The cost of energy doesn't offset the carbon emissions.

You know what's worse? It wouldn't be that bad in the final price you pay, it's usually around 2-3%.

Increasing energy prices through taxation lowers demand, drives money into research into now relatively cheaper alternatives.

Buying carbon offsets doesn't do anything.

The money a government collects on these taxes should go directly to funding research in viable alternatives.

There are many viable solutions right now for carbon offsetting. Financing electricity projects in the third world can decrease their carbon emissions significantly. This is quite often just financing powerlines and water network. Or just a small dam and generator somewhere.

You don't need research for ethical progress. And this would help the whole world economy as it creates and promotes wealth.

It doesn't actually solve the problem.

We already know the solution: a technology cheaper than coal to generate electricity and a technology cheaper than gasoline for energy storage and transport.

Helping third world nations is great. But it doesn't actually solve the problem.

You talk like it's mutually exclusive.