hiilidioksidivero

Hiilidioksidivero, or carbon dioxide tax, is a fiscal instrument aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by taxing fossil fuels according to their CO2 content. By increasing the cost of carbon-intensive energy, the tax seeks to encourage shifting toward cleaner energy sources, greater energy efficiency, and lower emissions across transport, heating, and industry.

Implementation and scope: The tax is usually set by government and applied at production or import, with rates that differ by fuel and may be indexed to inflation. Some fuels or activities may face exemptions or lower rates to protect essential needs or to avoid unintended consequences for competitiveness. In many systems, exemptions or rebates apply to electricity, emissions-intensive industries, or households in certain circumstances. Revenue from hiilidioksidivero is typically used in the national budget; in some countries it is earmarked for climate programs or used to offset other taxes.

Relationship to other policies: Carbon taxes are often part of a broader climate policy mix that may include emissions trading schemes, subsidies for renewables, and efficiency standards. The effectiveness depends on the carbon price level, coverage, and accompanying measures to prevent leakage and ensure fairness. Critics point to potential regressive effects and competitiveness concerns, calling for careful design and use of revenue.

In Finland, hiilidioksidivero is a core element of the climate policy toolkit. The system has evolved over time, adjusting rates and coverage, and remains a focus of policy debates about decarbonization, industry resilience, and energy security.