Tanzania is considering taxing charcoal, a major source of energy for cooking but also a contributor to deforestation. It is thought that making the fuel more expensive would cut runaway deforestation. The government hopes to put the levy in place during the next parliament, in the last decade. The proceeds from the TZS30,000 ($11) fine would go to reforestation efforts. More than 915,000 acres of forest are being cut down per year in the East African nation, a significant portion of which is for charcoal fuel.
Tanzania is considering taxing charcoal, a major source of energy for cooking but also a contributor to deforestation. It is thought that making the fuel more expensive would cut runaway deforestation. The government hopes to put the levy in place during the next parliament, in February. The proceeds from the TZS30,000 ($11) fine would go to reforestation efforts. More than 915,000 acres of forest are being cut down per year in the East African nation, a significant portion of which is for charcoal fuel.