FAQ: What is the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
The EU Emissions Trading System is a cornerstone of the European Union’s climate policies, yet it is poorly understood. Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about the EU ETS.
Environment ministers weaken Emissions Trading System in a race to the bottom with European Parliament
Rather than correct course after the European Parliament’s shocking abrogation of responsibility, EU environment ministers have lowered the ambition of the EU ETS even further. Moreover, the Environment Council has offered heavy industry billions in generous freebies while leaving households to pay the bill.
A carbon market for buildings must be constructed on solid foundations
The EU must fix its current Emissions Trading System (ETS) before it embarks on the second phase focusing on buildings, writes Elisa Martellucci. This eventual ETS2 must be built, with close stakeholder involvement, on fair and equitable foundations. Anna is a young trainee at the European Commission. She arrived in Brussels and looked for an …
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Carbon Market Watch’s response to the public consultation on the European Commission’s proposal for the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System
The revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) represents a huge opportunity to strengthen the Directive to ensure it is in line with the 1.5˚C target under the Paris Agreement. However, the European Commission’s proposal includes two major shortcomings that should be reconsidered. Firstly, the EU-wide 55% emission reduction target proposed is inadequate to …
Harnessing people power to reduce emissions
A new project led by Carbon Market Watch seeks to empower European civil society to shape the EU’s Emissions Trading System and carbon pricing policies. Carbon Market Watch launched Emissions Trading eXtra (ETX) earlier this month. This new project aims to enhance European climate governance and optimise the functioning of the EU’s carbon market, the …
European carbon market does not move with the climate urgency of our times
Brussels, 14 July 2021 – The European Commission’s proposals to improve the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and establish a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are not in line with the Paris Agreement and Europe’s historic responsibility to cut emissions. The legislation initiative keeps neglecting the “polluter pays” principle of the EU Treaties and continues …
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How heavy industry is profiting from the EU carbon market
Welcome to Carbon Countdown, a podcast by Carbon Market Watch covering all things carbon pricing and climate action Episode 3: How the heavy industry is profiting from the EU carbon market Carbon Market Watch · [Carbon Countdown] EPISODE 3: How the heavy industry is profiting from the EU carbon market Music: Ambient Technology by Joystock …
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EU at risk of climate action standstill in the coming years
Analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA) finds that last year, the EU reduced its domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 23% compared to 1990 levels. No extra efforts are needed from now up to 2020 for the EU to meet its climate target of 20% emission reductions. Carbon Market Watch calls on the EU to increase its 2020 climate target to avoid that climate actions in the EU come to a halt. A higher 2020 target will also ensure that surplus credits generated until 2020 cannot be used to offset emissions in the 2030 climate framework.
