According to the World Bank, there are already 64 countries in the world that have introduced a carbon tax. In Sweden, for example, it has existed since 1991 – and it is comparatively high: 130 euros per ton of carbon dioxide are due. However, the country has actually managed to relieve its citizens again through tax cuts in other areas.
Another example is Switzerland, where the carbon price is not a tax but a surcharge. A third of the income flows directly into the energetic renovation of buildings. The rest flows back directly to the citizens in the form of cheaper health insurance.
The Austrian government also announced in 2021 that it would introduce a CO2 tax. From July 1, 2022, it is to be levied and amount to 30 euros per tonne. By 2025, this price should rise to 55 euros. In order to make the levy fairer, the government is planning a “climate bonus” of up to 200 euros per year, which will flow back to the taxpayer. People in particularly sparsely populated rural areas are to receive the highest bonus rates because they are more dependent on cars.
There are also examples like Mexico, Poland or Japan, where the price per tonne of CO2 is only a few cents or a few euros. This is unlikely to help in the fight against climate change. In addition, the USA and China – two of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases worldwide – are very hesitant. The US government strictly rejects a CO2 tax, in China there is a comparatively slimmed-down version.