File

Emissions trading - putting a price on carbon

File Published 22 Apr 2008

Topics: Climate change mitigation Policy instruments

This page was archived on 27 Feb 2023 with reason: Content is outdated

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a world first and a major weapon in Europe's fight against climate change. The innovative system has turned carbon dioxide emissions into a tradeable commodity. They can now be bought and sold like any other of the thousands of products traded on world markets today. The scheme works by placing a limit or a 'cap' on the amount of carbon dioxide participating installations - currently around 10,500 across the European Union - can emit every year. If an installation emits more than its allowance, it must either pay a very hefty fine or buy surplus allowances from companies that have managed to stay below their limit. The system ensures that overall CO2 emissions from the plants covered are cut in the most cost effective way.

Please enable javascript or upgrade to Flash Player 11 to watch the video.

Time:: 10:22
Author:: DG Environment
Published:: 2008-04-22

Permalinks

Permalink to this version: f2cf6d316c23bb2a685ff78ea0455c8e
Permalink to latest version: 17TZKOH0YE

Geographic coverage

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom

For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/climate/multimedia/emissions-trading-putting-a-price-on-carbon or scan the QR code.

PDF generated on 18 Apr 2024, 07:29 AM