utsläppsrätt

Utsläppsrätt, often translated as emission rights or emission allowances, refers to a permit that allows the holder to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. These rights are typically allocated or auctioned by governments or international bodies as part of a cap-and-trade system. The fundamental principle of such a system is to set an overall limit, or cap, on the total amount of emissions allowed within a specific sector or economy. Companies are then issued or purchase emission rights that collectively add up to this cap.

If a company emits less than its allocated or purchased rights, it can sell its surplus rights to companies that have exceeded their allowances. This creates a financial incentive for companies to reduce their emissions, as they can either save money by emitting less or generate revenue by selling unused rights. Conversely, companies that emit more than their allowances must purchase additional rights from the market, making pollution more expensive for them. The value of these emission rights is determined by market forces, fluctuating based on supply and demand. Utsläppsrätter are a key mechanism in market-based climate policies aimed at achieving emission reduction targets cost-effectively.