Decarbonization by decree fails. Can carbon markets fill the void?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Forbes or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The debate on effective climate action is heating up with a critical eye on the role of carbon markets
• Amidst voter pushback against government-led emission cuts in Europe, the question arises whether market-based solutions like emissions trading systems (ETSs) can hold climate change to the crucial 1.5° C threshold

🔭 The context: While the European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been the standard-bearer, its current form has been criticized for enabling companies to pass costs to consumers without significant operational changes
• The EU's "Fit for 55" initiative aims to expand the ETS's scope, but it risks voter backlash due to rising costs of living

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The success of carbon markets like the EU ETS is crucial in the global fight against climate change
• These markets are designed to reduce emissions by setting a price on carbon, encouraging companies to innovate and transition to greener technologies
• However, the challenge lies in balancing environmental goals with economic impacts on consumers, ensuring that climate action is both effective and equitable

⏭️ What's next: As COP28 approaches, there's a call for global consensus on refining carbon markets
• Proposals include a global ETS or carbon tax to prevent carbon leakage and stronger incentives for direct emission reduction measures, rather than relying on offsets like tree planting

💬 One quote: "The public has spoken. Though concerned about climate change, citizens will reject policies that spare heavy emitters from accountability while raising the cost of living for households."

📈 One stat: In the EU, the "Fit for 55" initiative is expected to increase gas-fueled household heating prices by 30% and raise the cost to fill a petrol vehicle by 16%, highlighting the tension between climate action and consumer costs

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