Should the Eurasian Conference Adopt a Global Carbon Tax?
Our planet is warming at an alarming rate. Indeed, 2010 was the hottest year ever for Mother Earth. Regardless of what the media may broadcast, there is overwhelming world-wide consensus among climate scientists that:
➢ the climate is undergoing a pronounced warming trend beyond the range of natural variability;
➢ the major cause of most of the observed warming is rising levels of the greenhouse gas CO2;
➢ the rise in CO2 is the result of burning fossil fuels;
➢ if CO2 continues to rise over the next century, the warming will continue; and
➢ a climate change of the projected magnitude over this time frame represents a real danger to human welfare and the environment.
The world has made two noble and unsuccessful attempts to address this crisis, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and the 2007 Bali roadmap. Both of these efforts seek to limit global greenhouse gas emissions by asking countries to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas emissions radically, and the Bali Roadmap includes provisions for healthy forest, technology exchanges to the developing world and financing. There is no consequence for signatories of these agreements for not meeting targets. As a result, the Kyoto Protocol failed to slow global warming and the outlook for the Bali Roadmap is just as bleak.
In view of these previous failures and the urgency of the problem, it is time to institute a global carbon tax as the central mechanism for reducing carbon emissions. Currently, the prices of gasoline, electricity and fuels in general include none of the costs associated with devastating climate change. This omission suppresses incentives to develop and deploy carbon-reducing measures such as energy efficiency (e.g., high-mileage cars and high-efficiency heaters and air conditioners), renewable energy (e.g., wind turbines, solar panels), low-carbon fuels (e.g., biofuels from high-cellulose plants), and conservation-based behavior such as bicycling, recycling and overall mindfulness toward energy consumption. Conversely, taxing fuels according to their carbon content will infuse these incentives at every link in the chain of decision and action — from individuals’ choices and uses of vehicles, appliances, and housing, to businesses’ choices of new product design, capital investment and facilities location, and governments’ choices in regulatory policy, land use and taxation.
The Global Carbon Tax will be revenue-neutral meaning that little if any of the tax revenues raised by taxing carbon emissions will be retained by government. The vast majority of the revenues will be returned to the public, in the form of subsidies, research and development of clean energy technologies and transfer of these technologies to developing countries; a small amount will be utilized to mitigate the otherwise negative impacts of carbon taxes on low-GDP countries of the Eurasian Conference. Under the carbon-tax model, countries will need to guarantee that their domestic carbon price be at least at the level of the international norm -- a relatively straightforward and transparent choice.
The question: Should the Eurasian Conference levy a Global Carbon Tax?
A) Yes, the Eurasian Conference should levy a Global Carbon Tax based on yearly carbon emissions.
B) Yes, the Eurasian Conference should levy a Global Carbon Tax based on carbon emissions since 1990.
C) No, the Eurasian Conference should not levy a Global Carbon Tax.
29 comments:
GERMANY
MARIKA HOSKINS
REBECCA HAMMONS
Germany Global Carbon Tax
As of May 8, 2011, the country of Germany, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax supports a Global Carbon Tax.
Germany supports a global carbon tax. As one of the ‘greenest’ countries in the European Union, Germany has already instituted taxes on carbon output within Germany. In the past ten years, the country of Germany has reduced carbon output by 18% while other countries carbon output has increased. In addition, France and Germany are calling upon other countries in the United Nations to support a carbon tax on imports from countries who fail to institute efforts to fight global warming. This shows that Germany is actively and fully supporting a global carbon tax.
Other countries should follow in Germany’s diminishing carbon footprints because it is in the best interest of the world as a whole. Global warming is a worldwide issue, and although each country can contribute to diminishing carbon output, there has to be effort from all countries to reduce carbon output and slow down global warming. Many countries are trying to diminish carbon output, but Germany is achieving that goal. They have proof in an 18% reduction that instituting taxes on carbon reduces carbon output. In the interest of the planet, other countries should look upon Germany’s reduction of carbon output as proof that carbon taxes reduce carbon emissions. A global carbon tax is an effective way of helping the planet.
Mayra Pelayo
Joanne Moorefield
Sophomore Projects
Position Paper: Afghanistan
Word Count:
Afghanistan on Global Carbon Tax
As of 5/8/11, the country of Afghanistan, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, is against Tax
Global Carbon Tax is currently not an issue in Afghanistan. In the future if it were to be implied it would create more instability to the citizens of Afghanistan because people wouldn't be able to afford paying them. So if I were apart of the government in Afghanistan I would vote against it because our country is already in a tight position and implying taxes to the citizens of Afghanistan would only create even more of a burden. So what we need to do to secure our interest on Global Carbon Tax is ally with oil rich countries who will support us.
