Question

The United States may very well adopt a carbon tax in the not-so-distant future. In 1-2 paragraphs, create an argument for, or against, this policy. Use at least one sentence to acknowledge a drawback of your position.

Answer 1

Advocating for a carbon tax, despite its potential to raise consumer prices, emphasizes the long-term environmental and health benefits that could outweigh immediate economic impacts, supporting sustainable development.

Step-by-step explanation:

Implementing a carbon tax is a policy that could lead to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by placing a financial disincentive on pollution. This approach aligns with the polluter pays principle where businesses that emit CO₂ are taxed, incentivizing them to seek cleaner alternatives or innovate in efficiency to reduce their tax burden. Over time, the adoption of such a policy could result in beneficial impacts on human health and the environment.

However, there is a drawback to this position. The immediate costs incurred by businesses would likely be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, potentially burdening low-income households disproportionately. Despite this short-term challenge, the benefits of mitigating climate change and its long-term costs on society could outweigh the initial economic impact, making the policy a strategic move for a sustainable and distant future.