Green taxation in a Recession

CCA Breakfast Meeting: “Green taxation in a Recession”

It is a serious concern that the current economic downturn is being used by some businesses as an excuse to not invest in a low carbon economy. The debate should not be one of “economy versus environment”; climate change must be tackled now, regardless of the economic climate. All the evidence has shown that a refusal to confront climate change today will come at too high a price tomorrow. Taking action now presents significant opportunities for business in new markets in green technologies and products worth billions.

Governments have an important role to play in encouraging green behaviour and it is likely that various forms of green taxation will be introduced as part of this effort. Such taxes may have extra appeal for governments for they offer a possible way to make up the shortfall in government revenues in the aftermath of the recession.

However, the implementation of green taxes requires careful balancing between the need to raise revenues and the environmental objectives underpinning their existence. Green taxes will not be a long-term solution for government revenues since, if successful, they have the potential to destroy their own tax base. Nonetheless, green taxes do have a role to play in combating climate change, but to do so they require global co-operation and the trust of business and the public.

ACCA  is delighted to invite you to a breakfast meeting aiming to debate on how best to strike the balance between the need to raise revenues and the environmental objectives of green taxes. You will join a roundtable comprising a representative from the EU’s DG TAXUD, NGOs, and ACCA, on the topic of “Green taxation in a recession”.

Agenda

8h15-8h30: Registration and breakfast

8h30-9h20: Roundtable

·       Thomas Carroll, head of Unit Excise duties and transport, environment and energy taxes, DG TAXUD

·       Catherine Pearce, Policy Officer, Climate and Environmental Policy Integration, EEB- European  Environmental Bureau

·       Chas Roy-Chowdhury, Head of Taxation, ACCA-The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

9h20-10h00: Debate with the audience

Please note that due to the limited capacity of the conference room, we advise you to register asap in order to secure your seat.

We look forward to welcoming you to this stimulating debate!