PROGRESS 2050: Toward a prosperous future for all Australians
This report recommended a carbon tax as a viable "Plan B" to replace earlier, problematic cap-and-trade proposals.
![]() |
A Taxing Debate: Climate policy beyond Copenhagen asks whether a carbon tax is a better and more durable policy response to climate change than emissions trading.
Report authors argue that a carbon emissions tax would deliver more price certainty of price signal, transparency to consumers and clearer signals to investors.
The aim of this report is to advance the development of sensible and measured policy responses to the risk of climate change. A carbon tax is a viable "Plan B" to replace the problematic cap-and-trade system.
Part 1 of the report examines whether cap-and-trade should really be the policy of choice in the debate over how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Australian community doesn't seem to be aware that it is not GHG emissions that will be traded, but a form of carbon derivatives.
Part 2 highlights perspectives from major countries on the Copenhagen process and what, if anything, is likely to emerge from it (see chapters by Morris on the US, Yin on China, Ghosh on India and Bardt on the EU). It asks whether the introduction of a global strategy with the flexibility necessary to adjust to national circumstances (see chapter by Alan Oxley and Bill Bowen), would be more effective than the current emphasis on negotiating binding international or national emissions limits.
CEDA's 2014 policy perspective, The Economics of Climate Change, examines the economic impact of climate change for Australia. The report explains how Australia's economy will be exposed if we don't effectively manage climate change risks.
Read more Climate | Environment | Emissions Reduction October 30, 2009CEDA's Climate Change - Getting it Right report promotes a risk management approach to climate change - achieving reductions in emissions through markets, carbon pricing and investment in low emissions technologies, while preserving economic growth. [Research and Policy article - Full content is only available to CEDA members]
Read more Climate | Environment | Emissions Reduction October 30, 2009Following the much-anticipated release of the Garnaut Climate Change Review's Final Report, Professor Garnaut spoke to CEDA in Sydney on 3 October 2008. [CEDA event]
Read moreMake a donation today to directly support CEDA’s independent research, tackling the big issues for Australia. Click here.
(Donations over $2 are tax deductible)