Earth Equity News

As G8 Summit Nears, Japan Considers Carbon Tax. By Shinichi Terada, Japan Times, June 18, 2008. "The government is set to consider a so-called environment tax on oil, coal and other greenhouse gas-producing fuels as part of an overall tax reform plan later this year, according to an economic policy draft paper released Tuesday. 'The overall tax system will be re-examined, including the handling of an environment tax in light of the promotion of the low-carbon society,' the draft version says. This is the first time that an environment tax has been included in the policy paper as part of Japan's effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The draft reflects the government's determination to take a leadership role in mapping out a series of steps to achieve a low-carbon society ahead of the Group of Eight summit from July 7 to 9 in Hokkaido, where climate change will be high on the agenda."