China’s National Carbon Market: a Game Changer in the Making?
As 2017 drew to close, China officially approved plans for its long-awaited national Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) outlined some of the implementation details[1]. Though it will be limited to the power sector (and combined heat and power, or CHP) at first, it will nevertheless be the world’s largest carbon market. It is expected to cover 1,700 companies representing approximately 30% of China’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. China’s CO2 emissions from fuel combustion amounted to approximately 8,796 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2Eq.) in 2016, and seem to remain stable since 2014, though they appear to increase again in 2017[2]. Shanghai should host the national market exchange, which will be jointly owned by the governments of other provinces while Hubei should host the registry[3].
Europe in the Global Race for Electrical batteries
This study weighs up the different strategic approaches that Europe may adopt in the industrial race for electrical batteries, taking into account the demand potential for e-mobility and stationary storage, the global competitive landscape and the policy support for local players in Asia and the U.S.
From COP21 to COP22: Keeping up the Momentum
In December 2015, a new international climate agreement was adopted, paving the way for increased mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The Energy Transition in Sweden
This study analyses the evolutions of Sweden's energy choices, including in terms of nuclear power policy, carbon tax and renewable energies development. Considered as one of the most outstanding example of successful energy transition, Sweden might well face difficulties similar to those of other European countries in the near future.
The Role of Sub-National Actors in Climate Change Policy. The Case of Tokyo
Tokyo is known as a pioneer throughout the history of Japan’s environmental policy, often being compared to California in the United States or Paris in France. Following the global trend of growing local initiatives tackling climate change, Tokyo introduced a cap-and-trade scheme in 2010 ahead of a national implementation.
COP21: What Are the Odds for Success?
Since Copenhagen, negotiations have been in stalemate. Progress can only be made if there is a significant attempt to create a transnational carbon market.
Carbon Risk and the Fossil Fuel Industry
As calls for ambitious climate action intensify, questions arise concerning the resilience of the fossil fuel industry in a world ever more inclined to favour climate protection. This article will attempt to assess the extent of present risks and show how the strength of debate can affect practices and strategy employed by companies in this sector.
EU GHG Emission Targets: "Mind the gap"
While the actual price of carbon emissions in the EU market is at the extremely low level of €6 per tonne, it is crucial to track European emission trends and to compare them with the commitments of the EU-15 under the Kyoto Protocol and the targets set by the EU-27 for 2020.
The Economic Opportunities and Constraints of Green Growth: The Case of South Korea
What's in a Name? Market-based Instruments for Biodiversity
The use of Market-based Instruments (MBIs) for the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services - carbon trading schemes, payment for ecosystem services, mitigation banking, etc. - is currently booming. But the definition and underpinning theory of these tools remain unsettled. It is therefore necessary to advance in the definition, theory and consistent classification of these instruments.
The Electric Vehicle in the Climate Change Race: Tortoise, Hare or Both?
Europe is seeking ways to decrease the growing negative impact of passenger cars on climate, currently responsible for up to 12% of total EU CO2 emissions. After biofuels in the nineties and hydrogen in 2000, the new answer to climate change appears to be electric. But contrary to many marketing messages, electric cars are not zero emissions cars. They will not necessarily contribute to actual CO2 emission reductions before 2020 and even then, not in every country.
2020 And Beyond: 2050 in light of the Copenhagen Accord
At the end of the Copenhagen Conference of December 2009, the attending parties failed to agree on a legally binding commitment, but ultimately signed the Copenhagen Accord. The countries signing this accord took different engagements in respect to their economic and emissions status.
The Economic Opportunities and Constraints of Green Growth: The Case of South Korea
The Electric Vehicle in the Climate Change Race: Tortoise, Hare or Both?
Europe is seeking ways to decrease the growing negative impact of passenger cars on climate, currently responsible for up to 12% of total EU CO2 emissions. After biofuels in the nineties and hydrogen in 2000, the new answer to climate change appears to be electric. But contrary to many marketing messages, electric cars are not zero emissions cars. They will not necessarily contribute to actual CO2 emission reductions before 2020 and even then, not in every country.
2020 And Beyond: 2050 in light of the Copenhagen Accord
At the end of the Copenhagen Conference of December 2009, the attending parties failed to agree on a legally binding commitment, but ultimately signed the Copenhagen Accord. The countries signing this accord took different engagements in respect to their economic and emissions status.
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