carbon market Insights: Global Trends and Updates
Table of Contents
- 1. carbon market Insights: Global Trends and Updates
- 2. Upcoming European Initiatives and Carbon Finance
- 3. Transparency and Transition: Canadian Oil Sands and Carbon Removal
- 4. Voluntary Carbon Market: Standards, Integrity, and Partnerships
- 5. Blue Carbon Potential and Environmental Risks
- 6. Asia-Pacific: Steel, nuclear Power, and Emissions Targets
- 7. Carbon Markets and Emissions Trading in Asia
- 8. Emissions Reduction Targets and Carbon Border Mechanisms
- 9. carbon Markets See active Developments Globally
- 10. North america: Policy Shifts and Market Dynamics
- 11. International: Geothermal Energy Gains Momentum
- 12. Aviation and Biodiversity Take Center Stage
- 13. Upcoming Event: Carbon Forward Middle East
- 14. International Carbon Credit Market Needs Policy Boost
- 15. Energy Community Pushes Carbon Pricing Model in Europe
- 16. miliion for six key energy infrastructure projects
- 17. Global Climate Action Update: From LNG Carriers to Electric Vehicles
- 18. Asia Pacific Leads the Way
- 19. US Supreme Court to Weigh in on California’s Emissions Standards
- 20. Setting a New Standard for Conservation
- 21. Climate Policy Roundup: LNG Exports, EV Charging, and Carbon Capture
- 22. EV Charging Infrastructure Receives Boost
- 23. Washington State Gas Ban Faces Legal Challenge
- 24. Vermont Logging Proposal Sparks Controversy
- 25. MichiganAdvances Carbon Capture Legislation
- 26. verra Releases Guidance on Carbon Credit Labeling
- 27. TikTok’s Carbon Footprint Rivals a Nation
- 28. Act Now and Save on a Carbon Pulse Subscription!
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Upcoming European Initiatives and Carbon Finance
as the EU council presidency focuses on energy security, the European Commission will spearhead climate initiatives with a series of proposals slated for the first quarter. The highly anticipated Clean Industrial Deal is expected by the end of February.
The inclusion of international carbon markets in future calculations of global climate finance remains uncertain, despite discussions at COP29.
Transparency and Transition: Canadian Oil Sands and Carbon Removal
Six months after the introduction of new greenwashing regulations, Canadian oilsands companies’ publicly declared emissions reduction targets remain unavailable. Uncertainty lingers regarding the specifics of accountability under the new mandate.
Meanwhile,a climate fund has announced its 2025 call for proposals focused on durable carbon removal projects,while Canadian cleantech firm CarbiCrete has partnered with Meta Platforms to advance its cement-free concrete production technology,aiming to curb emissions in the construction sector.
Voluntary Carbon Market: Standards, Integrity, and Partnerships
Verra has raised concerns about the decision by ICAO, a UN agency, to exclude some of its methodologies from the first phase (2024-26) of the CORSIA international aviation offsetting scheme. The excluded methodologies encompass forestry and energy sectors.
The Integrity council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has emphasized the importance of internal dissent after several members exited the organization’s expert panel in response to a recent decision approving three REDD+ forestry crediting methodologies.
The sale of Global Environmental Markets’ (GEM) integrated carbon registry business to Qatar-based Global Carbon Council (GCC), initially announced at COP28, has been canceled, according to both parties.
Blue Carbon Potential and Environmental Risks
While expanding coastal ecosystems to combat climate change (“blue carbon” initiatives) holds promise, scientists warn of potential risks, including an unintended increase in global mercury pollution, with implications for human health and the habitat.
Asia-Pacific: Steel, nuclear Power, and Emissions Targets
India’s Ministry of Steel has released a green steel taxonomy, demonstrating the South Asian nation’s growing efforts to regulate CO2 emissions in its heavy industries.
