A timely and insightful exploration of the implementation and impact of British Columbia’s carbon tax, delving into the political and economic considerations behind the tax, and addressing misconceptions.

Carbon taxation has become a political, social and economic hot potato in Canada (and beyond) and a major election issue. What is less known is that British Columbia established its own revenue-neutral carbon taxation policy in 2008. The compelling story of how and why has not yet been told. This timely book, written from a Canadian perspective and for a lay audience by climate policy expert Dr. Thomas F. Pedersen, highlights the key players and experts involved in the evolution and implementation of British Columbia’s carbon tax policy, as well as how the BC model compares to other carbon-taxation attempts around the world, including a remarkably convoluted debacle in Australia. Pedersen argues that, despite a common perception of carbon taxes as a horrendous imposition on the Canadian public and business community, BC’s carbon tax policy is in fact a template for the world and a gold standard for public policy to effectively counter climate change.

Encompassing politics, climate action, economics, science and political history, The Carbon Tax Question is a must-read for policymakers, economists and environmentalists—and all citizens interested in socially-just, equitable solutions to address climate change.

Thomas F. Pedersen, PhD, FRSC, FAGU, is a professor emeritus at the University of Victoria. He holds a PhD in Marine Geochemistry and is internationally recognized for his research in the history of the oceans and the response of the sea to climate change. He is the former Dean of Science at University of Victoria and served as the founding Executive Director of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. Dr. Pedersen has made significant contributions to climate-change policy and analysis in British Columbia and Canada, served on multiple international committees and has received numerous honours for his scholarship. He has coedited two books on global change and published over 130 scientific papers and book chapters. Dr. Pedersen lives in Victoria, BC.

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