Hiilidioksidipäästöoikeudet

Hiilidioksidipäästöoikeudet, or emissions allowances, are a key component of carbon trading systems, particularly the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These allowances represent the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Companies covered by the cap-and-trade system receive or purchase these allowances, which collectively limit the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by the participating sectors. If a company emits more than it has allowances for, it must purchase additional allowances from the market. Conversely, if a company emits less than its allocated allowances, it can sell its surplus allowances, creating a financial incentive to reduce emissions.

The primary goal of emissions allowances is to provide an economically efficient way to achieve emission reduction targets. By putting a price on carbon, the system encourages polluters to find the most cost-effective methods to lower their emissions. This can involve investing in cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency, or switching to lower-carbon fuels. The total number of allowances issued is gradually reduced over time, tightening the cap and driving down overall emissions. This mechanism is a cornerstone of climate policy in many jurisdictions aiming to meet their greenhouse gas reduction commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement.