The purpose of a carbon tax is to save the environment, and by extension humankind, by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and thereby slowing climate change.
It can be implemented by taxing the burning of fossil fuels—coal, petroleum products and natural gas—in proportion to their carbon content.
Unlike other approaches such as carbon cap-and-trade systems, direct taxation has the benefit of being easily understood and uses the consumer’s self interest to reduce the use of carbon dioxides introduction into the environment.
So if this is such a good idea why is it not being implemented?
Because it is a "tax" and new taxes are unpopular. Especially a tax that would be visible every time a voter fills up their gas tank, purchases an airline ticket or pays a utility bill.
But what if the "tax" became a quarterly check in the mail? If the revenues were rebated or better yet paid out in anticipation of the revenues in advance?
An unpopular solution would become a popular one.
What do you think?