päästökaupalla

Päästökauppa, also known as emissions trading or cap-and-trade, is a market-based environmental policy tool designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It sets a limit, or cap, on the total amount of certain pollutants that can be emitted by a group of sources. Within this cap, companies receive or buy emission allowances. If a company emits less than its allotted amount, it can sell its surplus allowances to companies that emit more. This creates a financial incentive for companies to reduce their emissions, as they can profit from doing so.

The system establishes a market price for emissions, making pollution a quantifiable cost for businesses. This price signal encourages investment in cleaner technologies and more efficient processes. The overall cap on emissions ensures that the environmental objective is met, while the trading mechanism allows for flexibility and cost-effectiveness in achieving the reduction targets. Päästökauppa is a key component of climate change mitigation strategies in many regions, including the European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

The effectiveness of päästökauppa depends on several factors, including the stringency of the emissions cap, the scope of covered sectors and pollutants, the allocation of allowances, and the robustness of monitoring and verification systems. Adjustments to the cap over time are crucial to drive deeper emission reductions and meet long-term climate goals.