Consider the following statements: 1. Carbon markets are likely to

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tool in the fight against climate change.
  • 2. Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– Statement 1: Carbon markets (such as cap-and-trade systems or carbon taxes combined with trading mechanisms) are widely recognized by economists and policymakers as crucial tools for pricing carbon emissions and incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. They create an economic signal that encourages businesses and individuals to lower their carbon footprint, making them a significant tool in fighting climate change.
– Statement 2: Carbon markets often involve mechanisms like auctioning emission permits (in cap-and-trade) or imposing a direct tax on carbon emissions (carbon tax). In both these common scenarios, resources (money) are transferred from the private sector (companies that emit carbon) to the state (government) in the form of revenue from auctions or taxes. While private entities also trade permits among themselves, the regulatory framework and revenue generation for the state are key features of many carbon market implementations.
– Carbon markets aim to achieve emission reductions at the lowest possible cost by allowing the market to determine the price of carbon.
– Revenue generated from carbon markets can be used by governments for various purposes, including funding green initiatives, providing tax relief, or direct redistribution to citizens.
– The effectiveness and design of carbon markets are subjects of ongoing debate, but they remain a prominent policy tool under consideration and implementation globally to meet climate targets.