Carbon Tariffs: A Threat to Global Trade and Environmental Principles

Strategic Insights -

The Copenhagen climate change conference was overshadowed by concerns over "carbon tariffs" proposed by developed countries, sparking fears of trade protectionism under the guise of environmental care. Developing nations argue that these tariffs are unfair, as they face additional costs for emissions reductions they cannot afford. The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" emphasizes that developed countries should take primary responsibility for historical greenhouse gas emissions. Imposing carbon tariffs on imports would contradict this principle and undermine the interests of developing countries, which could lead to trade protectionism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed "carbon tariffs" by developed countries, such as the U.S. and France, aim to impose costs on developing countries for emissions reductions, despite their limited capacity to pay.
  • The U.S. Clean Energy and Security Act allows the U.S. president to impose tariffs on certain goods from countries that do not limit their carbon emissions, starting in 2020.
  • France's plan to impose a 17-euro-per-ton tax on imported carbon dioxide emissions from foreign countries from 2010 has been met with opposition from other EU members.
  • The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes that developed countries should take primary responsibility for historical greenhouse gas emissions.
  • China's Ministry of Commerce has stated that "carbon tariffs" violate the World Trade Organization's basic rules and contradict the principle of "common and differentiated responsibilities."

Statistics:

  • By 2020, the U.S. will impose tariffs on certain goods from countries that do not limit their carbon emissions, according to the Clean Energy and Security Act.
  • France plans to impose a 17-euro-per-ton tax on imported carbon dioxide emissions from foreign countries starting in 2010.
  • The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has identified that human activities have increased atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations mainly due to industrialization in the developed countries.

Sources:

  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, "Carbon tariffs shadow Copenhagen climate talks," December 9, 2009.
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, "U.S. Clean Energy and Security Act first unveiled carbon tariff clause," June 26, 2009 (no date provided in the original text).
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, "France to impose carbon tariffs on imports from countries with lax environment laws," November 24, 2009.