carbon trading
Is joining the international carbon market a sensible and necessary approach to reducing Australia's emissions? And how can we achieve investment in real reductions?
As Australian politicians descend to the depths of the carbon debate, US Republicans are fighting for the right to buy the light bulb of their choice. Apparently, it all works out OK in the end.
The evolution of the global economy is making traditional ways of regulating carbon increasingly anachronistic, requiring new thinking from policymakers to strike a global deal.
How do carbon pricing schemes work? Who's using them? Do they reduce emissions? How do they impact householders? Is there another way? These questions and more answered by experts.
The prospect of an expanded carbon market beyond Europe was already in doubt before Wednesday's halt to spot trade in emissions permits. Now it's slipping even further from reality.
As the Gillard government renews the call for a carbon pricing mechanism in Australia, it's worth comparing some of the established and proposed emissions trading schemes around the world.
Estimates of the 'shadow' price on carbon in Australia and some of its major trading partners suggest the world of trade barriers and assumed subsidies could get messy indeed.
Analysts say the Durban agreement will do little for carbon prices, at record lows due to flagging investments, an oversupply of permits and macro-economic woes.