Päästökattokehys

Päästökattokehys refers to a system of emission ceilings or caps. It is a policy tool used by governments and international bodies to control and reduce pollution, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. The core principle involves setting a limit on the total amount of a specific pollutant that can be released over a defined period.

This cap is then allocated to individual entities, such as countries, industries, or companies. These entities are often given emission allowances, which they can trade with each other. This trading mechanism creates a market for emissions, incentivizing entities to reduce their emissions below their allocated ceiling to sell surplus allowances, or to purchase allowances if their emissions exceed their cap. The overall goal is to achieve a predetermined environmental target at the lowest possible cost to the economy.

Päästökattokehys can be applied to various pollutants, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Its effectiveness depends on the stringency of the cap, the fairness of the allocation of allowances, and the robustness of the monitoring, reporting, and verification mechanisms in place. The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is a prominent example of a päästökattokehys.