Can carbon markets get us to net zero?

Scientists, policymakers and others do agree on one thing: while companies should focus primarily on reducing their emissions, many are unlikely to eliminate them entirely for years to come – which leaves carbon markets an essential role. 

Voluntary carbon market infrastructure

In the fight against climate change, carbon markets are an important element of the drive to reduce emissions. Yet, while there is agreement about the desired outcomes of a functional carbon market, there is less consensus on the path, standards and infrastructure that will get us there. 

Lack of infrastructure for renewables

Scientists agree that the world must rapidly transform the global energy system, ditching fossil fuels in favour of cleaner sources of power such as wind and solar in order to limit global warming and avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change. 

World bank to insure carbon credits

The World Bank’s insurance branch is working on plans to protect carbon offsetting projects against political risks in developing countries as a growing number of governments seek to impose new rules onto the market. 

Irish GHG emissions by sector

According to a new report from the Irish Central Statistics Office, agriculture accounted for 38% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, while households were the second largest emitters – responsible for more than a quarter of all emissions. 

Asia’s largest coal carbon capture plant

China Energy Investment Corporation has put online a carbon capture project at one of its thermal coal power plants which will be the biggest in Asia. The carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) facility at the Taizhou coal power plant will have an annual capacity to store 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide.