Title: Global economic repercussions of a Pigouvian tax: who bears the brunt?

Authors: I.O. Walker

Addresses: Energy Studies Department, OPEC Secretariat, Vienna, Austria

Abstract: The global interdependency in trade, finance and environmental issues should prompt both the OECD and non-OECD countries to engage in more dialogue. The application of a carbon tax could lead to changes in macroeconomic behaviour in OECD countries, which will impact upon trading patterns. Environmental improvements in developing countries are costly, but can be undertaken effectively in an environment of growth and prosperity. The implementation of unilateral environmental packages are not likely to be efficient in tackling global problems. Resources should rather be diverted to developing countries, where returns for reductions in harmful emissions and pollution levels are much higher per dollar invested.

Keywords: OECD carbon tax; revenue neutral policy; developing countries; sustainable development; financial transfer; technology transfer; Pigouvian tax; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1992.063624

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1992 Vol.4 No.4, pp.302-306

Published online: 17 Jul 2014 *

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