News & Press
By Gilles Dufrasne on 20 Jan 2020
International carbon markets at the frontier to the wild west
The failure to agree on rules for international carbon markets at COP 25 has been a victory for some and a disaster for others. Looking at it pragmatically, it was very much a “disaster averted” outcome since the rules on the table would have legitimised the use of markets riddled with loopholes. Far from ideal,…
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By Kaisa Amaral on 9 Dec 2019
Carbon markets must benefit people and the planet – anything less is unacceptable
The article was first published on Carbon Markets at COP25 blog on 8th December 2019 50 km southeast of Santiago, in the Cajon del Maipo region, the Alto Maipo Hydropower Project has become one of the biggest environmental struggles in Chile’s history. The project – due to be completed by 2020 – threatens the water…
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By Kaisa Amaral on 5 Dec 2019
4 reasons why only new, good (!) projects should be funded under Article 6
Originally published in Carbon Markets at COP25 blog on 2 December 2019 Starting today and continuing over the coming days, we’ll break the issue down into four key elements that could make or break the future carbon market schemes. One of the thorniest issues is the question of whether or not the old credits from…
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By Sam Van den plas on 18 Oct 2019
Taxing carbon at the EU border? Only if free pollution permits go
First published on Carbon Pulse October 17, 2019 As part of her “European Green Deal”, incoming EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to introduce a carbon border tax to “ensure that European companies can compete on a level playing field”. This is a new wind coming from the executive branch of the European Union…
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By Gilles Dufrasne on 9 Oct 2019
Global carbon market negotiations are running out of (over)time
The talks on future global carbon markets are already in overtime after countries failed to agree on a global deal last December in Poland. Now even this extra time is quickly running out. Less than two months before the crunch time talks at the next UN climate summit, the number of unresolved issues appears to…
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By Kaisa Amaral on 25 Jun 2019
European businesses need clear direction, not populism
A strong and clear political climate commitment leading to the right policies and measures will help Europe’s industry thrive in a zero-carbon world. Last week, a veto by the Polish, Czech, Estonian and Hungarian governments led to the failure of the long-awaited endorsement of the EU’s long-term climate strategy and commitment to climate neutrality by…
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By Gilles Dufrasne | Kaisa Amaral on 17 Jun 2019
UN climate negotiators to discuss future carbon markets as calls to end offsetting grow louder
This week, UN climate negotiators are meeting in Bonn, Germany, to try and find common ground on the Paris Agreement’s market provisions. There is growing political momentum to move beyond offsetting in global climate policy, but only a handful of countries around the negotiating table are willing to walk the talk. “We can no longer…
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By Kaisa Amaral on 31 May 2019
Did the elections mark a turning point for taxing carbon?
Last weekend’s European Parliament elections made it clear that climate change will be high on the agenda of the incoming EU policymakers. Different forms of carbon taxes will be among the key climate topics. Last weekend, Europeans cast their vote in record numbers, with an overall turnout at the EU Parliament elections rising to…
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By Gilles Dufrasne on 21 Jan 2019
Davos: Global leaders must fight inequality through carbon pricing
World leaders are gathering once again in Davos this week for the World Economic Forum, under the theme of “Globalization 4.0”, a reference to the fourth industrial revolution brought about by digital technologies. Climate Change and environmental concerns such as water shortages and air quality are continuing to grow in importance, and dominate the ranking…
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By Ludovica Serafini on 5 Dec 2018
COP24: Real facts or just dreams
Over the next two weeks more than 22,000 people – including parties, observers, and journalists will arrive to in the little mining city of Katowice (Poland). Guests will be welcomed not only by delicious pierogi (typical Polish dish) and cold temperatures, but above all by a crisp and exhilarating atmosphere. As the eyes of the…
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