Would You Pay Higher Energy Bills to Help The Environment?
But how will the savings be used?
These are the big questions, an even bigger one asked by Orbler, Larry on my recent post about solar power coming of age, is why a house that is purpose built and 5-star energy efficient, would also need air-conditioning?
So, as always, I’m going to try and do some myth busting into the new phenomenon of carbon reduction schemes, to see if I can find out who they are really benefitting. As in the case of the solar power question above, is it just individuals seeking prestige, to keep up with the Jones’s, or is the system flawed in some way?
This latest survey was conducted by two polling organizations for the BBC World Service and covered 22,000 people in 21 countries.
In 14 of the 21 countries from Canada to Australia, 61% overall said it would be necessary to increase energy costs in order to encourage conservation (forcing households to solar power) in order to reduce carbon emissions.
Is all this possible, or it just another elaborate scam by governments for revenue which will never see the light of the sun ~ at the expense of both the planet and the energy consumer?
This was particularly true of the recent emergency climate meeting hosted by Washington in which the Bush administration was accused by European sources of 'Greenwashing the Climate,' one participant claiming that it was nothing
So what about Carbon Taxes for Industry?
Rueters reported that during the recent PIPA survey ;
The response to climate taxes was more muted than that on raised energy prices, but it swung in favour, if the revenue from those taxes was ‘ring-fenced’ for use solely on measures to raise energy efficiency or develop clean energy sources.
There was also a greater acceptance of higher green taxes if they were offset by cuts in taxation elsewhere, so the net effect on the individual's pocket was neutral.’
"While few citizens welcome higher taxes, the poll suggests that national leaders could succeed in introducing a carbon tax on energy," said GlobeScan President Doug Miller.
There was also a greater acceptance of higher green taxes if they were offset by cuts in taxation elsewhere, so the net effect on the individual's pocket was neutral.’
"While few citizens welcome higher taxes, the poll suggests that national leaders could succeed in introducing a carbon tax on energy," said GlobeScan President Doug Miller.
But will they?
I guess most would agree that it all depends on one key requirement; that of citizens trusting that the resulting tax revenues will be re-invested in addressing climate change, through increasing energy efficiency and developing cleaner fuels.’
The findings in China, echo those of the New Economics Foundation (NEF), which earlier this month presented a special 'Chinadependence' report, as part of which has openly accused the developed nations of "carbon laundering" their economies.
Chinese Imports to Canada alone - 2006
On that note: according to NEF, on Saturday 6 October, the world as a whole, went into ecological debt driven by over-consumption, declaring
'Ecological Debt Day.'
In a nutshell, what that means is that, this is the recorded date when, in effect, humanity has already used-up the resources the earth had available for the year, and begins eating into its stock of natural resources for next year.
So, the question remains, are you willing to pay more, and do you trust your current government to implement the money into higher subsidy schemes, adding development dollars towards clean technologies like solar power?
As consumers, do we have a rsponsibility and do you think it should become a major election issue?
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Phil's Wellness Tips
love this bit and there is also more to it
i wont go on, I know I am preaching to the converted...again great post
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Thanks for the compliment.
It is true it is a minefield out there, but perhaps the bottom line is consumer responsibility and not to allow ourselves to be divded and conquered on this issue ... and to be mindful of what they are up too in manipulating us.
I feel that we all bear the responsibility of using everything we own a little bit longer before chucking it... just because we can?
My washing machine is 16 years old and as good as the day I got it. They don't make them last anymore is only partially true.
Power on my lovely...
Lilla ...
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although I would be willing to pay extra if it meant that the environment would be helped I`m not sure that I would be trusting enough for that money to get put to good use.
Seeing as everyone is money driven I don`t really see how it would raise the capital needed to do anything substantial as people would be more conservative with their energy usage and therefore less revenue would come in. I suppose that this is the intended point though.
I think that making solar power trendy is a great start - whilst they are trying to keep up with their neighbours, probably without realising, they are doing more than if they paid higher energy bills. And those who have the money to keep up with the Jones's probably wouldn`t notice a rate rise anyways.
I`m afraid I don`t think I would be too keen on this idea simply because i do not trust where and how the money would be spent. I would prefer to take that money and invest it in education and research schemes from private environmental agencies where i could see what my money was doing rather just hoping that the powers that be would do right by it.
I don`t trust governments I`m afraid. They can say what they like, especially at a time like now when it is election time, but they have done nothing in the past to prove that this scheme would be properly implemented - why would they change now?
Everyone seems to be jumping on the 'Save the Environment' wagon at the moment. At the end of the day they are doing nothing to save anything and in my eyes just sitting back and watching their bank accounts grow fatter by the day as people pour in revenue, lured in under false pretences. I`m a huge sceptic when it comes to anything like this - when something looks too good to be true it normally is.
