carbon credit, definition of

Carbon Credit

A carbon credit is a market-driven way of reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions; it allows an agent to benefit financially from an emission reduction. There are two forms of carbon credit, those that are part of national and international trade and those that are purchased by individuals.


Carbon Credits have a rather mixed history, as given the nature of the 'arms length' relationship between the producer of the carbon credit and the consumer of the credit; it's often difficult to ensure a consistent 'carbon value' to a given credit as there is no globally unified method of certification and validation of what exactly is a carbon credit. Further political interference in the market to encourage take up of carbon reducing technologies (like Solar Panels) can devalue credits in market - making it less attractive to trade with. Also carbon credits can be held 'off market' so artificially controlling supply. 

EcoWho Articles where 'carbon credit' used:EcoWho blog posts where 'carbon credit' used:
  • Chicago Climate Exchange drops 50%, new record low
    Basically, if it gets any lower it will be ZERO..
  • IPCC must reform, recommends IAC
    An independent review said the scientists who produce the periodic United Nations reports on climate change (IPCC) should be more open to alternative views, more transparent about their own possible conflicts of interest and more realistic in the reporting of the likelihood of climatic events.
  • WWF's Amazon carbon trading cash cow
    It appears the World Wildlife Fund could be on its way to securing up to $60 billion in carbon credits from 'saving' the Amazon - more like 'cashing in' on the Amazon if you ask me..
  • Costs overruns for school buildings
    It appears that the Australian school building program is having its fair share of 'cost overruns'..
  • Climate Rage
    Climate Rage - don't get mad - get even.
News & Blog articles where 'carbon credit' used:

Related Tags: carbon trading

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