Training on Carbon Taxation for Policymakers

Program Date

25 Mar 29 Mar 2024

Program Location

Helsinki, Finland

Program Venue

Klaus K Hotel

Registration Closing Date

31 Jan 2024

Program Introduction

Following the Paris Climate Accords, the world has witnessed a resurgence in the interest of policy instruments that put a price on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Many countries have started viewing their tax systems not only as revenue collection mechanisms but as powerful instruments to pursue a range of policy goals. Many argue that carbon taxation tops the list of effective tools designated to combat climate change and achieve sustainability goals. However, adopting a carbon tax is a significant policy decision. It needs to be approached carefully to ensure it serves the right purpose and achieves the desired outcome.

Carbon tax normally forms part of a larger climate, energy, and fiscal policy mix. Determining whether the carbon tax is a suitable choice requires a detailed understanding of its work mechanism, comparative advantages against other policy tools, and how it matches with specific country objectives. Comprehending how different policy tools complement, overlap with, and counteract each other is what can drive policy design success.

This training program has exclusively been developed by Risalat to help its delegates understand the peculiarities of carbon taxation and policymaking. Throughout the program, you shall acquire vital knowledge and skills to promote the achievement of carbon neutrality.


Target Audience

The program is suitable for:

  • Government officials and policymakers responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of carbon policies
  • Business Managers and Executives that are affected by carbon taxation and GHG reduction policy
  • Environmental and Sustainability Specialists
  • Members of NGOs and CSOs advocating for climate change mitigation

Program Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this training course, its delegates shall be able to:

  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental carbon pricing concepts
  • Comprehend what role carbon pricing plays in the achievement of global climate change and carbon neutrality goals
  • Understand carbon policy design options and analyze their advantages and disadvantages
  • Assess the economic implications of carbon taxation
  • Understand the environmental, social equity, and distributional impacts of carbon taxation
  • Learn how to build carbon policy implementation and compliance capacity
  • Promote collaboration and engagement during carbon policymaking for better design outcomes

Program Contents

First Day

  • Understanding climate change
  • The growing interest in carbon pricing
  • Fundamental concepts relating to carbon pricing
  • International climate agreements and commitments
  • Carbon taxation policy rationale – When is it the right choice?
  • Alignment with national climate goals and development objectives
  • Setting the stage for tax design

Second Day

  • Determining policy objectives
  • Framing the national context
  • Principles of effective carbon tax design
  • Carbon tax modeling
  • Partial economic and technology models
  • Systemic economic and technology models
  • Choosing a suitable modeling approach

Third Day

  • Defining carbon tax base
  • Determining tax rate
  • Carbon tax coverage and exemptions
  • Revenue allocation and use
  • Economic Implications of a carbon tax and market behavior
  • Environmental Impact and climate risk mitigation
  • Interactions between a carbon tax and other policy instruments

 Fourth Day

  • Equity Considerations in carbon tax policies
  • Distributional impacts on different population groups
  • Generating public acceptance of carbon taxes
  • Policy implementation and compliance; Ensuring oversight
  • Addressing unwanted outcomes
  • Evaluating policy outcomes
  • Adjusting tax programs following the evaluation

Fifth Day – Application Exercise and Exposure Visit

The last day of the program will focus on the practical utilization of knowledge and skills acquired during the previous days. The first part of the session will serve as a skills application exercise focused on building a carbon tax model and drafting policy considerations.

The second part of the day will center on the exposure visit to RCI partner institution engaged with carbon policy, taxation, and stakeholder communication.


Program Methodology

The program focuses on practical skills development, knowledge enhancement, and best practice exchange on carbon pricing and taxation. The structure of the presentation, exercises, simulations, case studies, discussion questions, and modeling assignments derive from the target audience’s needs.

Proven adult-learning methodology and principles guide the entire process intending to maximize the effectiveness of the delivery and create a long-lasting impact. Practical exposure targets the exchange of knowledge and best practices between delegates and RCI partners.


Host Country Profile

In 1990, Finland became the first country to implement a carbon taxation policy. The policy aimed to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The said tax was developed as a component of Finland’s excise tax on fossil fuels used for transportation and heating. Since then, the country’s carbon policy has greatly evolved, and policymakers have accumulated substantial expertise in carbon pricing and taxation.

Currently, Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. The main focus of the country’s climate strategy is to intensify programs targeting GHG reduction including efficiency improvements in the energy production and utilization systems, and use of energy and carbon taxes. In addition, the Finnish action program includes measures to enhance carbon reservoirs and sinks.

Program Fee
GBP4750

Payment Options

Fee Covers

  • Visa Assistance (complimentary)

  • Participant Assessment

  • Airport Pickup

  • Accommodation

  • Wi-Fi

  • Welcome Dinner

  • Breakfast

  • Workshop Kit

  • Program Materials

  • Program Experts

  • Practical Activities

  • Lunch

  • Refreshments

  • Interactive workshop

  • City Map & Direction

  • Risalat T-shirt (complimentary)

  • Field Visit

  • Program Certificate

  • Entertaining Tour

  • Program Report

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