koolstofhandel

Koolstofhandel, also known as carbon trading, is a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It operates on the principle that putting a price on carbon emissions incentivizes polluters to find cleaner ways of operating. The core idea involves setting a limit, or cap, on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by certain industries or sectors. Companies that emit less than their allocated limit can sell their surplus allowances to companies that exceed their limits.

This trading system creates a financial incentive for companies to invest in technologies and practices that reduce their carbon footprint. The price of carbon allowances fluctuates based on supply and demand within the market. If a company can reduce its emissions more cheaply than buying allowances, it will do so. Conversely, if it is more cost-effective to purchase allowances, it will do so.

There are two primary types of carbon trading systems. Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), also known as cap-and-trade, set a cap on total emissions and allow companies to trade permits. The other is Carbon Offsetting, where companies can invest in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere to compensate for their own emissions. These offsetting projects can range from reforestation initiatives to renewable energy development.

The goal of koolstofhandel is to achieve emission reduction targets in the most economically efficient way. It is a key component of many climate change mitigation strategies adopted by governments worldwide, aiming to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change by making pollution more expensive and clean alternatives more attractive.