Something really does need to be done about China. It`s pointless the world standing by and watching as we all grow sicker from eating foods imported from places like this - especially when our own farmers are being paid to walk off their land. What happens in China has gross impact on the rest of the world - that graph makes me feel sick!
As for Ecological Debt Day? Yikes that makes me swallow hard and shake my head sadly.
Sorry to be a downer on this one.
Ash
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I am with you, it really is the way forward, I guess like everything else, we'll have to iron out the corruption later at the official enquiries...
Greed is so pathetic.
Thanks for visiting, sweetie.
Lilla ...
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Well said on all points here... not down at all, just living the reality.
Ain't that the truth. The thing is that I think they'll foist this one on us regardless - both the government and the multinational companies... instead of just onging and feeding off each other with the Carbon Taxes system, they'll continue to milk the poor...
No comment.
I'm certainly cutting back between now and Christmas on this one - even more. One less apple, tea, light bulb switched on, load of washing, whatever - a day, won't kill me between now and January.
Huggies
Lilla ...
Always Eighteen
Interesting article! Yeah, a tutor of mine paid extra on her electricity bills as well and encouraged us all to do so... I've always wondered how trustworthy such systems really are. It's like giving money to certain charities - there is always a risk of the money being placed in the wrong hands. But then again, it could REALLY be put to good use. I guess we have to see how it is spent with our own eyes before we can make a final judgment.
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Thank you.
I think most people will probably opt to pay more and just hope that it gets to where it is going… it really is up to us too, to take an active role, to by writing, lobbying, emailing, texting … but generally, all this affluence makes people very apathetic does it not …particularly in Australia?
Personally, I think the best place to put the extra funds generated through higher bills, would be into solar subsidies – helping get Australians switched over to solar power… at least to running half the household, and I would like to know where it will go up front. Then I will keep an eye on it…
You are right, ‘…what we can SEE with our eyes…’ (yep, watching like a hawk).
In the meantime, as I said to Ash, I shall try to eat one less apple, turn on one less bulb (actually I like candle light at night anyway, as it is much more relaxing), and perhaps run one less load of washing etc., until December 31st to help make up the ecological debt my comfortable lifestyle costs us all. Gosh and where is Christmas shopping in that debt?
Thanks for visiting;
Lilla …
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Thanks for your comment, you raise such pertinent points... do we stand by and do nothing waiting for certainties, or become pro-active in lobbying local government as a collective community, in order to help bring the chnages needed?
For me, that’s the point, because I have a feeling we will be called upon soon to make this decision… sooner than any of us like and I can’t also help the twinge in my bones, which suggests it will not REALLY be a multiple choice question, when it is ...
Surely, governments realise that their progeny are also threatened by all this too?
Surely, it is the multi-national manufacturer that must pay the carbon tax, not me the consumer… but as a consumer, don’t I have a moral responsibility to reduce the goods and services that I use, which encourages more carbon emissions, as well as the right to know where my ‘extra tariff’ is being spent?
What if, as a consumer I stopped supporting the major non-conforming manufacturers of pollution, like China?
Can I actually buy something locally in Australia today, that is not made in China?
We live in interesting times, do we not?
Lilla …
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Gosh, it's taken me ages to reply to this post.
Yes, I would pay more, but like other Orblers said, I hope the money would go where it needs to go, not just in a big company's pocket.
Excellent info as always, Lilla,
Tracy
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Thank you for the compliment.
It seems as if we all would, and probably will... I too hope it goes where it's s'posed to... I wonder if we will be told up front where it is to go and on what, etc.,
Anyway, it looks like it's not about to become a free choice anyway, although my next post may just solve the problem of where the new ideas will lead reagarding free choice and our continuing right to make it, despite dwindling fossil fuel resources...
I'm glad you made it over here, it is always nice to see your lovely swirl...
Lilla ...
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I'm looking forward your next post and info...I'm hoping it is going the way we want and need it to go....(the decision, not your post, my comment sounded awfully ambiguous!!)
Glad you like the swirl
Tracy
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Thank you so much for the great info. I did not realize the dependence of food items on China (WOW). Ash's concern regarding use of higher rate funds being used in the manner in which they were promised is a very valid one. As always. I appreciate your research and well crafted posts.
Mis
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Too true, Ash is spot on ... because China has no FDA, quality control or health regulations. They fertilize and preserve their crops with everything from the chemically uninmaginable (even their polluted water) to raw human sewage... which is fine if we were all vegetarians, but we are not.