In the Eurasian Conference we can prevent this issue by going around and talking to countries who are rich in oil and explaining our issue to them. We can also talk about how we don't want to impose Global Carbon Tax to our citizens because we are a very poor country that is already corrupt and that implying these taxes will only make us even more unstable.
JAPAN
LAUREN ESRIG
HAMMONS
As of May 8, 2011, the country of Japan, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, supports a carbon tax based on the 1990 levels of CO2.
Reducing global carbon emissions is an important issue for Japan, not only because of their highly industrial society, but also because of Japan’s natural beauty that needs to be preserved. Japan, the country to enact the Kyoto Protocol in 2005, highly supports the treaty. The protocol outlines a plan to combat global warming by committing all industrialized countries to reduce their carbon emissions by 5.2% by 2020, based on their 1990 levels of carbon emissions. Japan pledged to reduce their emissions by 25%. With this treaty at their back, Japan moves forward in the combat against global warming by stating their support of a carbon tax in addition to the Kyoto Protocol. Japan is a global leader in taking the necessary steps towards reducing the world’s green house gas emissions.
Japan and the rest of the world’s nations all recognize the serious issue facing our planet that is climate change. There is also no refuting the fact that the increasing carbon emissions from industrialized nations significantly contribute to this unprecedented level of greenhouse gases. Therefore it is imperative that the Eurasian Conference makes passing a global carbon tax a priority. The Kyoto Protocol is one small step towards decreasing world emissions, and a carbon tax would only strengthen the world’s commitment to decrease these emissions. Japan recognizes the urgency this issue presents and the solution that will work quickly against this global problem is a carbon tax.
COUNTRY: PAKISTAN
NAME: THOMAS POWERS
TEACHER: CURTIS
As of May 8th, 2011, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the issue of global carbon tax[ation], supports position A.
The issue of global carbon taxation is an important issue to the nation of Pakistan because it would allow the nations of the world (as a whole) to better recognize the threat carbon emissions, specifically those created by the consumption of fossil fuels, pose to our planet and livelihoods. A tax on yearly carbon emissions would bring the issue of carbon pollution to the forefront of the world government's collective mind, as well as that of the individual nations involved. Seeing as Pakistan already has a
self-regimented tax on carbon emissions, a new tax would allow our government to lower the nation's carbon emissions even more than we already have. Thus, Pakistan supports a yearly tax upon the carbon emissions of our state.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan stands firmly by the idea of cutting carbon emissions, and supports the creation, and implementation, of a thorough global carbon tax. We believe that the Eurasian conference should resolve this issue in such a way as to create a yearly carbon tax. We stand by this position, mainly because of the many adverse ways the excessive amounts of carbon pollution being created by the nations of the world has been affecting our planet. We have only one world to live on (at least, at present), and we absolutely must take care of it. The creation of an annual, worldwide carbon tax would be one more step towards repairing the harm done to our world by past (and current) generations of inhabitants.
INDIA
KIRA WYLD
HAMMONS
As of May 8, 2011, India, on the issue of a global carbon tax, India is opposed.
India opposes a global carbon tax, not because we don’t care about the environment, but rather because we believe different countries have different needs. A global carbon tax would not necessarily suit the needs of countries that aren’t fully developed. The EU and USA are trying to make a global carbon tax on exports, which could ruin the economy of countries like India, who are just entering a stable country. While India feels that the environment is an important issue, a global carbon tax should not be the first solution. India already has a domestic carbon tax to help reduce emissions, and volunteered to reduce by 20-25% by 2020.
India feels confident that other countries at the Eurasian conference will understand this perspective, and vote against a global carbon tax. Surely other countries will fathom how taxing exports on newer countries will destroy their livelihoods. While carbon emissions should be cut, India is sure that there is a different solution out there than a global carbon tax. If a global carbon tax is made, however, India knows it can rely on its fellow countries to investigate the economies and alternative solutions available to each country before instigating such a tax. India has itself been using money from its domestic tax to search for other power options, but until these options become widespread, taxing the power supply of a country is cruel. Because of these key issues, a global carbon tax is simply unrealistic.
