THE BUDGET 2020 announcement earlier this week didn’t set the world on fire – but it did contain an element that’s aimed at making sure the world doesn’t burn in climate change hell.

That was an increase in the rate of carbon tax, by €6 a tonne (bringing the carbon tax rate up to €26 per tonne). The tax hike came into effect at midnight on Tuesday, meaning that petrol and diesel prices have now risen across the country.

Meanwhile the rise in the tax for home-heating fuels will kick in from May 2020. Finance Minister Patrick Donohoe said the increase in the carbon tax will raise €90 million in 2020.

But what does the carbon tax do, and how much will you end up paying? That’s what we look at in this week’s The Explainer podcast.

Joining presenter Sinéad O’Carroll is reporter Gráinne Ní hAodha and Muireann Lynch, Research Officer at the Economic and Social Research Institute.

The Explainer / SoundCloud

This episode was put together by presenter Sinéad O’Carroll, producer Aoife Barry, assistant producer and technical operator Nicky Ryan, and executive producer Christine Bohan. Reporter was Christina Finn. Design by Palash Somani.

Making a difference

Our Explainer articles bring context and explanations in plain language to help make sense of complex issues. We're asking readers like you to support us so we can continue to provide helpful context to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Over 5,000 readers like you already have stepped up. For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make a difference.

Support us Learn More