Introduction to carbon pricing

Social cost of carbon (SCC)

Compliance pricing: Emissions Trading System (ETS) and carbon tax

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)

As the world’s largest carbon emitter, China has set its own climate targets and establishing domestic tools to encourage mitigation. One such tool is the national Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) established in 2019. What is it, how does it work and what are the latest developments?

The United States does not have a federal carbon pricing schemes (ETS or taxes) in place, but some individual States have implemented their own compliance systems. Here we explore the California cap-and-trade, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Washington State cap-and-investment scheme. Click on the “Materials” tab to see module content.

Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)

European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU CBAM)

Introduction to the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)

VCM: a brief history

VCM: supply-side integrity and Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM)’s ten Core Carbon Principles (CCPs)

VCM: demand side and Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI)’s Claims Code

UK Woodland Carbon Code (WCC)

UK Peatland Code

REDD+, or “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus”, is one of the top financing mechanisms to protect forests around the world. Jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) is also increasingly important. What is REDD+ and J-REDD+, how do they work, what are some of the complexities, risks and opportunities involved? Click on the “Materials” tab to see module content.

High Forest cover, Low Deforestation (HFLD) jurisdictions are highly special and important for climate, biodiversity and people around the world. Sadly these areas – including many Indigenous territories – are increasingly under threat, yet have difficulty accessing the vital financing needed to combat this. Why is this and what can be done about it? Click on the “Materials” tab to see module content.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

Since the world celebrated the agreement on Article 6 at COP26 in Glasgow, there remains a fair amount of confusion around REDD+ and its role in this part of the Paris Agreement. How does REDD+ fit into Article 6 and what are some of the complexities? Click on the “Materials” tab to see module content.