SWEDEN
KRISSY SELVEN
JENELLE YOUNGBLOOD
As of May 8, 2011, the country of Sweden, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax supports a Global Carbon Tax.
Throughout the years, Sweden has been doing their best to reduce the carbon emissions let out by their country. Ever since the introduction of a carbon tax in 1991, Sweden has cut their carbon emissions by 20%. Swedes today pay an extra 2.34 kronor per liter when they fill up their tank, which helps lower Sweden’s carbon output. Between 1990 and 2006, Sweden exceeded the target set by the Kyoto Protocol, an international group that sets targets for countries in Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by 9%. As deemed one of the top countries that did the most to save the planet, Sweden continues to strive to decrease their carbon footprint.
Sweden sides with the viewpoint that others should follow their pursuit to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. In order to achieve this goal, there needs to be support and effort from other countries. Sweden has set an example by their immense cut-down of carbon output, and is doing its best to raise awareness in other countries. Creating a global carbon tax would not only decrease the amount of carbon emissions let out, but also strengthen the world as a whole. It is crucial that the Eurasian Conference recognizes the importance of a global carbon tax and what it will do to save our planet.
POLAND
WILL BERG
HAMMONS
As of May 8, 2011, the country of Poland, on the issue of a global carbon tax, does not support a global carbon tax.
A global carbon tax is unnecessary and unrealistic. Poland finds that past endeavors at a global carbon tax with the Kyoto Protocol and Bali roadmap have proved futile and unsuccessful. It would be too difficult to organize and administer properly since different nations have different amounts of carbon output. Poland believes that a global carbon tax would potentially ruin economies, such as its own and others, dependant on steel and coal production with heavy amounts of carbon emissions. As a developing nation, Poland currently cannot afford to make energy investments to reduce carbon emissions for risk of leading its economy into a recession. For developing nations like Poland, a global carbon tax is too high a price to pay.
The Eurasian Conference should decide to not rule in favor of a global carbon tax since it would be unfair to developing nations dependant on industries with heavy carbon emissions. A fair and proportionate global carbon tax would be nearly impossible to manage correctly. Any future attempts at a global carbon tax would be a waste of time and money, for past attempts, like the Kyoto Protocol and Bali roadmap, failed to make any significant reductions in global carbon emissions. With the current global recession, switching from carbon-based energy sources would be to more eco-friendly energy sources would be too great an expense to several nation's economies. Surely a less radical and more cost-effective way of global preservation can be found.
THE UNITED KINGDOM
HANNAH LATIMER-SNELL
CRAIG WIEBE
As of May 9th, 2011, the country of The United Kingdom, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, supports a Global Carbon Tax.
In recent years the United Kingdom has strived to become an environmentally friendly country. It has supported the Global Carbon tax in previous years and is continuing to stand by that decision. The Carbon tax can be, in the eyes of the UK, an option to decreasing the chances of creating further global warming. Studies have shown that in order to create a better economy, the markets just have to start supporting the environment by making dignified, secure, and sustainable living decisions. The United Kingdom supports the idea of carbon tax and has proven that by being the first country in the world to introduce a minimum price, or price floor, for carbon emissions from power stations, according to BBC news. This country is powerful and persistent and will continue to speak from the objective of turning the world into a greener planet. The United Kingdom is organized, controlled, and understands that without immediate action, the fate of the earth could fall into ruins.
The issue of Global Carbon tax is a prominent and important issue through the entire world and should be addressed during the Eurasian conference. Through the use of carbon tax, the world can immediately start taking action on reducing global warming and creating an environmentally friendly planet. Global warming is rapidly growing while destroying the economy, food and agriculture opportunities, health priorities, and creating more global disasters. This global issue is something that can be turned around for the better if immediate actions are taken. Carbon tax is productive and an effective way to quickly start reducing carbon emission levels. By taxing large companies that pollute and throw out large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, this global idea can improve the present day of the earth and prepare it for the future. During the Eurasian Conference the issue of Global Carbon Tax should be resolved by all countries coming to the agreement that the earth needs immediate action in order to prevent disaster and the Carbon Tax is an effective sustainable idea.
China
Taylor Bucy
Diaz
As of May 9, 2011, the country of China, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax supports a carbon tax for all countries.
