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The Challenge
Implementing effective solutions to climate change is the single greatest challenge of our generation. Climate change is being caused by ever increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions. These heat-trapping gases are caused primarily by burning fossil fuels, and they are building up in the atmosphere at a dangerous rate. If British Columbia and other jurisdictions fail to find a way to start rapidly reducing these emissions, the economic and environmental ramifications will be severe.
Putting a price on carbon with a policy like a carbon tax is seen as one of the best ways to cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline. By sending a clear signal that low-carbon investments and choices will be more attractive than conventional options, carbon taxes can help make global warming solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and heat pumps commonplace.
Having implemented a carbon tax in 2008, B.C.’s challenge is to now strengthen it so that it is capable of helping the province achieve its short, medium, and long-term climate action targets.