Päästöhyvityksiä

Päästöhyvityksiä, known in English as emissions credits or carbon credits, are tradable permits or certificates that represent the right to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases. These credits are a key component of cap-and-trade systems, a market-based approach to controlling pollution. In such systems, a government or regulatory body sets a limit, or cap, on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by industries. The total amount of emissions allowed is divided into a limited number of allowances or credits.

Companies that emit less than their allocated amount can sell their surplus credits to companies that exceed their allowances. This creates a financial incentive for businesses to reduce their emissions, as they can either save money by emitting less or generate revenue by selling excess credits. Conversely, companies that find it expensive to reduce their emissions can purchase credits from others, allowing them to continue operating while still contributing to the overall emission reduction goal. The trading of these credits aims to achieve the environmental target at the lowest possible cost to the economy.

The establishment and functioning of emissions trading systems are complex and involve detailed monitoring, reporting, and verification processes to ensure the integrity of the credits. The price of emissions credits fluctuates based on supply and demand, influenced by factors such as economic activity, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in emission reduction. Päästöhyvityksiä are a tool designed to encourage a transition towards lower-carbon economies by making pollution more expensive and abatement more profitable.