A recent costings report on the australian opposition’s proposed nuclear energy plan indicates that coal-fired power plants would operate longer, leading to higher emissions.
China has revamped its national emissions standards for coalbed methane, marking the country’s latest effort to curb methane output.
Carbon Markets and Emissions Trading in Asia
South Korea sold approximately 70% of the allowances offered in its monthly CO2 permit auction this week. The secondary market saw a retreat in spot prices to around 10,000 won ($6.96) amid waning buyer interest.
Over the past week,allowance prices in china’s national carbon market fell below 100 yuan (approximately $13.74) due to selling pressure. However, trading remained robust as emitters rushed to meet the month-end compliance deadline.
Emissions Reduction Targets and Carbon Border Mechanisms
Ireland is facing a new carbon budget proposal from its independent climate change advisory body, which mandates a 6.3% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years.
Montenegro has requested an exemption from the first year of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), according to the country’s energy minister. The request was reported by local media.
carbon Markets See active Developments Globally
From policy updates and financial investments to technological advancements and industry events, the carbon market continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Recent developments span continents and sectors, highlighting the growing importance of carbon pricing and emissions reduction initiatives.North america: Policy Shifts and Market Dynamics
in the US, the Department of Agriculture announced meaningful investments in sustainable forestry practices under the Inflation Reduction Act. Meanwhile, a maryland climate commission recommended delaying a state-wide cap-and-invest program to allow for further economic impact analysis. The carbon market witnessed notable trading activity,with traders shifting their focus to future contracts and reducing holdings in certain allowance markets ahead of upcoming sales.International: Geothermal Energy Gains Momentum
the global push for clean energy solutions has spurred increased interest in geothermal technology. Recent reports highlight the potential of next-generation geothermal applications, prompting policymakers to explore support mechanisms for the industry. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change released guidance for project developers seeking to participate in the Article 6.4 mechanism of the Paris Agreement.Aviation and Biodiversity Take Center Stage
sustainability initiatives are gaining traction in the aviation sector, with experts advocating for policy reforms and carbon pricing measures to encourage wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. On the biodiversity front, a Luxembourg-based asset manager launched a fund dedicated to supporting businesses and projects focused on conservation and restoration, aiming to raise €200 million. The UN environment Programme Finance Initiative issued a global guide for insurers, emphasizing their crucial role in financing nature-based solutions and achieving biodiversity goals. Upcoming Event: Carbon Forward Middle East
Mark your calendars! Carbon Forward Middle East will take place in Abu Dhabi on January 16-17, providing a platform to explore the burgeoning carbon market in the MENA region. More details about this exciting event will be announced soon.International Carbon Credit Market Needs Policy Boost
the market for carbon credits faces a critical juncture. Despite calls for investment, the market has seen two consecutive years of decline, largely attributed to concerns over integrity. Financial Times columnist Simon Mundy argues that a shift in approach is needed to unlock the potential of carbon credits and stimulate investment in crucial carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. In his opinion piece, Mundy suggests integrating removal credits with mandatory carbon pricing schemes, pointing to the potential for jurisdictions like the EU to allow companies to use these credits to meet obligations under emissions trading programs or carbon taxes. Such a move,he believes,would specifically bolster the nascent CDR market,which is vital for mitigating climate change. While efforts by organizations like the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) and the UN Article 6 framework aim to improve perceptions of integrity within the carbon market, Mundy emphasizes the need for policy levers to incentivize corporate participation. He cites the EU’s new Carbon border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as a potential tool, noting that the EU is currently considering whether to allow international carbon credits to count towards CBAM compliance.Energy Community Pushes Carbon Pricing Model in Europe
