hiilivälitys

Hiilivälitys, often translated as carbon brokerage or carbon trading, refers to the process of facilitating the buying and selling of carbon credits. These credits represent the right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases, typically one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. The primary goal of carbon markets is to reduce global emissions by creating a financial incentive for polluters to limit their emissions. Companies or entities that emit less than their allocated allowance can sell their surplus credits to those who exceed their limits.

There are several types of carbon markets. Compliance markets are regulated by national or international bodies, such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). In these markets, companies are legally obligated to reduce their emissions or purchase credits. Voluntary markets, on the other hand, operate outside of regulatory requirements, driven by corporate social responsibility initiatives, consumer demand, or a desire to achieve carbon neutrality.

Carbon brokers play a crucial role in these markets by connecting buyers and sellers. They help clients navigate the complexities of carbon trading, including understanding market trends, assessing the quality of carbon credits, and executing transactions. Brokers can specialize in different types of credits, such as those generated from renewable energy projects, forestry initiatives (like REDD+), or industrial energy efficiency improvements. The effectiveness of hiilivälitys in mitigating climate change is a subject of ongoing debate, with discussions focusing on issues of additionality, leakage, and ensuring genuine emission reductions.