Abstract
M.Comm. ( Accounting)
Globally, the temperature is rising and some of the consequences are starting to show. This effect is known as global warming. The issue of global warming and environmental pollution is more serious than people realise as it is the starting point of potentially catastrophic events to come. The implementation of global emission reductions is imperative in order to prevent further global warming.
All countries should be actively involved in the prevention of further global warming and the reduction of pollution. With the use of a comparative analysis of various environmental taxes internationally, the countries with established environmental tax frameworks can be used as a basis for the development of effective environmental tax frameworks in developing countries. This will ensure that developed as well as developing countries will be held accountable for their emissions and hopefully will make efforts to reduce their emissions.
South Africa has very few environmental tax policies and the existing acts are not sufficient to ensure the effective reduction and management of its emissions.
Successful environmental tax policies are those that are economically viable and easy to implement. This is achieved through successful implementation by the tax authorities as well as the taxpayers’ cooperation and acknowledgement of these policies.