What's worse is the sell out from our respective governments in importing this stuff, despite national regulations and health and safety guidelines/rules/ markers... and then offering our local farmers here in Australia, big money to walk off their land!?*!
It boggles my mind and I make sure my produce is grown locally.
Hope you are keeping well, nice to catch up.
Lilla ...
Real Crash
Green River-
Do you like committing greenie suicide;;
(Do, do, do, do do do)
Do you really care that Al Gore lied:
Going back to the trash of Margaret Mead;;
They don't want to grow and feed;
Humanity to these creeps is the enemy:
(Update of Creedence Clearwater), or see co2science.org for how more CO2 makes plants (link) grow more.
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Now why would I believe your silly internet [link] pages and not mine?
Truly, you must realise that the government and oligarchy pay scientists to say anything ...if enough doubt can be cast upon the facts, well you know... 'divide and conquer..' as the saying goes... not disimilar to what you are doing here?
Lilla ...
Real Crash
Unless there are new water projects, such as dams, nuclear water desalination, etc., Australia is finished. And you should read larouchepac.com, and http://www.cecaust.com.au/ these are not just "silly internet" people, they are my friends.
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I never did want to get into debate here... as my time is so short, but your passion on this subject is admirable and much like my own, I have to say that in the former you are spot on where Australia is concerned... and I don't think there is anything in sight as the government offers large sums of money for the farmers to walk off the land? So, it seems clear that they are not going to go that way.
BUT I do not support nuclear anything okay?
Last week after it had rained I was down near the bay, sitting by the storm water outlet to the sea and I watched gallons upon hundreds of gallons of good clean water go to waste, for a lack of storage infrastructure. Nothing more than misplaced ideals and mis managed funds... I look around Australia and I see tides and sun and wind and riain, and none of them harmful to mankind WHEN things go wrong. It is this future that I see Howard, not a nuclear "quick fix" which only ensures that those corrupt powers can continue without interruption.
We have a federal election next week and I am amongst many who remain hopeful for a "shift" in policy towards this future .... not holding my breath mind you - so far all they have come up with is guaranteed Broadband for all students - woo hoo ...God help us all. (So much for the great hope).
As to your other comment on C02, I am aware of this evidence, but , just like the chemicals and minerals in my body, I am also aware of the fact that there is a very delecate balance behind that statement... a balance that is fast becoming unbalanced.
Chicken poop will lift my plants too, but if I put too much out near to the roots, it burns them... so too if trees have too much CO2 and little rain they become ill - something to do with not being able to release all the CO2 in Autumn.
And you know too, that crops will never absorb as much CO2 as forests do ... because the added burden of pesticides to absorbtion ratios - only adds to the other more harmful poison we are killing ourselves with (and transportation) ... still I am not worried about it - because it will right itself - millions might die, but so it goes, despite Kepler's wisdom.
Thanks for commenting, I will check out the links later today.
Lilla ...
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An informative and interesting post as always Lila!
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Not packing up for England, but planning to buy from third world countries... Ha! just yeasteday there was a report that our fruit farmers had unanimously decided to walk off the land owing to the fact that they have not got a raise in prices for 30 years... is that not a shame on the government or what?
I cannot speak this morning from this news...
Lilla ...
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We won;t need to, the next election will tell the sorry tale, but it may be too late for the fruit farmers either way after yesterday's news... I am in a state of apoplexy over the arrogance of the current givernment ...
Wonderful to see you btw..
Lilla ...
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A debate blog sounds like good fun ... I'm sure it'll be a huge success especially where the environment and Nuclear issues are raised, because they are so important to us all right now. Arrogant decisions by governments now may well have devastating impacts in the years to some.. although I agree that much can be learned from debating, I really wish people would do more 'out there' too.
Thanks for commenting
Lilla ...
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I think this would be a good issue to debate, there are so many opinions out there...
Tracy
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I'll table it with Jon.
Lilla ...
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What I find questionable is the percentage of 'government approve green sources' or something like that.
The higher the percentage, the cost is more.
For example, using 'green' sources that are only 10% approved by the government is cheaper than buying electricity that uses 60% of government approved green sources.
Am I making sense?
I'm a little miffed at the moment that everything good costs more. Food, electricity, hybrid cars.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
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I understand what you are saying and the answer is, I don't know how they structure what they charge... it's so random and unknown ... sometime to me it looks like a kickback scheme in play, honestly.
If energy becomes free how will they charge at all?
Is your rate variable like ours, or fixed. Can you sell extra energy back if you generate it, or do you just buy the green energy for sale... I think it is all designed to bamboozle us so they can keep the reigns tight.
Meanwhile the legislative blurb looks like this :
Read more <<here>>
I hope that helps, and I hope all is well with you and the family.
Lilla ...