The level of carbon emissions is a growing issue for China and the world. Being such an industrialized country, China is the top producer of carbon emissions in the world. Since the year 2000 their total emissions have risen 171%, more than Canada and the United States combined. Having realized their impact on the world, China has proposed for their country a five year plan in hopes of reducing the level of greenhouse gases and has invested 59 billion dollars towards the research of clean energy resources. A member of the Kyoto Protocol, China, along with 191 other countries in the world, understands the negative effect greenhouse emissions have on the world, and strongly support a tax. The Chinese government is all for the change, and has set up “tougher measures” to help their country achieve this goal.
All countries can agree that the increasing number of greenhouse emissions through out the world pose a threat, and with countries becoming more industrialized every year, climate change is an ever present fact. Therefore it is necessity that the Eurasian Conference grants a yearly carbon tax based on every countries total emissions. As a growing country China understands that we are largely contributing to the global problem, however we know we are not the only one. By approving this measure, the world can work towards a mutual goal of a cleaner environment, and no country is left behind. With the world growing at this rate, a global carbon tax is the only solution.
Zach Hill-Thiry
Russia
Powell
Russia : Global Carbon Tax
As of 5/8/11 the country of Russia on the issue of Global Carbon Tax supports the Global Carbon Tax
A global carbon tax would mean many things to the country of Russia. The global carbon tax is a tax on countries use of carbon. A country is taxed on how much carbon they emit. Even though this is a tax it’s not made to collect money it’s for countries to convert to non-combustion energy sources like wind, sunlight and hydropower. Sources such as petroleum, coal and gas do produce CO2 which will be taxed. This means for Russia that all of its factories the produce combustible energy will be taxed. Although Russia has many different factories this would be better then taxing the export of oil.
There is only one clear answer to how the Eurasian Conference should handle a global carbon tax, which is to vote for it and enforce it. There are ample financial and environmental reasons why this should get voted on. First financially because this tax does not charge the sale of oil or gas but the use oil and gas and other combustible fuels. Secondly the environmental improvements would be profound. Overtime countries would switch to renewable, non-combustible energy resources that do not give off carbon. This tax also helps solve the problem of renewable energy being widely used because they will save a country money from the tax!
Spain
Matt Arbogast
Mr. Wiebe
SEHS Projects
As of 5/9/11 the country of Spain, on the issue of Global Carbon Taxation, is for the global carbon tax, and it is an issue in Spain. Spain is one of the most pollutant countries in the world and this is one ways that Spain is trying to control it. However, despite their efforts, their carbon footprint is still increasing. This is possibly because of the economic boom that took place in Spain. Global carbon tax is a possible solution to the problem, so we will vote for it and try to persuade our allies to do so as well.
The Eurasian Conference should resolve this issue by setting up a carbon tax for all the countries in the world on yearly carbon emissions. It would not only lower the pollution in the world, but it would also make a push for an economical way to produce renewable energy. The world has potential to create it, but isn’t pushing hard enough for people to produce. If the Eurasian conference were for a global carbon tax then it would be beneficial for every country. Spain knows this is a major problem throughout the world and will work hard to make it less of a problem.
KUWAIT
ELSIE CRUZ
MR.POWELL
As of May 9, 2011 the country of Kuwait on the issue of Global Carbon Tax supports the tax.
Kuwait is one of the countries that produce the most oil. With supporting this people will pay but they notice the effect this does to the earth and air. With so much oil Kuwait knows that it depends on its oil for its economy. This way of energy is damaging and causing global warming. As to support this tax, it will help and it would hurt their economy but they have enough oil to keep the economy well stable. Knowing that if a new form of energy is made, for the mean while and time humans will remain to rely on oil as a main source of energy. Taxing on carbon will not be as much appreciated to Kuwait but knows many will vote for the tax. Kuwait wants to help the environment to become well again.
The Eurasian Conference should pass this tax as a way to help the environment before it gets worse. As nature gets worse we expect more natural disasters that could happen because of all the air contamination. Passing this will possibly help and create a found that will help countries have other energy sources but still keeping oil as an energy source but not as much. Kuwait is planning and working on new energy sources such as natural sources as the wind and water. If this tax passes we can help the environment for a better future.
EGYPT
CASEY BARKAN
CRAIG WIEBE
Egypt Global Carbon Tax
As of May 8 2011, the country of Egypt, on the issue of the Global Caron Tax, is opposed.
