Indeed. We need to start calculating and charging/taxing for the true human cost these megacorps are fleecing us for-let alone the total actual climate cost. More so than we already do that is. We get miniscule unneeded tax cuts as a cynical carrot on a stick distraction while much needed underfunded gov services are decimated further. These types get to literally destroy our shared environment while raking it in. Disgusting

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago

It's my theory that when all the externalities are taken into account, cruise ships cost New Zealand's economy far more than they contribute.

Of course there are the environmental costs. They probably outweigh any income on their own. But also, and it's just a 'for instance' every time a big ship docks in Auckland, the ferries are disrupted. On some days they are cancelled for hours which means hundreds of people have to make alternative travel arrangements. If that was fully costed, it would come to thousands of dollars for each docking.

And then there is the admin needed... I'm certain the cost of customs and passport control works out at more than $20 per passenger.