Shell CEO Ben van Beurden says carbon price needed to tackle climate change

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-02/shell-ceo-says-carbon-price-needed-to-tackle-climate-change/6824510

By business reporter Michael Janda and staff
Updated October 02, 2015

Shell's global chief executive says an effective carbon price is needed to tackle climate change, whether through a trading or tax system.

Speaking exclusively to ABC TV's The Business, Ben van Beurden said a price on carbon was necessary to discourage pollution.

"Putting, in one form or another, a real, clear price on carbon that compels people to act with rational economic actions, I think is something that we need," he told presenter Ticky Fullerton.

When pressed over the Government's current Direct Action plan, which provides funding for programs to cut emissions rather than charging heavy emitters, Mr van Beurden said the design of the system was a matter for politicians in each country.

"Ultimately it doesn't matter too much if you have a trading system, a tax system or another system, as long as it is effective at what it does," he said.

•••••

tags: ethical businesses