Lily on Green Government

In a world where natural resources are being depleted, carbon footprints are becoming larger, and the effects of global warming are becoming more evident, many countries now embrace a “green” initiative to help make their economies more environmentally friendly. Although many countries are now “greening”, few have successfully converted into green economies. Notable governments who have obtained success and continue to be innovators and lead the green movement, include Switzerland and Iceland. Both governments utilize renewable and sustainable energy, give tax incentives and penalties to citizens for being green or non-green, and create laws that help keep their countries environmentally friendly. These governments recognized the need for environmental improvement not only to enhance the efficiency of their countries, but also to help preserve the planet which sustains all of man kind.

         Switzerland and Iceland are two countries that are dedicated to using renewable and sustainable energy. The majority of both countries run on solar, geothermal and hydrogen energy and hydro-power. The Swiss and Icelandic governments both monitor the amount of energy consumption per household. Depending on that data, they offer tax incentives or penalties as rewards or punishments for being green or not. Tax incentives include a reduction on payroll, sales tax, property tax, and corporate tax, and can even eliminate a certain tax altogether. Penalties increase the amount of money owed on such things as license fees, duties, and site values. Tax incentives and penalties are not limited to the main Swiss and Icelandic governments. Local businesses and governments also use incentives and laws to help make their countries green. Many hotels in Switzerland offer a twenty percent discount to any guest who arrives in a hybrid car. Additionally, many towns in both countries are “walking towns” by law. This means that no motor vehicles are allowed in these areas. This significantly reduces the carbon emissions of these towns, which in turn may benefit the whole community when the larger governments consider which districts have fewer carbon emissions when applying tax incentives. Lastly, both countries are very dedicated to finding new ways to create and re-purpose energy by using fuel cells and re-purposed CO₂. They use organic agriculture and have plans to make more national parks to keep green space around their communities.

         Both countries are very invested in maintaining green economies. Switzerland and Iceland are two of many countries that have recognized the importance of a green economy and are making serious efforts to help save the planet. These governments have done a good job of creating and using a system that helps both of their economies be more efficient and Eco-friendly.