Adopt a carbon tax to protect tropical forests

Background

The authors states that the halting of deforestation is critical to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, the investment in conservation is lacking. Thus, they call upon countries through out the tropics to adopt a carbon tax, which would serve as a disincentive for companies to continue deforestation.

Conclusions & Takeaways

After reviewing successful case studies from Costa Rica and Colombia, the authors urge others to join a carbon tax movement through highlighting the range of benefits. They do acknowledge there are political challenges, including 'leakage', reduced incentive for renewable energy, and the use of tax revenue. Still, the authors are optimistic that these challenges can be overcome, particularly with international support.