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The fiscal implications of stringent climate policy

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  • Richard S.J. Tol

    (Department of Economics, University of Sussex, B91 NSL Falmer, United Kingdom)

Abstract

: Stringent climate policy compatible with the targets of the 2015 Paris Agreement would pose a substantial fiscal challenge. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 95% or more by 2050 wouldraise 7% (1-17%) of GDP in carbon tax revenue, half of current, global tax revenue. Revenues are relatively larger in poorer regions. Subsidies for carbon dioxide sequestration would amount to 6.6% (0.3-7.1%) of GDP. These numbers are conservative as they were estimated using models that assume first-best climate policy implementation and ignore the costs of raising revenue. The fiscal challenge rapidly shrinks if emission targets are relaxed.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard S.J. Tol, 2023. "The fiscal implications of stringent climate policy," Working Paper Series 0523, Department of Economics, University of Sussex Business School.
  • Handle: RePEc:sus:susewp:0523
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    2. Chu, Zhongzhu & Zhang, Qiyuan & Tan, Weijie & Chen, Pengyu, 2024. "Assessing the impact of climate policy stringency on corporate energy innovation: Insights from China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Climate policy;

    JEL classification:

    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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