Concern for poor cited on CO2 tax

BERLIN — This nation’s environment minister said Friday that a proposed charge on carbon emissions should benefit people on low incomes and those who use less fossil fuel, amid concerns measures aimed at curbing climate change could stoke social unrest.

The German government is debating whether to put a price on carbon to help meet national targets for cutting man-made greenhouse gas emissions, which are blamed for global warming.

Several other countries already have or plan to introduce such a tax, including France, Britain and much of Scandinavia.

Experts say a surcharge for carbon dioxide emissions can encourage people to use less fuel, but risks hitting the poor more heavily than the rich.

Plans to raise fuel duty in France contributed to months of anti-government protests by workers fearing financial hardship.

“It’s really important to me to avoid unfairly burdening those with low and medium incomes, and especially affected groups such as commuters and tenants,” said Svenja Schulze, Germany’s environment minister.

Speaking at the presentation of three independent expert studies commissioned by her office, Schulze insisted the funds generated from a carbon charge on transport and heating fuel would be redistributed again.

The three studies all assumed an initial charge of $39.50 per metric ton of CO2, rising to 180 euros by 2030. Germany has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by then, compared with 1990 levels.

At the same time, citizens — including children — would get up to $112.88 each back per year, resulting in a net income gain for lowearners and families.

“The less you drive, the less oil you burn, the more you’d get,” said Schulze.

The proposal is likely to meet resistance from Germany’s powerful auto lobby.