Campaign '08
Campaign '08
The most effective ways to combat climate crisis are governmental policy changes, because personal lifestyle changes, while essential, just aren’t enough. In 2008 Beat Global Heat is focusing on revenue neutral carbon taxes, which put a price on climate pollution. They’re considered one of the most effective and fair ways to tackle climate change by organizations like the CIBC and the National Roundtable on Environment and Economy, leaders like Al Gore, not to mention most environmental organizations.
Beat Global Heat’s carbon tax campaign is tailored for local realities. In British Columbia, we are encouraging citizens to register their support of the new carbon tax with their provincial representatives. In the other provinces and territories, the campaign will build support for a national carbon tax policy modeled on B.C.'s. Festival participants will have an opportunity to express their support for carbon taxes through signing post cards addressed to government officials.
About Carbon Taxes
The new British Columbia carbon tax is truly remarkable: it covers all fossil fuels, it contains a clear schedule of future increases, there are GST-style rebates for low income families, and it is “revenue neutral” so that increased government revenues from the carbon tax are offset by law with equal reductions in business and personal taxes (e.g. income tax). This was a true leadership move by B.C. in the fight against climate change, and the government deserves support, although many additional steps need to take place if B.C. is to meet its ambitious carbon reduction targets. The carbon tax does not adversely affect people in rural communities or those of low income. For more information about carbon taxes, please go here.