South West Debates Forums: Market Forces

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Tony Blair’s response to the Stern Review includes a pledge
for urgent action - 

"We can't wait the five years it took to negotiate Kyoto - we simply don't
have the time. We accept we have to go further,” he said.

But according to a BBC poll published on 3 November 2006,
most voters are sceptical about green taxes and think that they are just
another way to raise money.  In
particular, 70% said that they were likely to hit poor people unfairly, while
the rich would continue to drive and fly.

Another poll, carried out by the Carbon Trust at the same
time, suggests that almost two-thirds of shoppers are more likely to buy
products with a low carbon footprint.  

So it looks like people do want to act now, but through the
market rather than government.  That
means that there are going to be serious market opportunities for those
businesses that can demonstrate low environmental impact.  Not only are they likely to be more
attractive to customers, but they are also likely to be more attractive to
investors.

It seems pretty straightforward – or am I missing something?

Edited by alister - 14 Nov 2006 at 11:45am

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alister Admin Group Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Online Status: Offline Posts: 21	Topic: Market Forces Posted: 14 Nov 2006 at 11:44am
	Tony Blair’s response to the Stern Review includes a pledge for urgent action - "We can't wait the five years it took to negotiate Kyoto - we simply don't have the time. We accept we have to go further,” he said. But according to a BBC poll published on 3 November 2006, most voters are sceptical about green taxes and think that they are just another way to raise money. In particular, 70% said that they were likely to hit poor people unfairly, while the rich would continue to drive and fly. Another poll, carried out by the Carbon Trust at the same time, suggests that almost two-thirds of shoppers are more likely to buy products with a low carbon footprint. So it looks like people do want to act now, but through the market rather than government. That means that there are going to be serious market opportunities for those businesses that can demonstrate low environmental impact. Not only are they likely to be more attractive to customers, but they are also likely to be more attractive to investors. It seems pretty straightforward – or am I missing something? Edited by alister - 14 Nov 2006 at 11:45am
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Simon Newbie Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Posted: 29 Nov 2006 at 11:19pm
	Whatever mechanism we apply, there will be winners and losers. We can't afford to wait until it is perfect before doing something. Best combination maybe some strong government policy - which sends clear signals to the market - which starts using the price mechanism to drive change, and develop the business opportunities. Edited by Simon - 29 Nov 2006 at 11:20pm
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alister Admin Group Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Online Status: Offline Posts: 21	Posted: 30 Nov 2006 at 11:42am
	How long do you think it will be before (say) Marks and Spencers starts putting food miles on packaging? Or carbon cost on clothes labels? Would consumers go for that do you think? Edited by alister - 30 Nov 2006 at 11:44am
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