EU's Proposed Carbon Tax on Imports Sparks Controversy at UN Climate Conference

Developing Countries Fear Economic Harm, While Experts Argue for Long-Term Emission Reduction Benefits

The European Union's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tax on carbon emissions from imported goods, has sparked controversy at the United Nations climate conference in Dubai.
The tax aims to level the playing field for domestically-manufactured goods in the EU that adhere to stricter green standards and reduce emissions from imports.
Developing countries, particularly India and African nations, argue that the tax could harm their economies and make trade with the EU too expensive.
A study by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates that a tax of $44 per ton of carbon emitted could cut pollution from the supply chain by half, but poorer countries might lose up to $5.9 billion.
While some experts argue that the carbon tax could be painful for some countries in the short-term, they believe it will ultimately reduce planet-warming emissions and benefit everyone in the long run.