Air Pollution. Credit: US Parks Service

A report comparing 100 carbon reduction policies of G20 nations has found those that offer assistance to polluters are likely to have an adverse environmental and economic effect.

The report, “Scorecards on Best and Worst Policies for a Green New Deal” by Ecofys and Germanwatch on behalf of environmental groups WWF and E3G, found that policies such as that being considered by the Australian Federal Government – which include generous handouts to polluters likely to be penalised by costs incurred through a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) – would result in the watering down of the carbon emissions reducing legislation and economic cost for the nation.

“The Australian Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme could be a winning policy, but any compromise that gives more subsidies to polluters will doom it to failure,” said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne in a news release.

In comparison the report found that climate-friendly policies in G20 countries would result such as policy incentives to implement low emission technologies and improve energy efficiency would encourage the development of clean energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, said the WWF statement.

“Australia could lead a global clean energy revolution – we have the resources, skills and knowledge already,” said Mr Bourne.

No Incentive for ‘Dinosaur’ Companies

“However, we cannot lead this revolution if we continue to divert billions of dollars to highly profitable companies that have known for 20 years that a price on carbon was coming,” he continued. “These ‘dinosaur’ companies will have no incentive to reduce emissions as long as they believe they can successfully lobby governments for handouts.”

“The Government should reject any Coalition amendments that result in more assistance to polluters and invest the funds in clean energy,” said Mr Bourne.

The study found that Governments that encouraged innovative carbon reducing policies which led to energy efficiency and management would reap the economic rewards.

“This report shows governments implementing clean and climate friendly solutions will win and take a leadership position in the world,” said Kim Carstensen, leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative.

By Rich Bowden: Interested in writing on this category for theangle.org? Contact us via our online form.

Tags: australia carbon reduction, cprs, E3G, G20, WWF