Carbon trading has a pivotal role in European energy policy

Carbon trading has a pivotal role in European energy policy | EurActiv

In order to re-establish confidence in Europe’s power sector as an actor in the European quest to cut carbon emissions, a few conditions need to be met. These include concrete intermediate reduction targets and an emissions trading scheme capable of delivering a clear CO2 price signal, writes Giuseppe Montesano.

EU ETS emissions down in 2011, permit glut grows

EU ETS emissions down in 2011, permit glut grows | The Republic

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) - Carbon emissions in the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) fell by more than 2 percent in 2011 but an oversupply of permits key to driving greener energy use worsened, European Commission data showed on Tuesday.  The glut in pollution permits has grown to 900 million, data showed, which could put further pressure on low carbon prices.  "ETS emissions decreased by more than 2 percent in 2011, despite an expanding (economic) recovery. This good result shows that the ETS is delivering cost-effective emissions reductions," the Commission said in a statement.  "It also emphasizes why the ETS remains the engine to drive low carbon growth in Europe."

EU airline carbon cash should help fill climate fund

EU airline carbon cash should help fill climate fund | The Republic

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) - EU nations should pledge that funds from paying for airline emissions will help poor countries deal with global warming, the bloc's climate chief said on Tuesday, after finance ministers stopped short of a firm commitment.  Crisis in Greece and the euro-zone topped the agenda at the ministers' talks in Brussels, but they also agreed to text on climate funding, which only promised hard cash until the end of the year.