Egypt is both a major importer and exporter of oil. Egypt has the potential to significantly increase its oil production over the next few years by tapping into large, currently unused oil reserves in the western regions of the country. In addition to this, a very large amount of oil passes through the Suez Canal from the Middle East to Europe. Because of this, oil is a large and growing part of Egypt’s economy, and it is advantageous for Egypt to support this growing market. A global carbon tax, however, will do exactly the opposite of supporting the oil industry. This will decrease worldwide oil consumption and hurt Egypt’s economy. Oil is a necessity to carry out life in nearly the entire world, and it is wrong to tax something to essential to so many people.
This is why the Eurasian Conference should not create a global carbon tax. There are many countries in the same position as Egypt, and a carbon tax would significantly hurt their economies. If anything, we should be finding was to make oil cheaper and to increase accessibility to more of the population, not finding ways to make oil more expensive than it already is. Not only would it be unfair to tax such a necessary resource, but the revenue from the taxes will be used to research ways to decrease oil usage even more, further hurting Egypt’s and other oil exporting countries’ economies. For these reasons, a global carbon tax would cause a lot of harm and do little to benefit Egypt, as well as a large number of other countries.
INDONESIA
BELA KAPELKA
YOUNGBLOOD
Indonesia: Global Carbon Tax
As of May 8, 2011, the country of Indonesia, on the issue of Global Carbon Taxation, supports this movement. At the meeting in Copenhagen the Finance Ministry of Indonesia proposed a green policy which would include carbon tax as well as reduction of carbon emissions by 6% each year. Indonesia is the 3rd largest emitter of carbon, so developed countries are pushing Indonesia for more green energy production. As an island country it will be greatly affected by climate change, and must move toward carbon taxes for both Indonesia and the world in order to keep its citizens out of harm’s way. Aimed specifically at the burning of fossil fuels, these national taxes will be put in place in 2014.
Within the Eurasian Conference, Indonesia will support a global carbon tax. Other countries that are equally affected by environmental changes should sympathize and support this movement. All countries will be affected by climate change, not just island nations. In order to slow this process, it’s vital to put in place a carbon tax. Carbon emissions are not helping anyone, and never will.
Italy
Anthony Horn-Gross
Craig Wiebe
As of May 9, 2011, Italy, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, is in favor.
Italy is a highly industrialized country that depends on fossil fuel to run its industries and transportation systems. It does not have enough coal, oil, and natural gas within its borders to supply all of its needs. 90.6% of the energy consumed in Italy comes from fossil fuels. Yet, Italy has been a strong advocate for the global carbon tax and other measures that would reduce its carbon footprint. Between 1968 and 1976 Italy’s fossil fuel energy consumption was almost 95% of its total energy consumption. Since that time, Italy has taken many steps to subsidize alternative energy and tax the use of fossil fuels (Trading Economics).
Frequently, measures like the global carbon tax are seen as a way of keeping developing countries from using an excessive amount of fossil fuels and increasing the environmental impact of global warming. Unfortunately, many times it is the industrialized countries that use fossil fuels the most who are telling developing countries to reduce their use but not being willing to follow their own advice. Through projects like the ECOHEATCOOL project, 32 countries including the 27 EU states have assessed the efficiency of heating and cooling options and created recommendations that would drastically reduce waste and overuse (ECOHEATCOOL). In addition to this work the International Energy Agency (IEA) has undertaken surveys and analysis to examine the value of energy subsidies. By phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, IEA estimates that global energy demands could be cut by 5.8% by the year 2020 and that CO2 emissions can be cut by 6.9% during the same time. Italy has participated in all of these efforts and is a role model to the rest of the world, showing that carbon emissions can be reduced with combination of research, analysis, increased subsidies for alternative energy, decreased subsidies for fossil fuels, and a global carbon tax (IEA).
THE UNITED STATES
KAITLYN PENROD
MS CURTIS
The United States and Carbon Tax
“As of May 8th, 2011, the country of The United States, on the issue of Carbon Tax, supports carbon tax”
The United States has come to realize the climate issues that are affecting our country, and a larger issue, global warming. To reduce the emissions causing global warming, the Obama Administration and Congress are thinking of a carbon tax. A carbon tax would in a sense tax polluters for the damage they are causing. This is one of the largest issues are country faces today environmentally, and carbon tax is the best option if we could use the revenue to invest in new technologies towards this issue and investing in other energy sources and innovations. Americans may worry about the increase of gas prices, which can be solved by revenue-neutral. That means that the tax put on carbon, could be retained by the government by other issues. The government could phase other taxations out to balance out the tax on carbon. In the long-run, carbon tax would help the United States and one of our biggest issues we are facing today.
