Turning green

David Miliband dismissed the rumours of increasing green taxes that would affect mainly middle-income families on BBC's -Sunday AM- (05 November). He said that any green taxes would have to be accommodated to the Government's overall approach to taxes and spending. 

It is clear that action must be taken to tackle climate change and the Government has committed itself to the fight against global warming. However, it has not yet fully revealed its strategy and seems to consider various options. Mr Miliband mentioned the importance of increasing spending on research and development. Would that mean more support to companies that develop technologies that are consistent with the Government's overall approach? But it is often the case that governments choose the least viable candidate and commit funding to failed projects.

Simple but stern measures are necessary to take the climate change agenda forward. The huge number of lenghty documents and conultations should be enough for the Government to make up its mind. Green taxes are a straightforward solution (if not the complete solution then a great contribution towards the solution) to the complicated problem. People will change their behaviour if they face an increasing bill for their high carbon activities.