In 2019, the illegal wildlife trade reached staggering levels. Pangolin scales and ivory were being trafficked in massive quantities from Africa to Asia, exposing a network of crime syndicates operating at an industrial scale. The sheer volume of these shipments marked a disturbing milestone, one that revealed the global reach …
Delegates from 26 national and sub-national governments representing nearly half of the world’s economic output have pledged to strengthen cooperation in establishing “carbon markets” — while noting the special importance of such steps by cities and other local regions, particularly in the absence of national action. In the coming years, …
The European Union has announced that it will link its emissions trading system with Switzerland’s own system, following a decision made by the European Commission. With all attention focused on the environmental impact the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) will have on the region’s, and specifically the …
ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland and the European Union have moved closer to linking their carbon emissions trading systems (ETS) after the European Commission and Swiss government gave their backing for a deal. An accord could be signed by the year's end and needs approval from EU leaders and ratification by …
Many countries have introduced policy measures, such as carbon pricing, greenhouse gas offsetting mechanisms, renewable energy standards, and energy efficiency improvements, to achieve their climate change mitigation targets. However, in many instances, these measures overlap in ways that may dilute each policy's greenhouse gas reduction potential. This study examines how …
The purpose of this issue brief is to provide an overview of the latest movement of the emissions trading scheme (ETS), with a focus on the three key Asian carbon markets in Tokyo, China (esp. the pilots) and the Republic of Korea (hereinafter abbreviated as Korea).
This report explores the introduction of carbon taxes with a national offset component and their interactions with other policy areas, and makes recommendations on this topic. In this task, the study focuses on the approaches Chile, Mexico and South Africa have chosen for elaborating their carbon taxes. By allowing the …
European Union nations and the European Parliament remain divided on how to reform the EU carbon market and whether it should mention aviation and shipping, EU sources said on Wednesday. Negotiations to finalise a legal text on reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) post-2020, agreed in outline by …
This policy brief suggests that carbon pricing can accelerate the diffusion of lowcarbon technology in China, based on the results of empirical studies conducted by Kansai Research Centre of IGES focusing on China’s most energy intensive industries. Many low-carbon technologies are profitable but require some initial investment. Chinese companies strongly …
Emissions trading is now a well-established tool for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in an effort to mitigate the impacts of global climate change. By the end of 2017, Emissions Trading Systems (ETSs) will regulate more than seven billion tons of CO2e, with 19 systems operating worldwide. This paper is …
The cost of emitting carbon dioxide must rise to $50-$100 per tonne by 2030, much higher than the current price in Europe of less than $6, if countries are to meet climate pledges made under the Paris Agreement, economists said on Monday. It follows a call this month by a …
Participants in Europe's carbon market, including utilities, trading houses and banks expect EU carbon prices to be lower than predicted in the next decade, making it less attractive to invest in the technology needed to help hit emissions targets. Average carbon prices are likely to be almost 9 percent lower …
Nations around the world have adopted more than 1,200 laws to curb climate change, up from about 60 two decades ago, which is a sign of widening efforts to limit rising temperatures shows this study by the London School of Economics This report summarises key trends in climate change legislation …
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has passed its 10th anniversary. As any other undertaking, it requires, periodically, an assessment regarding its well-functioning, and the delivery of its objectives. Article 10(5) of the EU ETS Directive provides for such a yearly assessment. The State of the EU ETS Report …
Germany will back a plan to strengthen carbon prices, a senior official said on Tuesday, ahead of a meeting of EU environment ministers on balancing the needs of industry with cutting emissions in reforming the carbon market. EU member states such as Germany, Italy, Austria and Greece are prioritizing measures …
Recent years have seen renewed and growing interest in policy instruments that put a price on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the adoption of carbon taxes. While up until 2008 only a handful of European countries had adopted explicit taxes on GHG emissions, by February 2017 some 24 countries and …
This paper offers a brief review of the green financial reforms that are likely to be most relevant to supporting infrastructure investing. The authors have consolidated data on various aspects of green investment in China to present a first snapshot of the combined progress in mobilizing green finance. The review …
Member states approve changes, including €12bn innovation fund, to emissions plan for cleaner technology and pollution cuts. An overhaul of the EU’s flagship trading scheme for cutting carbon emissions by European industries has been approved by the member states. The agreement to reform the emissions trading system comes after almost …
An American economist and entrepreneur widely credited as the “father of carbon trading” says the timing is right for Hong Kong to take another shot at developing a market for buying and selling carbon emissions. Dr Richard Sandor said markets and pricing would be key to tackling natural resource management …
This new report explores the potential of seven innovative climate finance options to meet the financing needs of the Adaptation Fund. It concludes that if implemented in a collective manner, these can provide a steady and predictable stream of finance for the Fund. However, the Adaptation Fund Board needs to …
The European Parliament has today backed proposals to reform the EU's emissions trading scheme (ETS) beyond 2021 in a bid to push up prices in the world's largest carbon market and drive increased investment in low carbon infrastructure.The proposed reforms, which will now be considered by the European Council of …