The Eurasian conference should agree with the United States opinion to tax carbon, because global warming is an issue that affects us all. This does idea is not fit just for the United States but all countries could adapt to this plan. Denmark has already agreed to a carbon tax back in 1990, and has seen a 15% decrease of carbon production. With a strong enough policy and an interest in saving our planet, this could really help each country. Countries cannot deny that global warming is an issue for them and that they wouldn’t want to see a solution for it. Yes, carbon tax will not immediately solve all of our problems, but it is a step in the right direction.
Garrett Litalien
Turkey
Mr. Diaz
Turkey: Global Carbon Tax
“As of May 6, 2011, the country of Turkey, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax supports the delegates.”
• Brenten Proctor: South Eugene High School
• Erika Johnson: South Eugene High School
• Greg Gaffney-Bills: South Eugene High School
• Hailey Berry: South Eugene High School
• Julia Barbarski: Winston Churchill High School
• Bella Laughlin: North Eugene High School
Global carbon tax means everything to them because of the location of the country. They have created and found and conceived other options for financing projects. The tax of Turkey makes it so they have to strategize and figure out what they are going to do next. This carbon tax has built a bridge and it’s just natural for Turkey to get their taxes from the areas provided. This has great affect on Turkey because they are going through really difficult times right now and need help.
The Eurasian Conference should resolve this issue according to my country’s way of understanding the issue because it helps people view Turkey in a different way. People have a bad sense in what goes on in Turkey. We need to speak upon this issue because it will help people have a more neutral perspective of Turkey. They don’t get the credit that they deserve and are always working hard.
Jessica Paulsen
5/12/11
Wade Powel
Projects
Azerbaijan
Global Carbon Tax Issue 6
As of 5/12/11 the country of Azerbaijan, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, supports position C) No, the Eurasian Conference should not levy a Global Carbon Tax.
Azerbaijan is not a wealthy or powerful country, but it has found a source of power oil. Some of the worlds largest oil deposits are found in Azerbaijan, such as in the Caspian, this oil is the only source of power that Azerbaijan has. If there was a Global Carbon Tax it might effect the worlds demand for oil and undermine Azerbaijan's whole economy. Every country wants a say in global issues especially countries like Azerbaijan that have suffered so much from being under foreign rule oil is the way Azerbaijan can get that voice. Finely what right does the world have to decide on laws in other countries, for a country like Azerbaijan that has only recently won its freedom, the invasion of foreign powers is unwelcome to say the least.
What right do other countries have to decide taxation or any other laws in another country, since when has the governing of other countries become the worlds business? Countries such as Azerbaijan have no means to monitor carbon emissions and thus can not properly tax them. Many countries not only don’t have systems to tax carbon emissions they can’t afford to spend their small budgets on such things. it is unfair to try and force such a rule on the whole world, let each country worry about its own environment and stop trying to control others. Even if this global tax was in place the money is not given to the government to spend as the country wishes and may desperately need. If there is no authority given to other countries to authorise a tax even less is there reason to give control of the funds raised by that tax by that countries people to another country. Each country must have the freedom to decide for itself how to handle environmental issues and how to tax its own people, if countries start agreeing to all these random global agreements they will find themselves painted in to a corner and will lose their freedom and national identity.
France
Anton Burek
Global Carbon Tax
In 2009 French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the there would be a vote to charge a 14 Euro increase carbon tax. This tax would have applied ti households and enterprises, but not apply to heavy indistries and power plants. The reasin for this proposed increase in carbon taxes was to push the idea of using nuclear power instead of natural resources. The reason heavy industries and power plants were not subjected to this tax rise was because the big corporations already either creat nuclear power or use nuclear power. It would not affect them. However in March of 2010 the law was postponed for more disussion. However Nicolas Sarkozy plans to continue the discussion on relying more on nuclear power.
The Eurasian Conference should discuss the issue of putting a tax on carbon emissions. It is a solution that does not force the public to use nuclear power, but it promotes the idea of using nuclear power as a major energy sorce, Nuclear power is a clean and efficient wat to power cities and keep the earth in balance. Natural resources will not last forever. We need a plan to use an alternate source that is reliable. Therefore we should create a carbon based tax for the earth and for ourselves.
THE NETHERLANDS
BENNY SHLESINGER
HAMMONS
The Netherlands: Global Carbon Tax
As of May 8, the Netherlands, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, supports the levying of a Global Carbon Tax
The Netherlands implemented a carbon tax in the early 1990’s. A carbon tax is a tax on the carbon pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, and it puts a price on the carbon released when the fossils are burned. Carbon tax is designed to create incentives to develop technologies that can reduce carbon emissions. The cost of the damage done to the environment is included in the cost of the tax. Currently, the Netherlands has a general fuel tax on all fossil fuels. However, fuels that are used as raw are not subject to this tax. These taxes are based on both energy and carbon contents of fuels.
The issue of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels is a major environmental problem. The effect of this increase of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is gradually, but alarmingly, lifting the earth’s overall temperature. The climate is changing unpredictably through the examples of floods, droughts, hurricanes, and heat waves. This issue should be addressed at the Eurasian conference, and every country should sign on to support the reduction of carbon emissions. The earth is our home, and everyone needs to help in order for us to sustain Mother Nature.
Saudi Arabia
Macey Hoffman
Mr. Diaz
Saudi Arabia Global Carbon Tax
As of Thursday, May 12, 2011, the country of Saudi Arabia, on the issue of Global Caron Tax, supports oppose.
Saudi Arabia is the leading exporter of oil in the world. Therefore we oppose the issue of creating a global carbon tax. A tax on our carbon emissions into the area will affect both our country and yours in a negative way. This issue to our country means we will have to raise the price of oil in order to pay the tax, which will be hard on our economy. A raise in price in oil could also cause tension between countries, which nobody wants.
There should no be a global carbon taxes for the sake of all countries. If there were to be a tax on carbon emissions we would still need to make money, so we would have no choice but to raise the price of gas. That will make other countries unhappy resulting in tension and their own economy problems. The price of food will also go up for it will cost even more money to ship it. A carbon tax will do no good for Saudi Arabia or the rest of the world, and this issue should not be put into action.
SOUTH KOREA
COLTON CLARK
CURTIS
South Korea, Global Carbon Tax
As of May 8th , 2011 South Korea on the issue of global carbon tax, supports a carbon tax. Global Carbon tax is a very important issue to South Korea, South Korea is one of the leading greenhouse gas emitters in Asia, over 600 million metric tons in 2006. Agreeing with the Carbon tax will help lower the global fossil fuels. What South Korea wants by putting up this tax is a more green country and world. If this tax does not go up then consequences such as more pollution in Koreas waters would effect their main trade of food.
The world should support a carbon tax. Many countries who are big fossil fuel exporters may disagree for business purposes. But the carbon emissions in our worlds atmosphere are raising significantly. By putting a tax on carbon emissions the economy would get worse for some countries that are more underdeveloped. South Korea is trying to help green house gases decrease and implements other countries to do so also.
Saudi Arabia
Macey Hoffman
Mr. Diaz
Saudi Arabia Global Carbon Tax
As of Thursday, May 12, 2011, the country of Saudi Arabia, on the issue of Global Caron Tax, supports oppose.
Saudi Arabia is the leading exporter of oil in the world. Therefore we oppose the issue of creating a global carbon tax. A tax on our carbon emissions into the area will affect both our country and yours in a negative way. This issue to our country means we will have to raise the price of oil in order to pay the tax, which will be hard on our economy. A raise in price in oil could also cause tension between countries, which nobody wants.
There should no be a global carbon taxes for the sake of all countries. If there were to be a tax on carbon emissions we would still need to make money, so we would have no choice but to raise the price of gas. That will make other countries unhappy resulting in tension and their own economy problems. The price of food will also go up for it will cost even more money to ship it. A carbon tax will do no good for Saudi Arabia or the rest of the world, and this issue should not be put into action.
CYPRUS
CORY MAYER
MR POWELL
As of May 9, 2011, the country of Cyprus, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, supports a global carbon tax based on yearly emissions.
Since joining the European Union, our country has been determined to meet EU standards on renewable energy sources. We have made progress towards many renewable energy sources over the years, with the most recent being the construction of a massive 120,000kw (annual) wind farm that plans to power over 50,000 households. We plan to meet the EU’s “Energy 2020” goal by being at least 13% supported by clean renewable resources by the year 2020. We believe that the EU has lots of room to improve and needs to have consequences for not meeting their goals. We also believe that they should take into account the amount of money needed to invest in alternative energy for it to catch on, make sure that we don’t loose our lead in developing new energy technologies while trying to reduce carbon (because energy accounts for 80% of emissions), and changing public procurement rules to allow increased energy savings.
