Thousands of Australians are calling for more taxes. The purpose? Repair the damage caused by coal

It doesn't happen often: a march to demand a new tax. But that's what happened over the weekend in Australia where, in all state capitals (starting with Sydney, where there were 10 demonstrators) the demonstration called for the introduction of a carbon tax. The (right) idea is that the price of energy should also reflect the indirect costs associated with pollution and emissions. The pure market mechanism does not reflect these costs (economists call them 'externalities'), which is why a tax must be added. At this point we rely again on the market, in the sense that it will be the price – assorted with the tax – that will make energy consumption more efficient. Of course, the mining industry isn't happy and says a carbon tax would lead to reduced employment in the sector. A thesis that has been challenged in a forthcoming report by prof. Bruce Chapman, president of the Economic Society of Australia.

http://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/10000-in-sydney-say-yes-to-a-carbon-tax-20110605-1fni3.html