emissziókvótakereskedelem

Emissziókvótakereskedelem, or emissions quota trading, is a market‑based environmental policy tool designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at lower overall costs. The system assigns each participating entity a quota, expressed in units of carbon dioxide equivalents (COEs), representing the maximum amount of a regulated pollutant they may emit during a specified period. Entities that reduce emissions below their quota may sell surplus allowances to those that exceed theirs, creating a financial incentive for efficient abatement.

The concept was pioneered in the 1990s under the Kyoto Protocol, which obliged industrialized nations to cut emissions by an average of 5 % compared with 1990 levels during 2008‑2012. It has since expanded into larger frameworks such as the European Union Emission Trading System (EU‑ETS), the world's first and largest emissions market. The EU‑ETS covers roughly 45 % of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, including power plants, refineries, and large industrial facilities. Individual allowances are allocated through a combination of free distribution and competitive auctions, with an overall cap that shrinks annually to enforce progressive emission reductions.

Benefits of quota trading include economic efficiency, fostering innovation and low‑carbon technologies, and providing flexibility for businesses. Criticisms point to the risk of permit over‑allocation, potential market volatility, and the complexity of measuring and verifying emissions. Additionally, concerns remain about “leakage,” where regulated sectors relocate outside the market jurisdiction, potentially offsetting overall gains.

Emerging developments include stricter caps, integration of other pollutants, and expansion to non‑energy sectors. Other jurisdictions, including Canada, New Zealand, and California, operate or are planning similar schemes, often linking with international carbon markets to enhance global efficacy.