Comment:Visions | Emissions-trading

Emissions Trading

Programme: The European Emissions Trading System – 2020 & beyond

November 15, 2011 in Emissions Trading

Launched 2005, the EU Emissions Trading System is designed to help member states achieve their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, allowing participating organizations and states to buy-and-sell emissions allowances as they need.

But the recent lull in manufacturing and therefore demand for power in the wake of the global financial crisis has created a false reduction in emissions since 2008 that can only rise as the economy re-starts – and this has driven down the price of carbon traded on the open market as credits remain unused.

Now approaching its third phase, what impact has the ETS had in Europe to date?

Discussion: Is Europe’s Emissions Trading Scheme effective?