Carbon 101 - the carbon market explained

While the ultimate aim of carbon trading is simple, the various trading schemes and how they fit together is fairly complex. Daniel Bloch explains the background to the major carbon trading schemes and various mechanisms currently in operation

Lowering greenhouse gas emission levels is high on the international agenda. Many countries have set targets to reduce emissions, particularly carbon emissions. To reach these targets, schemes have been devised that put a price on carbon.

While taxation is one of the simplest ways to price carbon, it is better suited to domestic rather than international policy because the marginal abatement cost