The scale of human impacts on the environment has contributed to the degradation of eco-systems and the loss of species worldwide. Indeed, the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment Report released earlier this year noted inter alia that:
Over the past 50 years, humans have changed eco-systems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history?This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on earth.
OECD countries have used a range of measures including direct regulation, fiscal instruments, and voluntary approaches to address the ensuing challenges. This paper critically evaluates the impact of fiscal instruments in dealing with these environment management issues from a contemporary perspective.
Using the Australian experience as the focus of the analysis, it highlights some of the challenges that have hampered the effectiveness of these instruments. It also examines how they have been adapted to address some of the lingering concerns.
In concluding the paper questions whether the scale and complexities posed by the challenges necessitates a shift away from existing paradigms. Whilst there are no easy solutions, the paper argues that some of the measures will enable these instruments be more responsive to the existing realities.
Over the past 50 years, humans have changed eco-systems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history?This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on earth.
OECD countries have used a range of measures including direct regulation, fiscal instruments, and voluntary approaches to address the ensuing challenges. This paper critically evaluates the impact of fiscal instruments in dealing with these environment management issues from a contemporary perspective.
Using the Australian experience as the focus of the analysis, it highlights some of the challenges that have hampered the effectiveness of these instruments. It also examines how they have been adapted to address some of the lingering concerns.
In concluding the paper questions whether the scale and complexities posed by the challenges necessitates a shift away from existing paradigms. Whilst there are no easy solutions, the paper argues that some of the measures will enable these instruments be more responsive to the existing realities.
