SNC2P/2D Essay: Carbon Tax … Is it Good for Canada?
Introduction
Scientists have proven that the global climate is changing. Some believe that there is a
“tipping point” when, if the global temperature increases more than this amount, we will not
be able to recover. Current beliefs are that this “tipping point” is 2ºC. A significant human
caused contributor to climate change is carbon dioxide emissions. This carbon dioxide
rises into the atmosphere and increases the greenhouse effect on our planet. One possible
solution to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions is a carbon tax. A carbon tax is a tax
that the government imposes on emissions of greenhouse gases. It is similar to any other
tax in that people and businesses would have to pay based on how much carbon dioxide they
produce (similar to paying HST on how much you spend in a store). The Canadian
government has been discussing the implementation of a carbon tax for some time as a
means of putting a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our country.
Question:
Should the Canadian government use a carbon tax to encourage people and businesses
to decrease their carbon dioxide emissions?
You will research this issue, provide a background for the reader, formulate a
considered opinion, and defend it in the body of your essay.
Your essay should include the scientific, environmental, political, economic and
ethical considerations and limitations surrounding the use of a carbon tax in Canada. You
must use appropriate scientific concepts from the climate change unit to both enhance the
reader’s understanding, and to reinforce your assertions. Write a minimum 600 word,
maximum 800 word essay that defends your opinion.
Some points to consider:
i) What are the effects of climate change?
ii) What are the political considerations of implementing a carbon tax?
iii) What are the economic considerations of implementing a carbon tax?
iv) What are the environmental impacts of producing excessive amounts of carbon dioxide?
v) What are other scientific issues associated with greenhouse gas emissions?
vi) Are there any moral or ethical obligations that the government or the general
population should consider?
vi) Are there more suitable alternatives or directions we should be considering?
Information:
Please use the following links to assist you in your research and argumentation. This is
not a comprehensive list and you are encouraged to also utilize websites and other
resources not listed here.
 http://www.pembina.org
 http://www.carbontax.org
 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/carbon-tax-the-best-routeacademic/article1431892/
 http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=ecea1487-507c-43ef-ab885a972898e0b7
 http://www.greenparty.ca/en/background/06.06.2007b
 http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/carbon-tax.html
 http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/03/27/stephen-harpers-risky-job-killing-carbon-tax/
 http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/climate-change/science/climate-solutions/carbontax-or-cap-and-trade/
Due Dates:
Tues. Apr.10
Tues. Apr. 10
Thurs. Apr. 12
Mon. Apr. 16
- Topics for the 3 body paragraphs and evidence of research on each topic.
- Introductory paragraph (end of class)
- Rough Draft
- Final Essay