päästömarkkinoiden

Päästömarkkinat, often translated as emissions trading or cap-and-trade, are market-based mechanisms designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The core principle involves setting a limit, or cap, on the total amount of a specific pollutant that can be emitted by a group of facilities. Within this cap, allowances are issued, with each allowance representing the right to emit one unit of the pollutant.

Companies that can reduce their emissions below their allocated allowance can sell their surplus allowances to companies that exceed their limits. This creates a financial incentive for companies to invest in cleaner technologies and practices, as they can profit from reducing their emissions. Conversely, companies that find it expensive to reduce emissions can purchase allowances, allowing them to continue operating while still contributing to the overall emission reduction goal.

The price of allowances is determined by supply and demand within the market. If many companies are reducing emissions efficiently, the supply of allowances will increase, and the price may fall. If emissions are high and companies struggle to meet their targets, demand for allowances will rise, leading to a higher price. This price signal is crucial for guiding investment decisions and driving innovation in emission reduction. Päästömarkkinat are a key tool in many climate policies worldwide, including the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).