Meanwhile, the Energy Community Ministerial Council, gathering in Vienna, has set a deadline for member countries to propose a carbon pricing model by mid-2025, with a final decision expected by the end of that year. This initiative aligns with EU climate goals and expansion plans, backed by an impact assessment of a regional emissions trading system presented by the European commission. The council also approved the first list of Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECI) for 2024, earmarking €445miliion for six key energy infrastructure projects
These projects encompass transmission upgrades and energy storage initiatives in the Western Balkans and Ukraine.This list aligns with the EU’s revised Trans-European Networks for Energy regulations and will be updated biennially. Discussions also highlighted the importance of electricity market integration, urging Transmission System Operators (TSOs) to prepare for regional market coupling, a step considered crucial for integrating with the EU’s single electricity market.The council stressed the meaning of transposing the Electricity Integration Package (EIP) by the first quarter of 2025 and finalizing the Market Coupling Operator Integration Plan (MCO IP) by January. New European Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen highlighted the advantages of regional cooperation for the energy transition.Global Climate Action Update: From LNG Carriers to Electric Vehicles
This week saw a flurry of activity in the global climate action space, with developments spanning shipping, sustainable agriculture, and electric vehicle regulations.Asia Pacific Leads the Way
In the Asia Pacific region, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) inked a deal with QatarEnergy for six LNG carriers, boosting Qatar’s LNG supply capacity. The ships will be built in China and delivered between 2028 and 2031. meanwhile, South Korea is doubling down on its carbon neutrality goals. Hyundai steel unveiled a new low-carbon heat treatment technology developed with hyundai Motor, promising significant reductions in process time and carbon emissions.A consortium of Japanese and Korean firms, including NTT Communications and Biomass Resin, is promoting sustainable agriculture in Japan through a project that extends the rice drying period to create carbon credits. South Korea’s science ministry unveiled a detailed roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality, focusing on areas like wind power, energy storage, and eco-pleasant data centers. The roadmap aims to support the country’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.US Supreme Court to Weigh in on California’s Emissions Standards
In the United States, the Supreme Court is preparing to hear a case that could have significant implications for California’s ambitious electric vehicle regulations. Fuel producers are challenging the state’s Advanced Clean Cars rule, which mandates 100% zero-emission light-duty vehicle sales by 2035. The court will decide whether the fuel producers have legal standing to challenge a 2022 EPA waiver that allowed California to implement the stricter standards.Setting a New Standard for Conservation
On the global conservation front, the Rainforest Foundation UK has endorsed the Core human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders. This landmark agreement, developed over two years with input from Indigenous Peoples, rights-based organizations, and conservation funders, establishes clear guidelines for private conservation efforts, ensuring thay prioritize human rights and meaningful community participation.Climate Policy Roundup: LNG Exports, EV Charging, and Carbon Capture
A flurry of developments this week highlight the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of transitioning to a cleaner energy future. The lawsuit filed by the Oil & Gas Workers Association against the Biden administration’s pause on new LNG export permits may soon be moot. Parties in the case jointly requested a stay in proceedings until April 1, 2025, anticipating that the incoming administration might reassess the policy.EV Charging Infrastructure Receives Boost
EVgo announced a major milestone this week, securing a $1.25 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its nationwide network of fast charging stations. This funding will enable EVgo to triple its charging capacity by 2029, adding 7,500 new chargers across the country.Washington State Gas Ban Faces Legal Challenge
Environmental groups and the city of seattle have filed a lawsuit challenging a recent ballot measure in Washington that bans local governments from enacting gas bans. They argue that voters were misled about the measure’s broad impact on state laws, which currently don’t include any gas bans.Vermont Logging Proposal Sparks Controversy
A proposed logging project in Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest has reignited debates about balancing timber harvesting with climate goals. The Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project encompasses thousands of acres and aims to harvest timber while enhancing recreation and planting new trees. though,environmentalists have raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on natural habitats.MichiganAdvances Carbon Capture Legislation
