Emissiebelasting

Emissiebelasting, or emissions tax, is a type of environmental tax levied on activities that release pollutants into the atmosphere. The primary goal of this tax is to internalize the external costs of pollution, making polluters financially responsible for the damage their emissions cause to the environment and public health. By increasing the cost of polluting, emissions taxes aim to incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their emissions. This can be achieved through various means, such as adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency, or shifting to less polluting alternatives.

The revenue generated from emissions taxes can be used in several ways. It can be reinvested in environmental protection programs, used to fund research and development of green technologies, or returned to taxpayers through rebates or tax reductions. This dual approach of taxing pollution and potentially offsetting the burden on citizens is often referred to as a "double dividend." The effectiveness of emissions taxes depends on several factors, including the tax rate, the scope of emissions covered, and the presence of complementary environmental policies. Designing an appropriate emissions tax requires careful consideration of economic impacts, such as potential effects on competitiveness and inflation, as well as social equity.