Emissions trading scheme
UK carbon trading scheme leaves many questions unanswered
As the UK takes its first steps away from the EU, there are still plenty of open questions about how it will align with Europe on climate policy, and in particular, with the EU's flagship emissions trading scheme (ETS).
Positive ‘tipping points’ provide fresh hope for climate, study says
Positive “tipping points” in the uptake of electric vehicles and the decarbonisation of electricity generation could spark a global transition to a climate neutral economy, scientists say, providing fresh hope in the fight against global warming.
China to launch carbon emissions trading scheme next month
China's delayed carbon trading system will start operating in February, the environment ministry has said, as the world's biggest polluter takes steps towards decarbonising its economy by 2060.
EU price on pollution hits record high in early 2021
The price of permits on the European Union carbon market has soared to record levels in the first trading days of the year, hiking costs for polluters as the EU prepares measures to enforce deeper emissions cuts.
Ship ‘coffee breaks’ not enough to avoid EU carbon charges
The European Union is on course to extend its emission trading scheme to shipping but is yet to decide which voyages should actually be included. New analysis insists that shippers should not try to game the system, as the potential savings on offer are negligible.
Worldwide coalition for carbon pricing is needed
Two-thirds of Paris Agreement signatories are using or considering carbon pricing schemes to achieve their emission reduction targets. The EU, China, and the USA should lead a worldwide “carbon pricing coalition” for the period 2030-2050, argue Jyrki Katainen and Karl-Henrik Sundström.
European transport’s green drive on the starting line
The European Commission launched on Wednesday (9 December) its vision for how to clean up transport’s emissions act, as part of a four year action plan designed to help the bloc hit its 2050 climate-neutrality target.
Europe can hit climate neutrality goal at net-zero cost: report
Although cutting emissions to net-zero by 2050 will destroy jobs and push up the costs of doing business in some sectors, it will bring gains elsewhere that will make up for the difference, according to a new study by McKinsey & company.
On carbon pricing, policymakers are now thinking beyond emissions trading
Changes taking place in the UK and US could force a rethink of the EU’s flagship climate policy, the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Biggest challenge in energy transition is social justice, EU official says
While legitimate worries are being expressed about funding for low-carbon technologies to meet EU climate goals, the biggest challenge will be to manage the energy transition in a way that does not deepen social inequalities, a senior EU official has said.
Europe on track to smash its 2020 climate goal, EEA says
Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union dropped by 3.7% last year, bringing the bloc on track to smash its 2020 emission goals by 4 percentage points, according to the European Environment Agency.
Warsaw says ‘further analysis needed’ before EU’s 2030 climate target can be agreed
Further analysis into the impact of tougher climate goals on EU member states is needed before Poland can sign up to the European Commission’s proposed 55% greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030, a senior Polish minister has said.
Waste incineration across Europe and the UK: profit at the expense of climate
The EU and the UK must bring waste incineration plants within the scope of emissions trading schemes (ETS) if they are to achieve net zero-emissions and comply with the Paris Agreement, writes Georgia Elliott-Smith.
EU urged to strengthen ETS to reach 2030 climate goals
A strengthened emissions trading scheme (ETS) will be vital to drive further CO2 reductions in the European Union as the bloc discusses an increase of its 2030 climate target, policymakers say.
Emissions from energy sector likely to rebound from COVID-19, Capgemini warns
Emissions from the global energy sector will be 7-8% lower in 2020 than in 2019, but most nations are still failing to align their energy generation and consumption patterns with long-term climate targets, Capgemini is warning. EURACTIV's media partner, edie.net, reports.
Official: EU taking first steps to bring forestry into carbon market
The first step to bring forestry under the EU’s emissions trading scheme is to ensure that every tonne of carbon dioxide in the forest is counted so that a certification system for carbon removals can be put in place, Artur Runge-Metzger told EURACTIV.
EU leaders to decide tougher climate goal in December
EU leaders on Thursday (15 October) said they will decide on a more stringent climate target for 2030 at a summit in December, leaving more time to forge a united European response to climate change.
EU’s carbon border tax proposal still has many grey areas
While the EU carbon tax should be introduced at the bloc's borders by 2022, a report details the challenges and options of this mechanism, which still has many grey areas. EURACTIV France reports.
EU lists sectors eligible for carbon compensation perks
The European Commission reduced on Monday (21 September) the number of industrial sectors eligible for compensation against higher electricity costs caused by the EU carbon market, the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Europe’s new climate plan heralds energy ‘transformation’
Meeting the EU’s proposed new climate targets for 2030 will require a “transformation” of the bloc’s energy system, with a renewed focus on renewables and further efforts to cut fossil fuels in buildings, transport and industry, the European Commission has said.
A carbon neutral Nordic region would need 75% more electricity, study shows
Nordic countries would have to generate another 290 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, an increase of 75% from current levels, to meet the additional demand for power if they become carbon neutral, a study published on Thursday showed.
EU climate plan could see bloc’s carbon price double this decade
Carbon costs for Europe's businesses could double this decade under European Union plans to deliver deeper emissions reductions by 2030, according to analysis of European Commission modelling.
German industry sceptical of EU’s new 2030 climate goals
The European Commission will present today (17 September) detailed proposals to reduce carbon emissions in the EU by 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. While German industry officially welcomes the new ambitions, it is also clearly sceptical. EURACTIV Germany reports.
MEPs agree to chart shipping’s ETS course
The European Parliament on Tuesday (15 September) voted in favour of including greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector in the European Union's carbon market from 2022, throwing its weight behind EU plans to make ships pay for their pollution.