Many things motivate behavior and taxes is only one of them, but if you raise tax rates high enough, something will give.

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The taxes may first be pitched to discourage the bad behavior, but the taxes are a revenue source.

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They should reduce undesirable behavior, similar to sin taxes on cigarettes.

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Gas taxes or carbon prices intended to alter behavior only work by causing financial pain to force the demand response.

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Ironically, some sin taxes are so successful at decreasing the targeted behavior that they may raise little money.

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Also called Pigovian taxes after 20th century British economist Arthur Pigou, they target behavior that harms others.

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Though some argue that this method would cut welfare abuse, government expenses and eventually taxes, the suggestion raises the uncomfortable possibility of restricting buying behavior for everyone.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek