[Sahhaese]

I refuse to buy into the idea that ecological destruction is benelovent because we couldn't otherwise support such a drastic level of poverty and inequality.

The same argument could be made for rainforest deforestation, saying it's a good thing because it's feeding the poor!

Nonsense, tax the externality and then give back and support the worst affected through taxation or aid if needed. Inequality is at a record high, perhaps it wouldn't be so high if we made everything more expensive and then taxed the rich to pay for it.

[post_break]

So the soda tax is working?

[Sahhaese]

In the UK there have been effects, but it's too early to tell the full picture. Many drinks cut down their sugar content to avoid the tax and full-sugar drinks are often excluded from 'meal deals' (or the levy is explicity added, e.g. McDonalds' meals) so I would expect that people have be switching to diet versions in those cases. The Uk is pretty small so things can be changed at a whole country level more easily.

In the US? Maybe, jury is still out: https://text.npr.org/s.php?sId=696709717