We believe that the Eurasian Conference should take our position on this issue because it benefits all of the countries of this conference and will help make the world a better place for everyone. As energy is a crucial sector in Cyprus and the European Union as a whole, steps must be taken to improve our energy sources. Levying a global carbon tax would discourage the use of foreign oil that pollutes our environment which will have many good effects. Not only will it contribute to sustaining our environment, but it will also create many new high tech jobs in Europe. With direct funding of alternative energy research from the tax we could continue to innovate and become a global supplier of clean energy technologies which would bring wealth to the area. With those reasons presented it is easy to see why it is a logical choice for the Eurasian Conference to take our position on the issue of a Global Carbon Tax.
Let's see if it'll stay up this time...
ISRAEL
QUINN WALLACE
MR. DIAZ
As of May 12, 2011, Israel, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, is for.
This issue would mean to Israel that it would level the playing field a little bit. The countries that spew tons of carbon into the atmosphere would finally have to pay for what they are doing. Smaller countries like us could start to make up the ground between us and the other bigger countries. Also once that Global Carbon Tax is in place the countries that are being taxed the UN can use that money to help countries resolve problems. The type of Carbon Tax we want to impose is taxes based on the emissions since 1990.
The Eurasian Conference should resolve this issue because countries that are putting out a majority of the carbon in to the atmosphere should be held responsible. Developing countries like China are the ones who put out the most and they have more then enough money to pay for how much carbon they put out. Along with this if the countries in question don't want to pay the taxes it would force them to develop cleaner reusable energy. With that reusable energy it would take the pressure of the Middle East and then they could resolve their own issues and perhaps ease tensions between us and the Palestinians. So in conclusion if you really want this world to move ahead as a whole then you should vote yes on the Global Carbon Tax.
Vietnam
Chase McWhirt
Joanne Moorefield
Vietnam: Global Carbon Tax
As of 5/19/2011, the country of Vietnam, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, opposes Global Carbon Tax.
Global Carbon Tax is an unjust law to developing countries, like Vietnam. Vietnam has been a third world country for generations and the Vietnam war only tore apart the country and put progress even further behind. Now, we, the officials of the Vietnamese Government, have decided that Vietnam is going to change. It is going to be able to enrich its people and take back our rights and what is ours. Vietnam is on top of an abundance of natural resources that get traded away and Vietnam gains very little in return. The current exchange rate of a Dong to Euro is 29,600 to 1! Vietnam sits next to natural oil resource in the South China Seas and produces 311,400 barrels of oil per day which would be taxed if Global Carbon Tax passed.
Vietnam, being a developing country, should not have to pay a Global Carbon Tax! Vietnam is going to become industrialized and we need to use what are ours without paying some other government for our own materials. Since Vietnam is a 1/51.5 of the size of Russia and the fact we mainly have had an agricultural economy, we should be given the same right to industrialize without a Global Carbon Tax as many countries have done in the past. Russia industrialized only twenty years ago without a Global Carbon Tax. The amount of pollution we could possibly make will be insignificant to what any of the World Powers make now. Plus, world technology has gotten much better and Vietnam plans to try and stay green so pollution we make will be even less than many other developing countries in the past. Make the powerful and rich countries pay for their damage, not countries that haven't even contributed to the Global Climate Change.
Bryce Shaneyfelt
Wade Powell
Sophomore Projects
Position Paper: Syria
Syria on Global Carbon Tax
The country of Syria, as of May 19 2011, on the issue of Global Carbon Tax, is opposed to the tax. As of now a Global Carbon tax is not being used in Syria. In the future if there were a tax as such, the repercussions of this tax would reach far outside the country. this tax would raise gas prices for Syria’s oil importers in Western Europe. Also, this could translate into loss of jobs, or pay cuts to lower and middle class workers for the oil industry. In its simplest form this tax will make the rich richer and the many poor people in Syria poorer.
This issue can be resolved in the Eurasian Conference by talking to the main oil consumers of Syrian oil and convincing them to vote against the tax. Making them see the implications of the tax could easily change their mind about voting for the tax. Money is the main thing that can sway a countries judgement. If the oil they import from Syria becomes more expensive, the country involved will begin to care more about their costs and less about the tax that is made to help protect the environment.
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