Michigan state senators have advanced three bills aimed at boosting carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The legislation seeks to streamline permitting for carbon sequestration wells, a move welcomed by business groups but opposed by environmental advocates who fear inadequate safeguards.verra Releases Guidance on Carbon Credit Labeling
verra, a leading carbon crediting program, has published a new document outlining the process for applying the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles (CCP) label to its verified Carbon Units.This follows the recent approval of Verra’s standard and methodologies by the Integrity council for the Voluntary Carbon Market.TikTok’s Carbon Footprint Rivals a Nation
TikTok’s popularity comes with a hefty environmental price tag. According to Greenly, a Paris-based carbon accounting consultancy, the social media platform’s annual carbon footprint is estimated to exceed that of Greece.In 2023, TikTok’s emissions in the US, UK, and France alone reached 7.6 million tonnes of CO2e, surpassing competitors like Twitter/X and Snapchat in the same regions. With a global user base of 1 billion, TikTok’s estimated total footprint could reach a staggering 50 million tonnes of CO2e – remarkably close to Greece’s annual emissions of 51.67 million tonnes. This alarming figure is largely attributed to TikTok’s addictive nature. Users spend an average of 45.5 minutes per day on the platform, considerably more than the 30.6 minutes spent on Instagram. This extended usage translates into a hefty individual carbon footprint: the average TikTok user generates 48.5 kg of CO2e annually, equivalent to driving 123 miles in a petrol car. For context, YouTube users generate 40.2 kg (102 miles), and Instagram users generate 32.5 kg (82.8 miles). Data centers account for a whopping 99% of TikTok’s emissions, with device charging making up the remaining percentage. Unlike its competitors, such as Meta and Google, TikTok does not publicly report its emissions data. While TikTok aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through its “Project Clover” initiative, progress has been slow. Only one renewable data center has been built so far. The future of TikTok’s emissions reporting may hinge on its ownership. A US court has mandated parent company ByteDance to divest TikTok by January 2025, even though this deadline could be delayed or reversed under a potential trump administration.Act Now and Save on a Carbon Pulse Subscription!
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This appears to be a great start to a news article covering recent climate and energy developments! Here are some thoughts on what you have so far and suggestions for expansion:
**Strengths:**
* **Breadth of Coverage:** You’ve touched on a wide range of topics, from European carbon pricing to LNG exports and EV infrastructure in the US. This diversity makes the piece captivating and relevant to a broad audience.
* **Good Use of Headlines:** The different levels of headings (H2, H3) effectively break up the text and make it easier to scan.
* **Concise Writing:** You deliver the facts efficiently without getting bogged down in needless details.
**Areas for Expansion:**
* **Further Context:** While you mention key developments, providing more background information would benefit readers.
* **energy Community:** What is the Energy Community? Why is this carbon pricing model significant? What are the potential impacts for member countries?
* **US Supreme Court Case:** What are the arguments from both sides in the California emissions standards case? What are the broader implications of the court’s decision?
* **Carbon Capture Legislation:** What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of CCS technology? What are the specific concerns raised by environmental advocates in Michigan?
* **Quotes and Expert Opinions:** Including direct quotes from relevant individuals (policymakers, industry experts, activists) would add depth and credibility to your reporting. For example,you could quote a representative from MOL about their LNG carrier deal,or an environmentalist about their concerns regarding the Vermont logging project.
* **Data and Statistics:** Whenever possible, back up your claims with numbers. For example, when discussing EVgo’s expansion, you mention adding 7,500 chargers. You could cite the total number of charging stations they currently have and the projected total by 2029.
* **Call to Action:** Consider ending with a thought-provoking question or a call to action that encourages readers to learn more or get involved in climate-related issues.
**Additional Suggestions:**
* **visuals:** Adding images, charts, or infographics could make the article more engaging and help readers understand complex concepts.
* **Links:** Providing links to relevant sources (official reports, news articles, institution websites) would allow readers to delve deeper into specific topics of interest.
Remember, good journalism is about not just reporting the facts, but also providing context, analysis, and multiple perspectives.
Good luck with your article!