Australia’s Senate approves carbon tax

BBC : Australian environmentalists won a victory with the Senate’s approval of the Clean Energy Act. The plan—part of a global policy to combat climate change—will force the country’s 500 worst-polluting companies to pay a tax on their carbon emissions. Hardest hit by the tax will be mining and energy companies, airlines, and steel makers. Consumers can also expect higher fuel bills as a result. Nevertheless, Australia’s government hopes that the legislation will force advances in renewable energy technologies and wean the country away from fossil fuels.