UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies
Question 54: Environment and Ecology
Which one of the following countries is the first country in the world to propose a carbon tax for its people to address global warming?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The given key is New Zealand, which in 2005 announced a plan for a carbon tax on fuel and energy use to help meet its Kyoto Protocol commitment, though the plan was dropped later that year. Germany, Japan and Australia had not made that proposal. Remember that carbon-tax questions turn on who proposed or imposed it first, and Finland actually levied the first carbon tax in 1990.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Australia did not propose this at the time.
- (b) Germany did not make this proposal.
- (c) Japan did not make this proposal.
- (d) The given key: New Zealand announced a carbon tax plan in 2005.
Worth knowing: Loosely worded: Finland levied the first carbon tax in 1990, and New Zealand withdrew its 2005 plan the same year, so 'first to propose' is open to challenge.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.