It's the economy stupid....

The Conversation

This week’s budget, with its withdrawal of subsidies for renewable energy, has left many commentators wondering if we’ve turned our back on carbon-neutral power.

They should focus on the main game – the introduction of a carbon tax later this year. Without this, our renewable industry really will be left behind.

A typical Australian climate skeptic like Andrew Bolt or Alan Jones tends to ask: if Australia emits just 1.5% of the world’s carbon emissions why should we bother with a carbon tax?

But focusing on emissions, morals or the environment misses the most important element in introducing a carbon price and supporting renewables: the economy.