The European Commission held a conference on “What taxation for a low carbon economy?” which brought together policy makers, experts, stakeholders and the general public from all over Europe and beyond. The possibilities in addressing global warming through targeted taxation instruments, in theory and in practice, were discussed. Chartered Accountants Ireland con-tributed to this conference, which is highly relevant considering the promise of an introduction of a carbon tax in Budget 2010.

Among the many discussion points raised at the conference:

• Taxation has an important role in moving to a low carbon economy
• Incentives for a low carbon economy must be built directly into the tax system
• Introduction of carbon tax must incentives a change in consumers behaviour
• Consumers must be financially able to change their behaviour
• Eventual tax shift to more environmental taxes