Canada's opposition Liberal Party responded to criticism of its carbon tax plan on Wednesday, ahead of a looming election call, promising a total of C$900 million (US$849 million) in tax breaks and subsidies to farmers, loggers, fishermen and truckers.

The "green shift" carbon tax plan, the central election plank for the Liberals, will include tax breaks worth C$400 million for farmers and loggers who buy environmentally friendly machinery, said party leader Stephane Dion.

Bs Reporter / New Delhi August 28, 2008, 0:01 IST

Indian companies and exporters could face serious challenges in operating across the developed countries in future as many of them are considering moves to impose

Maharashtra government's plan of increasing the percentage of forest land cover will cost the citizens dear. The plan will levy carbon cess on motorists for the carbon dioxide exhaled and green cess on municipal corporations for using forest resources for drinking water.

Every international report on India says that India should seek options that are proactive in terms of developing international strategies to reduce the risk of destructive climate change. Knowing this, why does the government refuse to do anything to establish alternative sources of energy?

Subhash Narayan NEW DELHI

THE energy coordination committee headed by prime minister Manmohan Singh has suggested imposition of a carbon tax on polluting power stations. The proposal would club India with a select group of countries that tax carbon emissions directly and boost the renewable energy initiative.

The climate-change prime minister loses some green points

Alarm bells are ringing in Delhi: there is a rumour that the European Union proposes to levy a carbon tax on imports from India. The excuse would be that the EU, together with other signatories to the Kyoto treaty, has done much to cut carbon emissions, even at the expense of its industries. India, however, did not sign the Kyoto treaty, and has gone about merrily increasing its carbon emissions. It saved money by not spending on carbon-saving technologies. Its industries have therefore gained an unfair advantage, and only deserve to be punished.