Notes on the carbon 'tax'!
Most days I read about and listen to people worrying about the changes confronting them, such as the 'carbon tax', or the coming carbon trading scheme, in Australia, where the first few years operate with a fixed price for carbon. These people wish the government to subside them to ensure they are not out of pocket. It is worth noting that in this case the government is going to so ensure.
On Friday, I heard people from the Latrobe Valley talking about how some 2000 jobs may be lost through this 'tax' being imposed on power stations like Loy Yang because they are such large polluters. But it is inevitable that one day soon Loy Yang and other brown coal burning power stations must close, and the sooner the better.
It may seem trite when I state how sorry I do feel for these people, and for all those who will begin to suffer in coming years, as we start to face the real costs of having lived the profligate life style we have for so many years.
The people who are going to be most hurt will always be those least able to afford it, and yes, it will, and it should, be to a considerable extent the responsibility of government to assist where possible. But, since we are part of the problem, surely we must accept part of the responsibility to change our life-styles?
Our society has been living beyond its means for generations. What we are confronting today is the reality of our wasteful and destructive lifestyle that failed to take into account, or even consider, there would ever be a cost to pick up later in time. I believe it unreasonable to consider, or expect, that we cannot change the way we live without some cost.
We have been living on our capital - in this case natural capital not money – drawing from our bank account and running into deficit. People who do this one day find there is no money left. This is the position we are beginning to face.
I further believe it is politically flawed thinking that denies both acknowleging the real core problem, as well as denying people to be part of the solution. As long as this mindset remains as part of our culture, I cannot see the changes necessary ever eventuating.
In amongst all this somewhat negative view, there is one light appearing - the role of the global business corporations. There is no doubt there are increasing numbers of these seeing a sustainable business model as their way to move in the future. Nearly each day in recent weeks some company somewhere has described some aspect of their business looking at sustainable new ways and options. This is one real bright spot on the horizon that politicians would do well to emulate. It might assist their future too.
I live in hope.
Patrick