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Trading Scheme Basics
Australian Emissions Trading Scheme
EU Carbon Trading Scheme
Other parts of the world
International competition
Cap and trade vs taxation

Trading Scheme Basics


Basics of the Australian Emissions Trading Scheme

The Australian emissions trading scheme (carbon pollution reduction scheme) is a cap & trade system designed to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions in an economically feasible way. The system is still in its early phases with planning and public exposure in 2008, with a target commencement of the trading scheme in 2010. read more

Basics of the E.U. Carbon Trading Scheme

The European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) was the first carbon trading scheme to be initiated, and it has served as an example for other systems, such as the emissions trading scheme in Australia. read more

Carbon Trading in Other Parts of the World

Australia isn’t the only country actively working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon trading schemes. As a matter of fact, 128 parties ratified the Kyoto Protocol which went into effect in 2005, with members committing to reduce emissions. read more

Carbon Trading and International Competition

Will Australia’s carbon trading scheme starting in 2010 force businesses to relocate off-shore in order to remain competitive? Will it lead to massive job losses? Some critics of the programme are concerned about the effect carbon trading will have on Australian businesses faced with strong international competition (from countries not adopting similar carbon reduction policies). read more

Cap and Trade vs Taxation for Emissions Reduction

A cap & trade carbon trading scheme isn’t the only possible route governments can take to try to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet Australia isn’t alone in pursuing emissions trading to reach this end. The EU, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and several US states are also engaged in, or developing, cap & trade systems. Some opponents of these trading schemes feel that a direct carbon tax would be more effective.

Let’s take a look at both cap & trade emissions trading schemes and the carbon tax to better understand why many countries are going the trade route. read more

 

Last updated 22 September 2008