESS OF
HOW IT IS GENERATED
Electricity taxes typically also apply to electricity
produced from non-combustible energy sources, mainly
hydro, wind and solar, as well as nuclear. Figure 4 shows
the relative role electricity taxes play in the energy tax
mix of the 44 countries covered. Tax rates are shown on
an energy-content basis (GJ). This allows comparing taxes
on fuels (which emit CO2
when combusted) with taxes
on non-combustible sources (which do not emit CO2
when used).
NOT ALL ENERGY TAXES ENCOURAGE DEEP
DECARBONISATION
Electricity excise taxes often fail to favour cleaner power
sources. Most electricity taxes are not differentiated by energy
source, and hence make all energy sources more expensive
irrespective of the climate damage resulting from their use.
Electricity taxes, as well as other levies and charges, may
discourage decarbonisation through electrification.
The higher a country taxes combustibles relative to non-
combustible energy sources such as hydro, wind and solar,
Do energy tax systems provide incentives to move
to cleaner energy sources?
DO ENERGY TAX SYSTEMS PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO MOVE TO CLEANER ENERGY SOURCES?
Figure 4. Many countries also levy electricity excise taxes
Note: All EU member countries levy electricity taxes, but tax rates are not always discernible in the figure. Tax rates applicable on 1 July 2018. The energy data that is used to calculate
the weighted averages is for 2016 and adapted from IEA (20182
), World Energy Statistics and Balances.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
11. OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019 . 9
Iceland
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Israel
Slovenia
United Kingdom
France
Ireland
Greece
Portugal
Belgium
Italy
Norway
Lithuania
Spain
Slovak Republic
Sweden
Latvia
Korea
New Zealand
Finland
Hungary
Germany
Czech Republic
Turkey
Estonia
Japan
Mexico
Austria
Poland
Chile
Australia
Canada
South Africa
Argentina
Colombia
United States
India
China
Indonesia
Russia
Int. aviation
Int. maritime
Denmark
Brazil
Netherlands
0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5
EUR per GJ
Average effective energy
tax on combustibles
Average effective energy
tax on non-combustibles
Combustion surcharge >0
Combustion surcharge <0
(i.e. discount)
the greater is the incentive to switch to these generally
cleaner sources. Such differential tax treatment –
effectively putting a surcharge on the use of combustible
energy sources – can help direct private and public
resources towards the development of new clean
technologies. A combustion surcharge equally makes
it more profitable to switch from vehicles based on an
internal combustion engine to electric or hydrogen
vehicles.
Overall, most countries encourage switching to cleaner
sources by taxing combustibles more than cleaner
energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar. Figure 5
shows, however, that the difference between these two
average tax rates varies substantially across countries.
The combustion surcharge is largest in Iceland, closely
followed by Switzerland.
Figure 5. Most countries tax combustibles more than non-combustibles
Note: The effective energy tax rate is the sum of fuel excise tax, explicit carbon tax, and electricity excise tax. The weighted average tax rates are calculated based on the tax rates
applicable on 1 July 2018 and energy use for 2016 that was adapted from IEA (20181
), World Energy Statistics and Balances.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
12. 10 . OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Combustion surcharge in EUR per GJ
CarbonintensityofenergyuseintCO2perTJ
OECD
FRA
LUX
SVN
CHE
ISL
GBR
IRL ISR
GRCLVA
LTU
DEU
JPN
TUR
CZEAUT
AUS
CHL
FIN
KOR
SVK
PRT
ITA
BEL
ESP
HUNARG
MEXCOL
USARUS
WAV
WMA IDN
CAN
SWENZL
NOR
IND
CHN
DNK
BRA
NLD
ZAF
POL
EST
Partner economies Predicted carbon intensityInternational aviation & international maritime
economies, energy and carbon taxes are not the only
explanatory factors. Against this background, it is worth
noting that Iceland and Norway benefit from exceptional
endowments with renewable resources (hydropower in
both countries and geothermal energy in Iceland).
Countries that levy a higher surcharge on combustibles
tend to have a lower carbon-intensity of energy use.
Figure 6 shows that there is a negative correlation
between the surcharge and a country’s carbon intensity.
While tax-induced energy price signals partly explain
the observed differences in carbon-intensities across
Figure 6. In countries with a larger combustion surcharge, energy use tends to be less carbon-intensive
Note: Average tax rates are calculated based on the tax rates applicable on 1 July 2018 and energy use data for 2016 that was adapted from IEA (20181
), World Energy Statistics and
Balances. Energy-related carbon emissions are calculated based on IEA data. Emissions from the combustion of biofuels are included. Average tax rates do not include electricity and
heating imports to avoid the double-counting of this energy use. WAV refers to international aviation; WMA to international maritime transport.
Source: OECD (2019), Taxing Energy Use 2019: Using Taxes For Climate Action.
DO ENERGY TAX SYSTEMS PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO MOVE TO CLEANER ENERGY SOURCES?
13. OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019 . 11
Key takeaways
1. Strengthening carbon price signals will encourage
citizens and businesses to take the climate costs
of their actions into account. They would consume
fewer carbon-intensive goods and services, and
gradually transition to low- or zero carbon activities.
In addition, clean technology firms would see their
competitive position vis-à-vis polluting firms improve.
Discouraging investments in carbon-intensive assets,
such as coal-fired power plants, also reduces the risk
of high adjustment costs in the future.
2. Increasing carbon prices first where they currently
are lowest makes sense. Coal is a particularly striking
case in point as it is presently taxed at some of
the lowest rates across all energy users despite its
harmful climate and air pollution impacts. Rates are
currently zero in international aviation and shipping,
and near zero or very low across all users in several
countries.
3. Overall, most countries encourage switching to
cleaner sources by taxing combustibles more than
cleaner energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar.
In some countries, even revenue-neutral electricity
tax reforms could strengthen incentives to reduce
emissions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Most countries encourage switching to cleaner sources by taxing combustibles
more than cleaner energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar.
14. 12 . OECD TAXING ENERGY USE 2019
Teusch, J. and N. Braathen (2019), “Are environmental
tax policies beneficial?: Learning from programme
evaluation studies”, OECD Environment Working Papers,
No. 150, OECD Publishing, Paris,
https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/218df62b-en.
Van Dender, K. (2019), “Taxing vehicles, fuels, and road
use: Opportunities for improving transport tax
practice”, OECD Taxation Working Papers, No. 44, OECD
Publishing, Paris,
https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/e7f1d771-en.
Further reading
Taxing Energy Use 2019 (forthcoming): Using Taxes
for Climate Action, OECD Publishing, Paris.
https://doi.org/10.1787/058ca239-en.
Effective Carbon Rates 2018: Pricing Carbon Emissions
Through Taxes and Emissions Trading, OECD Publishing,
Paris, https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264305304-en.
OECD/ITF (2019), Tax Revenue Implications of Decarbonising
Road Transport: Scenarios for Slovenia, OECD Publishing,
Paris, https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/87b39a2f-en.
OECD/IEA (2019), “Update on recent progress in reform
of inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage
wasteful consumption”, https://oecd.org/fossil-fuels/
publication/OECD-IEA-G20-Fossil-Fuel-Subsidies-
Reform-Update-2019.pdf
Marten, M. and K. van Dender (2019), “The use of
revenues from carbon pricing”, OECD Taxation Working
Papers, No. 43, OECD Publishing, Paris,
https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/3cb265e4-en.
FURTHER READING