Hiilimarkkinat

Hiilimarkkinat, often translated as "carbon markets," refers to systems designed to trade permits or allowances for the emission of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide. The core concept is to put a price on pollution, thereby creating economic incentives for entities to reduce their emissions.

There are typically two main types of carbon markets: compliance markets and voluntary markets. Compliance markets are established by national, regional, or international regulators and require covered entities, such as power plants or industrial facilities, to obtain allowances for each ton of greenhouse gas they emit. If an entity emits less than its allocated allowances, it can sell the surplus to entities that have exceeded their limits. This creates a financial incentive for emission reduction. The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is a prominent example of a compliance market.

Voluntary carbon markets operate outside of regulatory mandates. Companies, organizations, or individuals can voluntarily purchase carbon credits, which represent the reduction or removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. These credits are often generated by projects such as renewable energy installations, reforestation efforts, or methane capture. While compliance markets are driven by legal obligations, voluntary markets are motivated by corporate social responsibility, sustainability goals, or a desire to offset unavoidable emissions. The effectiveness and integrity of both types of markets are subject to ongoing debate and development.