THE CARBON Tax Act has recently come into effect in South Africa with the aim to penalise large emitters of greenhouse gases.
This will minimise the climate risks that hydrocarbon fuels present, being a major cause of air pollution and global warming.
However, the Carbon Tax Act has an effect on consumers in the form of raised fuel prices and possible increase in living costs.
According to the International Monetary Fund, carbon tax is the best way to cut greenhouse gas emissions as it allows for a reduction in energy consumption.
Ben Pullen, a co-founder and CEO of Generation.e, said this will serve as a good way to avoid the use of carbon intensive products.
“This will ultimately serve as a way to hamper the use of carbon intensive products such as internal combustion engine vehicles. It will provide a cost effective, inclusive and sustainable solution for citizens,” said Pullen.
He also highlighted that the transport sector has a huge impact in polluting the atmosphere and suggested that there should be means to control this.
“The goal would be to work towards creating an environment where vehicles are not needed and instead bikes, scooters and public transport can be used, or the vehicles that are used are either electric, hybrid or reduced through car-pooling and ride hailing services,” he said.
South Africa has taken a step towards making this a reality with implementing the carbon tax and through the Department of Transport signing into law the first Green Transport Strategy.
